THIEL: Dr. Douglas George of Grand Bend, formerly of Zurich
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On April 16, 2024 @ 4:24 PM In Obituary,Zurich | 104 Comments
“True love stories never have endings”
Dr. Douglas George Thiel passed away at South Huron Hospital on Monday, April 15, 2024 in his 83rd year. He was surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Cherished husband of Lois (Rintoul) Thiel for over 55 years. He was very much loved by his children David Thiel and his wife Claire of Toronto, and Dan Thiel and his wife Sombra Fernandez. Predeceased by his infant daughter Jennifer Thiel (March 15, 1971). Very much loved and respected by his grandchildren Luna, Isabel, and Willa. He had always enjoyed being with them as they grew. He will be missed by his sister Carole and the late Don Kyle (2003) and family of Chilliwack, B.C., and his brother Allan and Gail Thiel and family of Armstrong, B.C.
Doug was born and raised in the Zurich area and attended Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph and returned to his home area to practice Veterinary Medicine in 1967, where he practiced until 2012. He was very involved in his community, his church and family activities. He was on the board at the Blue Water Rest Home, the board for Church Council at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Friends of Hay Township Hall, a member of Chapter 92 Clock Group for several years where he maintained the church clock. Doug received recognition of being 1 of 36 charter shareholders of Veterinary Purchasing Company Ltd. in St. Marys in October 1972. He worked long hours and on call hours at South Huron Veterinary Clinic in Zurich, a job he loved. His community, his church family and his friends meant a lot to him.
We extend a special thanks to the Blue Water and Area Family Health Team, Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre, South Huron Hospital staff and palliative care team, LHSC – University Hospital, London Region Cancer Centre and London Cardiac Institute whom all took very special care of Doug over the years.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 49 Goshen Street North, ZURICH on Friday from 5 – 8 PM.
Doug’s memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 22 Goshen Line, ZURICH on Saturday, April 20th at 11 AM. Cremation with interment St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, Zurich.
View Doug’s service on Sunday or at your convenience by visiting https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhgJf0bG8U0FrsGGgMgJafysf6wLRvSTl .
Donations to South Huron Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
“Whoever you hold in the heart of you is forever and always a part of you”
Condolences for the family of “THIEL: Dr. Douglas George of Grand Bend, formerly of Zurich”
Our prayers and sympathy to Lois, David and Dan and families on your loss. We have fond memories of Doug while he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Bluewater Rest Home board. His care of our animals couldn’t be surpassed. He was so devoted to the care taking of the church clock climbing that ladder when maybe he shouldn’t have.
Sincere condolences to Dr. Thiel’s family.
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Kind Regards to all,
Bob & Donna Hamather
My sincere condolences to you Lois and your family. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
David Dan and Lois….So very sorry for your loss . Your father was a great man. I remember all the fun times we had as kids playing at your house … but I especially remember the pigeons and your dad’s little barn out back . We always felt welcome at your home and I personally have some great memories of those days way back when. Andrea and I send our deepest condolences.
Lois and Family,
Extending our sincere sympathy to all of you at this sad time. We have many memories of Doug. He often came to my parent’s farm to take care of a sick animal. When we had our dog in for his first visit at the vet clinic, Doug poked his head in to see the “baby Schnauz”.
Cherish all those precious memories! We will be thinking of you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug and Sharon Kyle
Our condolences to Lois, David and Dan.
Doug was a great mentor. He gave his all to the workplace and his community . There weren’t enough hours in the day.
So many memories of being guided through some very challenging times.
Thanks Doug.
My sincere condolences to you Lois and family, hugs.
So sorry to hear of this loss, Doug was a wonderful friend and he gave me my first real job in 1988 at the South Huron Veterinary Clinic. He always made everyone feel like you were important and taught me a lot about kindness and caring for his patients as well as the compassion he shared with the Owners /Customers. He will be missed , our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Donna and Tim Cooper
Lois, David and Dan and families. Glen and I are saddened to hear the news of Doug’s passing. We were honoured to have him as a friend for over 60 years.Glen and he attended Ridgetowm Agriculture College together before Doug went to Guelph Veterinarian school. He then was our vet until he retired in 2012. Please accept our sincere condolences at this difficult time. Glen and Donna
Condolences to Lois and All Your Family and Friends, He will be missed
We are saddened to hear of Doug’s passing. He was a loved member of our family and we always enjoyed the times we were able to spend together. Our love and condolences to Lois, David, Claire, Dan, Sombra, Luna, Isabel and Willa.
Jim and Sheila
Condolences to Lois, David and Dan.you have loved a really great man, Cherish the memories. Sincerely. Erv and Irla
Dear Lois, Dave, Dan and families, I feel another loss of a” younger special cousin.” He was quiet but caring and dedicated to family, church and community. As Dr. Doug, I understand he worked hard whether his animal patients were large or small. May you all feel comforted knowing his life meant much to many. Love and prayers, Marilyn H.
My condolences to all. I had the pleasure of helping Doug with his computer needs for the past 12 years and he was always very pleasant to deal with. He will be missed.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you Lois, David, Dan, and family in the loss of Doug. He will be remembered for all the kindness he gave to friends, the healing of family pets, and all he gave of his faith to Zurich Lutheran Church. A well lived life.
Bob and Elizabeth Merner
Lois & Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Doug’s passing. He always had a smile, and was such an integral part of the community and our Church Family. We will continue to keep you in our Thoughts & Prayers
Lois and family
Sincere sympathy. Doug was a great man and well respected.
May God grant peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Dear Lois and family,
Send my condolences at this sad time.
My the memories you treasure keep him close.
Lois and family.
My sincere condolences to you on your loss. Douglas has left you with many memories.
Sincerely
Sharon
Lois, Dave, Dan and family…sorry to hear of Doug’s passing, we are thinking of all of you. Doug was such a nice man and always welcomed our friend group of teens at the house, and we were there a lot! I always enjoyed the little pieces of wisdom and advice he would subtly share.
Our deepest condolences.
Lois, Dave, Dan and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. He was a special person, with special talents – so giving to his community. His gentle manner will always be remembered. Sincere condolences.
To Lois and all of Dougs family and friends It has been many years since I worked with Doug. He was a great vet. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lois David and Dan and families- I wish to extend my sincere condolences on the passing of Doug- this gentleman truly contributed much to the community of Zurich and area- My thoughts and prayers are with each of you now and in the days ahead. Catherine Shantz
Our sincere sympathy to the family on the loss of Doug Thiel. He was a great vet.
George & Elaine Ducharme
Dear Lois, David, Dan and families,
So very sorry to hear the sad news of Doug’s passing. What an extraordinarily kind and compassionate man.
Please accept our sincere condolences. May your cherished memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Lois, I was sorry to learn of Doug’s passing. Sending you and your children my sincere condolences.
Our deepest sympathies to Lois and Family on the passing of Doug. We have some great memories of the midnight farm visits he made. Doug will be truly missed.
Lois, Dave, Dan and families
Our heartfelt sympathy to each of you at the passing of Doug. Rest in peace good friend.
Robert & Alma
Lois and Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband and father. Many great memories of our dealings with Doug. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the days to come. RIP Doug.🙏🏻
Lois, David and Dan, sorry for your loss.
Doug was a great vet for many years at my farm.
He would come in an emergency any time day or night.
Always a good story to tell and a laugh to be had while working cattle at the barn.
My sincere condolences to Lois ,David and Dan on the passing of very kind man .Doug always had time to talk and was very appreciative of all the tasks I helped him with at a young age . He was a very caring Doctor to all of our pets through the years .
Lois, David, Dan and families. Larry and I wish to extend our sincere condolences to you on the loss of Doug. I had the privilege of working for him for 18 years. I started at the little clinic behind Dr. Coxons house and got to be part of the move to the new clinic. Back in those days I not only a receptionist but got to help with surgeries and appointments and many other hands on things with the animals which I totally enjoyed. Those years have given me many fond memories.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Lois, David, Dan and Family.
We’re so sorry to hear of Doug passing.
He was a very prominent ,and kind gentleman.
Sincere condolences to all Family and friends.
Dennis and Lorraine
So sorry to hear of Doug passing. Lois, David, Dan and families. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a kind and gentle person he was. Hugs Bonnie & Wayne
Lois and Family
We were very sorry to read about Doug.
Sincere sympathy to you all at this difficult time in your lives
Bob and Carol
Dear Lois, David, Dan and families !!
So sorry for the loss of my dear cousin Doug….
Wishing you strength over these difficult days and hoping that with time,
peace will heal and comfort your hearts !
He was a special gentle man with a kind heart !!
Please accept our sincere condolences Lois and family… Pete &Deb
Sincere condolences to Lois, David, Dan and family. Remember the birthday parties
we had for the children many years ago. Cherish your wonderful memories. He will
be missed by family and friends.
Allan & Rosemary Beange
So very sad to hear of Doug’s passing. Our Sincere Condolences Lois, David and Dan and families.
Our thoughts are with you all as you honour and remember Doug as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Also, as an involved part of the community and a highly respected Dr. of Veterinary medicine.
RIP Doug you will be missed by many.
Raymond and Sandy Hunking.
Our sincere condolences Lois and Families.
Lori and Murray
So many wonderful memories of years gone by. He was a friend to both Andrew and I. He was thoughtful and kind and fun, I am so sorry to know your boys and their families have lost a loving father and grandfather but they too will have cherished memories. Lois, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers till we meet again, Ruth
Lois, Dave, Dan & Families – sending hugs and prayers on the loss of your Doug – wonderful husband, father & grandfather. And also, devoted to his home community of Zurich (wearing many hats over the years) and to his church family at St. Peter’s Lutheran.
Treasure all your memories to help in the days ahead.
Marg Deichert, Brad & Vanessa Holmes & family
My sincere sympathy to Lois and family. Doug was always such a gentle quiet man. A true gentleman! Treasure your memories.
Dear Lois and family, Our sincere condolences to you and your family as you mourn the loss of Doug. Love and Prayers, Mahlon & Pearl Ann Martin
Lois, David, Dan & families;
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences in the loss of your dear husband, Father and Grandfather. Doug was a man I respected greatly for many reasons and qualities. I have so many wonderful memories of times with Doug, especially working together at St. Peter’s Lutheran. We had some really good talks over the many years. The last few years, mostly him telling me to “slow down a bit”.
Our love, thoughts and prayers remain with you all at this time. R.I.P. cousin Doug.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah. Scott & Spencer
Deepest & Sincere condolences to Lois and all of Doug’s family.
I have fond memories working weekends in the office at the old clinic when Doug first started with Dr Coxon & Dr Leitch.
Condolences on the passing of Dr. Thiel. We hold him in the highest esteem.
Lois and family sending our condolences on the passing of Doug. Keeping you in our prayers.
Christina and Rob
Offering our sincere condolence to Lois and Family, Doug was a great man who lived life following his heart and soul. Keeping all of you close in thoughts and prayers.
I first met Doug when we shared a cow at the Vet college back in the 60’s. Always a gentleman with a droll sense of humour, he never said much, but when he did I listened!
That never changed. Always looked forward to meeting he and Lois at professional events and conferences.
Doug made a difference, I am sure, to our profession and his community..
So sorry for your loss. Fortunately we have our memories.
Deepest condolences to Lois ,David, and Dan Thiel
Doug was our large animal vet for many years and we considered him a good friend
He always had a smile on his face and a very positive attitude
Our prayers go out to his family at this time
Rob and Brenda Steckle
Lois, Dave, Dan, Claire, Isabel, Sombra, Luna, Will and family,
Our deepest sympathies are with all of you during this very difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We have many great memories and always enjoyed our visits to Zurich and Grand Bend from Toronto. Doug was always friendly and greeted us with his nice and welcoming smile. Doug was well respected intelligent man and full of stories to tell. It was a privilege to have known Doug and we can see that his goodness and kindness live on through you and your family.
We will miss Doug; He will never be forgotten. May He Rest In Peace.
With Condolences, Guy and Clarissa Kuniyasu
Lois, Dave, Dan and family: Saddened to learn of Doug’s passing. South Huron Vet Clinic was my first grown up job as a new vet grad. The biggest lesson I learned from Doug, besides a lot of surgery stuff was that people appreciate you taking the time to get to know them and their pets. This has served me well! Thank you friend! I know you all will have wonderful memories to carry you through this difficult time in life!
Our entire community owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Thiel for his many years of dedication to our farm animals, pets and other services to the community. The Hess family owes him a special remembrance for his 30 years maintaining, repairing and restoring the steeple clock in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church which was designed and built by our great, great grandfather George Hess in 1878. Dr. Thiel’s hard work and skill kept the clock still chiming out the hours after so many years. Our condolences, prayers and thoughts go out to his entire family.
Dear Lois, David,Dan and family,
We are so sorry for your loss and sending our sympathy to all of you.
Lois, I have so many good memories of you and Doug. He was always so kind.
Sincerely Cheryl and Ken
Lois, Dave, Claire, Isabel, Dan, Sombra, Luna, Will & family,
The Macarandang/Hernandez families and friends are sending our deepest sympathies for your loss. We are thinking of you and praying that God along with the happy & cherished memories that you shared with Doug , will give you strength, peace and grant you comfort during this difficult time.
May Dr Douglas Thiel Rest in Peace.
Lois and family. Please accept our sympathy for the passing of Doug. He was a credit to his family, his community and our profession. Bill shared accommodation with Doug for 3 years at OVC and couldn’t ask for a better apartment mate. We met many times at St. Mary’s at the Veterinary Purchasing Company AGM meetings since. Doug will be missed and may he rest in peace after a life well lived.
Bill and Elaine Hughes.
Classmate of Doug’s OVC 67,
Please accept our sincere condolences he will be remembered. RIP my friend and God Bless his family,
Dear Lois and family,
Sending you my most heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathy in your sad loss! Sincerely,Donna
Lois, David, Dan & families,
I was sorry to hear that Doug passed away.
He was a great vet.
Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers as you go through this
difficult time.
Sincere Sympathy,
Peggy Restemayer
Lois,, David, Dan and families,
Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with you at this time. I recall the discussions Doug and I had over the years about some of his interesting cases – a true learning experience for both of us!
Gaylan and Evelyn
To Lois and all your family…So sorry for the loss of Doug. Doug left a mark in the Zurich community that will be remembered and talked about forever. He was well respected as a vet. and as a person…let alone a family man… He will be remembered by our family.!.. .
Lois and Family – our sincere sympathy to all of in your loss of Doug. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
It is sad to learn of the death of old collage friends. Doug and I went to the Agriculture College at Ridgetown and then to the University of Guelph. There our lives diverged as he moved into Vet Medicine and opportunities led me into a career as a university lecturer and researcher. One never forgets old friends. Doug left a legacy that influenced many.
I extend condolences to Lois and the extended family.
My deepest sympathy to you Lois and your family
Mary Lou Erb
Dear Lois, David, Dan & Family,
What a privilege it was to meet Doug and have conversations with him.
Sending love, prayers of comfort and peace as you navigate through the loss of Doug. May the many stories that bring laughter and tears in the coming days fill your heart. 🤍
Our deepest condolences to you Lois and your family. May all your memories help bring comfort to you during this time of loss. Our prayers are with you.
Lois and family , sending my condolences for you all . Doug was a special and great person, a caring veterinarian. He will be dearly missed in town ( Zurich )
My heartfelt sympathy to your family. Doug was a wonderful guy and a highly skilled vet. He helped us out many times.
Sorry to hear another of my Large Animal friends. Doug was quiet but always had compassion. His clients will miss him. May he rest in peace
So very sorry to hear about Doug’s passing. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Lois , David, Dan and families…….please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Doug. He leaves a big hole in your lives but hang on to the memories…May you feel Gods’ presence during this difficult time
Dave, Dan, your Mom and families,
Please know our thoughts and most kind condolences are with you during this time. We are so sorry for your loss. Our best to you.
Darren & Denise Boyle & family.
Dear Lois and family ,
I am so sorry to hear about Dr Doug.
He was such an amazing boss at the South Huron Vet Clinic …he hired me back in 2005
I will never forget his patience on how he guided me over the phone on a delivery that both Mama cat and the kitten were struggling.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.
Treasure the beautiful memories and keep them close to your heart
❤️ 🤗
Elaine (Ducharme) Clarke
Dear Lois, David, Dan & families,
Extending our sincere sympathies to all of you on the loss of your beloved husband, Father & Grandfather.
Such a legacy of love he leaves.
Jill & Ralph
I have great memories of Uncle Doug going way back when he took me on a few of his vet runs (when we were visiting from NS) back in the 70s. These positive experiences continued through the years, with Lois and Doug acting as my hosts while visiting Grandma T. Generous, kind and with a fine sense of humour – I’ll always smile when I think back to the times we spent together.
Scott, Carol Lee, Jenna and Reid
Lois and family,
We are saddened to hear of Doug’s passing. Doug was a pleasure to work with, always thoughtful and respectful of everyone. He often told me about the boys and new grandchildren. I will miss our chats when he stopped in to see us. Our sympathies to your family.
Lois, David, Dan and families, we want to express our sympathy to each of you.
Doug and Lois were amongst the first to include Rick and I into the community when we moved to the area in the 70’s.
Doug will always be remembered for his engaging smile and his sense of humour.
He will also be greatly missed by the community for his empathy and his determination to help each and every animal that he cared for, as well as his patience to explain, many times over, what was happening and what to expect.
Doug was a great role model for his sons, as well as friends of his sons, as they grew.
Doug will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the community.
Lois, David, Dan, and your fxamilies, may you gain strength and comfort from your memories, and that these memories will help you get through the difficult times ahead.
Our condolences go out to you and everyone affected by his passing.
May his memory continue to bring strength during this difficult time.
Lois and Family
Merv & I send our condolences to you on Doug’s passing. He was a great community person and an assest as a board member at Bluewater Resthome. Cherish all the memories. Dawne Erb
Lois, sending you and your family our deepest condolences.
Jane and John Westerveld
What an enormous loss Lois & family. Our heartfelt condolences as you navigate the days & months ahead . May your precious memories and the love of family & friends sustain you. Carol & Glenn Gascho
Dear Lois, Dave, Dan and families,
Doug always had a smile for everyone and was a very kind and caring person. He will truly be missed and remembered by many — especially in Zurich and the surrounding communities. He was a very devoted and hard working member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
He will be warmly remembered by all our Thiel first cousins and our social get togethers. Ted and I so enjoyed all our chit chats at our exercise classes at the Grand Bend Health Centre.
May you and your family be strengthened and comforted in your grief by your own special memories of a wonderful Husband, Father and Grandfather.
May Doug rest in peace as your family cherish the wonderful memories.
” True love stories never have endings”
Lois, David, Dan and families,
My condolences on the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. Doug leaves behind a wonderful legacy of how well he served at his job as a Veterinarian as well as on various committee’s in his community and at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
May all your memories be a comfort and may God’s love and care, surround you and bring you peace.
Delores Gingerich
Lois, David, Dan and families,
Sending our deepest condolences to all of you at this sad and difficult time.
Doug will be truly missed by all who knew him. Cherish all the beautiful memories.
My sincerest sympathy to you Lois and your family, was a wonderful person, cherish your memories.
Sharon Brokenshire
Dear Lois, David, Dan and Families,
We were very sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. Phil admired him from a young age when he came to their farm to care for the animals. He was a walking book of knowledge when it came to anything related to our St. Peter’s Church clock, the building and the property. He will be missed! We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Laurie and Phil
Lois, David, Dan and families
Our heartfelt sympathies on the passing of Doug. I enjoyed working with Doug at South Huron Vet Clinic. He was very knowledgeable and a kind man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Deepest sympathy Lois and family,
Sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. A very kind and caring man! We’ll look at the clock and think of Doug.
Dear Lois thinking of you and sending heartfelt condolences to you David , Dan and families.
Patti and Steve Geoffrey
Doug was such an amazing man. He had such an integral part in the Thiel history book and planning of reunions. He helped get Scouts started again, he was an active member/volunteer for St.Peter’s Lutheran church and all his many accomplishments on every committee he was a part of. The many farmers he helped as a Vet. He will be sorely missed and he wasn’t just a cousin, but a wonderful friend. Our heartfelt condolences go to Lois and the extended family. Lots of love from Hub&Bev
Lois and Family, Our sympathy to you and your family. It was my good fortune to room with Doug when we attended Ridgetown College in 1961 and 62. His wonderful personality, curiosity and attention to detail helped to make his career choice a natural fit. May your faith and many good memories sustain you and give you strength.
Lois and family,
We extend our deepest condolences to you all and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Sincere Condolences to the Family
Lois, David, Dan and families
We both wish to send our condolences to your family. May all of your memories help bring comfort to you during this time of loss. Doug will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Dear Lois and family,
Deepest sympathy in your loss of such a great man. Doug was always so personable and caring.
Sincerely,
Jo-Ann Thiel Boswell
Lois and family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. We were saddened to hear of your great loss. Thinking of you at this time.
Barbara and Douglas Shephard
To Lois, Dave, Dan and families. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you during this difficult time. We will always remember Doug with very fond memories. Doug was a very kind hearted, good natured man who loved his family and community. He was very knowledgeable about many topics and he had a great sense of humour. Mike and I are so blessed to have known him. He will be missed.
The LeClerc family also sends their condolences.
Sending my sympathy to Doug’s family and friends. RIP.
Dear Lois, David, Dan & families
My deepest sympathy in the loss of Doug. My thoughts and prayers
are with all of you at this very sad and most difficult time.
Hugs Pauline Miller
Lois and family,
My sincere sympathies at the loss of a husband, father, and grandfather. He was a great ‘contributor’ in so many ways. May God and those around you comfort each one of you.
Lois and family,
My sincere condolences to you and your family, thinking of you at this difficult time.
I remember Doug coming to the farm when I was young and tending to a sick pig, cow or horse.
He was a very good and respected doctor. Hugs and prayers.
Ellen (Greb) Green
Doug always brought a smile and such knowledge to the farm which helped me learn so much about sheep and all the farm animals. Always good advice. One time a cat had a shattered leg and he said just put her up in the hay loft and feed her and a weeks later she was climbing again. A man of true kindness.
Lois and family deepest condolences in the loss of your spouse and father. As an ONA RN Lois and I became friends my thoughts and prayers are with you .
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So sorry for your loss. He was always a gentleman and always enjoyed our vet and church visits with Dr. Thiel.