Wes Douglas
April 10, 1949 - December 2, 2022
Wes passed away peacefully, on his own terms, on Friday, December 2, 2022, at 73 years. He was together with his wife Diane, his long-time friends Ken and Paul, and Abby and Ella, his beloved Havanese.
Wes graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1972 and remained a proud alumnus. Upon graduation, Wes joined Ernst & Young (formerly Clarkson Gordon/Woods Gordon), and in due course earned his Chartered Accountant designation. He switched direction shortly thereafter and joined the ranks of Clarkson’s management consulting organization, Woods Gordon, practicing out of the Winnipeg, Manitoba, Regina, Saskatchewan and the London, Ontario offices. Wes became a Woods Gordon partner in 1982 and earned his Certified Management Consultant designation in 1985. In the late 1990s, Wes and Diane relocated to Toronto and embraced that city’s culture and intensity. Wes was an “all in” professional who devoted every ounce of his time and energy to serving his clients, staff and fellow partners. He was extremely loyal and never refused a request for help. This devotion was rewarded when his fellow partners elected him to serve as an inaugural member of the EY Partnership Board. He remained with Clarkson and Woods Gordon and their successor firms, Ernst & Young and Capgemini for 32 years before retiring in 2004.
Wes was not an individual who could sit around for long and so he began a second career as Executive Vice-President at Morrison Lamothe Inc. During his tenure, MLI acquired and substantially grew Club Coffee into the third largest coffee roaster in Canada. Wes also served for 6 years on the Board of Directors of Paterson Global Foods. After returning to London in 2015, Wes completely retired in 2017 to share time with Diane and the puppies.
Wes had a passion for fishing. For many years, with friends and family, he travelled to waters across Canada to fish for salmon, halibut, lake trout, and arctic char. He was always very proud to show and share whatever he caught, upon his return. He had a deep desire for fitness and was still working out with his personal trainer until the end. During the winter he played hockey, and always enjoyed telling his version of how the game went. Wes was quite the connoisseur of wine and always enjoyed sharing a glass or two with friends. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the vintage and grape variety used and we all learned to appreciate some of the finer vintages.
Wes was predeceased by his parents Jim and Irene Douglas and his brother George Douglas. Wes will be sadly missed by his wife Diane, his “girls” Abby and Ella, and his friends and neighbours.
Cremation has taken place and at Wes’s request, no service will take place. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Wes are asked to consider the McCormick Day Program (Dementia Services) or Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners.
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I was saddened to learn of Wes' passing. He had a great sense of humour. My deepest condolences to Diane and his family. May he rest in eternal peace.
We are so sad that Wes has passed away. He was such a kind man and an all around good guy. Wes was smart with a quick wit and a great sense of humour. Wes’s good nature was positively infectious! Wes, we will miss you and you will be forever in our hearts. Thoughts & prayers to Diane (Abby & Ella 🐾🐾). Love Christine & Kevin (Griff)🐾 xo
Diane - please accept and pass along our deepest sympathies to your family on Wes’s passing. We were very saddened to learn this news. I worked with Wes in our early days of Woods Gordon through our years together at CGEY. He was so well respected and looked up to by co-workers and clients alike. He stood apart as a great role model and leader, bringing a positive attitude, a wonderful sense of humour and a no nonsense approach that made a lasting positive impact on all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Our thoughts are with you. Sincerely, David Bolton
Wes was always ready to help. He had a passion for helping people using his many skills. He was a mentor to many. A strong supporter of the firm. He made many treks to Windsor to assist clients. He was always positive and had a great sense of humour. Condolences to Diane and the puppies.
I am very sorry to hear of Wes’ s passing. I worked with Wes at Cap Gemini when Wes was CFO for Canada. Wes was a true professional, a hard worker and was always very approachable. He was a strong supporter of the Canadian practice, a creative trouble-shooter and a wonderful colleague. Sincerest condolences to Diane and Wes’s puppies.
My condolences to Diane. My memory of Wes goes back to the Winnipeg office of CG. Wes was always full of energy, fun and interested in what was going on both inside and outside of the Firm. Very sad to hear of his passing.
I am so sad to hear about Wes' passing. He was truly an amazing, caring person. I learned much from Wes about dealing with clients and colleagues but also about life in general - he was a wonderful mentor. May he rest in peace. My deepest condolences to Diane.
My sincere sympathies to Diane and the dogs. Good travels, my friend!!
Wes was fun, always positive, always interesting, sharing cool stuff about his work passions, and a wonderful straight man to Diane's humour and shenanigans. We will remember him as he would want us to. Smiling, laughing and so enjoying his three loves. Diane and the girls.
Wes was a one-of-a kind whose legacy will be the many people who were fortunate enough to work with him, get to know him and learn from him. I got to know Wes in the '90's in London, and like so many, he left an indelible mark in terms of leadership, mentoring and challenging, and pushing us to be our best. With that, came the friendship, support and comfort of having him in your corner. He simplified complexities, cut to the chase, and there are phrases today that rattle around my head, and I still often use, that came from Wes. I thought FIFO was simply a method of inventory valuation, but I learned from Wes it meant much more than that. My condolences, Diane, to you and to all Wes' family and friends as you come to terms with your loss of this remarkable man. Take care.
I am so saddened to hear this news. Wes was one of a kind - combining an amazing intellect with a remarkable sense of humour. He always had a mischievous twinkle in his eye, and he was able to bring out the best in people. He believed in me in the early part of my career, and I won't ever forget his kindness. My sincere condolences to Diane.
Wes was a loyal, kind and generous friend. Our family enjoyed many camping adventures with Wes and Di, which always included epic bike rides, competitive cribbage games and naps! We loved him and we will sorely miss him. Our condolences to Diane.
I am deeply saddened to hear about Wes' passing. It is almost impossible to articulate how much he influenced both my personal and professional development, and how grateful I am for having had him as a friend and mentor (and on rare occasions, fishing partner). I know I am in a long line of those that feel this way. His legacy of successful protégés will go on a long time. Diane, I am so sorry for your loss.
Wes always had such a wonderful sense of humour - I will always remember him mimicking Pope John Paul II. He did such a great job! Wes even found our Holy Father's likeness in the granite countertop on Cardiff (Toronto home)! I always felt at home with Wes and Diane. Wes' love for my cousin Diane was evident from the beginning - there was no other woman for him! Diane, I'm sending luv and light your way. I'm here for you, my darling Cousin. I luv you Lady Di. So sorry for your loss Hugs Michelle
Diane, we are so very sorry to hear that Wes has passed. Wes and I worked together for a long time and he was just the best. He always told me I worked with him not for him. We were not just colleagues but friends and he was someone I knew I could confide in. I wish I had done better keeping in touch. My memories of Wes will always bring a smile. He has a special place in my heart. Diane, stay strong and may the good times and happy memories help you in the days ahead. Wes will be truly missed by many.
My condolences.
So funny. So smart. Such a great mentor, Wes helped me excel in all things 'work'. I have so so many memories of things he would say, some likely not politically correct, that I still laugh about today when I think of them. He was a kind man and a good friend and an even better boss.
Deepest sympathy on your loss.
A donation has been made to Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners. Message from the donator: Diane, We are so sorry. Wes was one of a kind. This morning, Greig, Cam and Jack were remembering a fishing trip at Longford as a great adventure. As for me, I know first hand how hard he worked and how much he cared about his clients and colleagues. I learned so much from the way he challenged the status quo and helped everyone arrive at a better answer. He made the firm a better place. Wishing you peace at this sad time. Mary & Greig
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Diane- Very sad to hear about Wes. Our condolences. As others have said he was one of a kind. He always challenged you to do better while supporting you. A mentor in many ways. What I remember most was his ability to make you smile. I can still hear his laugh. Jim and Maria Knowles
~ Jim and Maria Knowles