Douglas Alderson

Douglas William Alderson was born on February 14, 1943—a Valentine’s Day arrival that perfectly foreshadowed a life defined by love, devotion, and deep connection. Born in Cobourg, Ontario to Maurice and Elva Alderson (née Curtis), Doug was forever anchored to Cold Springs, the place that shaped his heart and sense of belonging. He spoke of it often, telling epic stories of boyhood adventures with equal parts pride and mischief. His bond with his sister Faye was a treasured gift, marked by loyalty, laughter, and a lifetime of shared history.

Doug devoted his life to education, answering a calling he embraced with passion, humility, and joy. He graduated from Peterborough Teachers College in 1962 and began teaching Grade 8 that very same year at Grafton Public School. In a story that never failed to impress, Doug became a principal at just 19 years old, earning $100 a year and the lasting respect of entire school communities. Over a remarkable 34-year career—32 of those as a principal—he shaped generations of students and educators, leading with kindness, common sense, and an unwavering belief in the importance of connection and relationship.

It was at Teachers College that Doug met the love of his life, Lorna LaJoie. Their partnership began there and blossomed into a marriage rooted in faith, laughter, and devotion. Doug converted to Catholicism in 1964, and in 1965, he and Lorna were married at St. Carthagh’s Church in Tweed. Together they built a life rich in purpose and love.

Doug taught with the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, beginning at St. John’s Elementary in Peterborough. In 1969, he became principal at St. Teresa’s, where he and Lorna welcomed their first child, Jana Lee. He later moved to St. Alphonsus, where their son Shane was born in 1973. His leadership journey continued through Immaculate Conception , twinned with St. Francis de Sales, St. Martin’s Ennismore, twinned with St. Paul’s Lakefield, St. Anne’s, St. Peter’s Elementary, and finally St. Paul’s in Norwood, where he retired in 1996—leaving behind schools forever better for having known him.

Above all else, Doug was a devoted and deeply proud father. He loved nothing more than watching his daughter Jana Lee play hockey and his son Shane play ball, sometimes coaching but always faithfully cheering them on. These sporting years created countless family memories and opened the door to travel, allowing Doug and his family to journey far and wide together—experiences that shaped a lifelong love of adventure and strengthened the bonds they shared.

In 1999, Doug began what he proudly called his most important and rewarding role: Grampie. His five granddaughters—Kaleigh, Kari, Neave, Tily, and Poppy—were undeniably the greatest joy of his life. He was their biggest cheerleader, most enthusiastic teacher, endless supplier of treats, devoted Grampie, and bringer of joy. He never missed an opportunity to talk about “his girls,” and they never once doubted how deeply they were loved. His absence will be felt immeasurably in their lives.

Doug valued friendship as one of life’s great gifts and was blessed with lifelong friends formed through teaching and shared adventure. His beloved group, affectionately known as the “Rusty Nuts,” provided years of laughter, storytelling, and unforgettable memories—from climbing Mount Washington to camping trips at Jim Byrne’s camp, Darlington, and Presqu’ile. From his teaching years also came the legendary “Card Group,” a circle of connection and camaraderie that spanned more than 50 years.

Doug loved sport in all its forms, but baseball held a special place in his heart. From his early playing days in Cold Springs to senior ball in Peterborough, and eventually as an avid fan, the game was a lifelong companion. A devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan, Doug loved nothing more than watching a ballgame surrounded by family. With spring training just days away, this upcoming season will not be the same—pregame and postgame discussions were mandatory, his insights unwavering, and it is widely agreed that the organization missed countless opportunities by never consulting him. Adding to the fun were the spirited rivalries at home: his son-in-law’s steadfast loyalty to the Yankees and his daughter-in-law’s unwavering devotion to the Red Sox ensured that baseball season was always lively, competitive, and filled with laughter.

Doug also developed a deep passion for curling, once again combining his love of sport with his calling as an educator. He spent many years teaching young people not only how to play the game, but how to value sportsmanship, teamwork, and community. Curling provided Doug with continued connection, friendship, and joy throughout his life. He was a devoted spectator as well, never missing an opportunity to watch his granddaughters compete in soccer, hockey, field hockey, volleyball, lacrosse, baseball, and curling.

An avid traveler, Doug was a master of the family car-trip camping adventure during Jana Lee and Shane’s childhood. Later, he developed a love of all things Disney, sharing many magical trips with Lorna and their children, and eventually with his granddaughters. His travels included a cherished trip to Cooperstown in the fall and one final visit to Disney in December. No matter where he went in the world, Doug always found a connection back to Cobourg and Cold Springs—his true north.

Doug leaves behind his daughter Jana Lee Lynde and her husband Jack, and their daughters Kaleigh and Kari (Trent); his son Shane Alderson and his wife Kate Murphy, and their daughters Neave, Tily, and Poppy; his devoted sister Faye Graham and her husband Wayne; and his beloved nephews: the late Kelly Scott (passed March 2023), Robin Graham (Nicole, and their children Kolby and Indy), and Dean Graham (Carla, and their children Maddie, Tommy, and Ella). As well, LaJoie family spanning the province. 

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lorna Alderson (passed December 2016). Together again, their recombined energies are undeniably a force—full of love, laughter, and light. Doug lived an extraordinary life. Those of us left brokenhearted by his absence are immeasurably better for having known him, loved him, and learned from him. 

Friends and family will be received at HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE, 2510 Bensfort Road, Peterborough on Monday February 9, 2026 from 2:00–4:00 and 7:00–9:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10:30 am at ST. ALPHONSUS

LIGUORI ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1066 Western Avenue, Peterborough. Interment and reception to follow at Highland Park Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to SickKids, the Alzheimer’s Society, and/or the Heart and Stroke Association would be deeply appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com