It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Douglas Rice Specht passed away quietly on March 27, 2018 at Freeport Hospital two weeks shy of his 85th birthday. A very kind and caring man, Douglas was predeceased by his wife of more than 63 years Margaret (Bull) in January 2017. He was a much-loved father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He is survived by his children Paul (Annette), Bruce (Gail), Glenn and Kathleen. Douglas is also survived by his sisters Ann Specht and Dorothy (Gerry) Kott. Parents Ivan and Cora (Rice) and sister Barbara (Laverne) Neufeld pre-deceased. Douglas has 5 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Douglas never completed formal high school, but trained as a power engineer obtaining his first class operating engineer certification. As he obtained higher certifications, Douglas and family lived in several towns in Southwestern Ontario - Waterford, Guelph, Dresden and finally settling in Waterloo. He retired as the Chief Operating Engineer at Budd Canada… three times.
Throughout his life, Doug contributed time to many youth and public service organizations. He was active in the Boy Scouts of Canada in Waterford, Dresden and Guelph, town council in Dresden, and Junior Achievement in the K-W area. He was active at All Saints Anglican Church (Laurel Church Centre). The one constant in his life was Freemasonry. Douglas was active for most of his life with lodges in Waterford (No. 113 Wilson Lodge), Dresden and Brotherhood Lodge in Waterloo.
Friends and family will gather at All Saints Anglican Church (400 Northfield Drive West Waterloo, Ontario) for a visitation on Saturday, April 7 from noon to 2 pm. The Memorial Service will be held at 2 pm. Refreshments will follow.
A Masonic Memorial Service will be held at 1:15 pm. also at the church.
A private family interment will be held at a later date.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Acoustic Neuroma Association of Canada (www.ANAC.ca) or to All Saints Anglican Church, Waterloo (allsaintswaterloo.ca).
Arrangements entrusted to the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Homes Waterloo Chapel, 617 King St. N., Waterloo.