Beloved Man Doug “Dougie” Johnson Has Passed Away; Candlelight Vigil Being Held Honouring Lives Lost to Homelessness This Wednesday

Peterborough is mourning one of the most beloved homeless people of the city as Doug “Dougie” Johnson has passed away and is being honoured as one of several people at a candlelight vigil at City Hall at 5 p.m. this Wednesday.

Facebook Photo.

The vigil is to show solidarity and support to anyone who lost their life or is at risk during the winter season due to homelessness and lack of affordable housing according to the Facebook event.

It was created by Courtney Elizabeth Fisher on Dec. 14. The event is asking anyone to send along photos of anyone lost from homelessness to be honoured and show City Councillors its magnitude and influence.

Johnson with his daughter Dana. HIs daughter and most of the maternal family moved out to Western Canada for a living. Facebook Photo.

Known to frequent downtown, Johnson was described as ‘respectful, kind and caring’ according to his daughter, Dana Johnson in a prior interview with PTBOCanada. She tells her dad’s story from her point of view two years ago.

Doug had suffered from schizophrenia and addiction that impacted his mental health.

He has worked at a slaughterhouse as a contractor and at the General Motors truck plant. Johnson' also worked for his father his entire life at the farm. Prior to his diagnosis, he got married and started a family.

“Taking care of our needs and mental stability is so important,” said Dana in a prior interview. “I’ve learnt that it’s okay to not feel ashamed to ask for help, not to hide, or stuff all the feelings way down deep. Because when it blows up, it could be life-changing.”

A Facebook page called ‘Surviving.PTBO’ reported his loss on Wednesday night but details have not been released regarding his death. Comments were pouring in sending condolences and sharing good memories of Doug.

“I will miss being blessed by this man every time I saw him. He would always hold the door for me and yet he never once asked for money,” said Scotty Wood in a Facebook comment. “The city won’t feel the same without Dougie. Heaven gained an angel and so did all of us here in Peterborough. This man will be watching over us all just like we watched over him.”

“Dougie, we will miss you. You were always courteous, pleasant and giving,” said Deborah Wittekoek on Facebook. “I remember way back when City Lights were still open, the owner would give him free food at closing and he would come to my cab and offer me some. I never saw anything but kindness from him. He helped me find my son one time when he went missing. He will be sadly missed but also happily remembered.”

“I will never forget you coming to my daughter’s celebration of life and you stopped in the parking lot to look in a truck mirror to check your hair,” said Gail Perry on a social media post. “You looked so nice, such a caring and thoughtful person.”

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