Douglas Roy Rennie, age 81, passed away in Victoria, BC on August,27,2023. He suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on August,25,2023 while out for a walk.
Doug was born on May 31, 1942 in Winnipeg, the only son of Ruth and Roy Rennie. He obtained a BA from the University of Winnipeg. His career in shopping center management spanned over 20 years and he worked for Bramalea Ltd and Trilea Ltd. In 1990 he formed his own company Cart Wheels Int. Inc. For the past 10 years he was semi retired, dividing his time between Mississauga, Ontario and Sidney, BC.
Doug was a loving son, husband, Dad and Papa. He was predeceased by his parents and son, Scott. He is survived by Marilyn, his wife for 57 years; his daughters, Erin( Omar ), and Shannon; and grandchildren, Matthew, Jackson, Naomi and Alex. His generosity, quick wit, sense of humour, and loud infectious laugh will be missed. If so desired and in lieu of flowers, consider a donation to your favorite charity. An informal gathering to remember Doug will be held at a later date.
My heartfelt condolences to Marilyn, Erin, and Shannon, and your families. Doug clearly left a mark on many people and on the shopping centre industry. I remember long ago events at Bramalea Limited with Doug, not surprisingly as Santa during our Christmas parties. Although I did not know him well I did have an occasion to see or talk to him over the years, less so after leaving for British Columbia.
My heart goes out to all of you who were close to Doug. My sense is that Doug brought people together and he will be doing that tomorrow evening at his celebration of life as people who have likely not seen each other for a long time will be coming together again to celebrate what he brought to the world.
Craig and I, both Bramalea-ers would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family. Doug was a trailblazer in the shopping centre industry. He empowered everyone to take risks and think in new ways. The trust and dedication he demonstrated each and every day was rewarded in the amazing results that were achieved under his tenure. Doug had a huge impact on all those around him. I learned a great deal from him and will be forever grateful for his guidance and support.
Doug was the first friend Fred met in 1971 when we all moved to Calgary and his humour and loyalty as a friend lasted their whole lives. I am so sorry to hear of Doug’s death and hold you all in my heart as you begin this new chapter of your lives. Fred, Doug and Scott are together and we will always remember.
Marilyn, Shannon, Erin and Family
We were so very sad to hear of Doug’s passing. Somehow he was larger than life and this was just so unexpected. We’ll remember him for his kindness, his laughter, his genuine interest in what you were doing his love of life and his love of family. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Much love! Sandy and Mike
My most sincere condolences to Marilyn, Shannon and Erin on the loss of their husband, friend and father. Doug was a a great friend and always filled with laughter and joy. Always looked forward to our quarterly lunches at La Castile to get caught up on family and how proud he was of them. I will miss him and will always cherish the memories we shared. Rest in Peace.
58 Years of friendship fondly and now sadly remembered. Whenever Doug and I talked about doing things that involved spending money, Doug would always say “Will it affect your lifestyle?” Most of the time it would not so we spent the money!
Doug was an entrepreneur until the day he passed away. We spent many great times hacking around the golf course and eating too much at La Castille.
Remembering Doug for always being an honest and honorable person. Kelle & I will always remember the many visits in Sydney looking out at the ocean, many more lunches together at La Castille with Marilyn and who could forget the Karaoke night in Florida.
Treasured times and to our wonderful Friendship over many years.
I was so sad to hear of Dougs sudden passing.We shared so many wonderful lunches together laughing about good times in the shopping centres, bad business ideas but most of all talking about family.
Marilyn,Erin &Shannon you and his grandchildren were his world and I was so lucky to have had him as a true friend.He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Doug had the rare quality of being able to inspire others not only for his passion for our industry but for life. I am also a “Bramalean” from too many years ago. He was a wonderful leader and teacher and like a “Pied Piper” —we would follow him. Doug became a good friend, and I too will miss that mischievous giggle and unmistakable laugh. My sincerest condolences Marilyn, Erin and Shannon and your families.
Heartfelt condolences to Marilyn, Shannon, Erin and their families. Doug’s passing is truly hard to believe as we felt his entrepreneurial spirit, his optimism, his love of life, and especially, his laugh, would forever be with us! To say that Doug had a significant and meaningful impact on our lives would simply be an understatement. He was the best of everything – boss, colleague, friend, teacher, and mentor to all those he touched on life’s journey. May his legacy, his spirit and true love of life live on through his children and grandchildren. He has them all going up there, laughing and doing, no doubt.
To the Rennie Family
It’s with heavy hearts that we have learned of Dougs passing . I also started with Bramalea in the early 80’s in marketing, a few years later we became Trilea . Doug’s leadership helped many of us in succeeding in our jobs , his infectious & hearty laugher was heard down the hallways. He was always supportive & challenged us to be the Best . Doug approached me when he launched Cartwheels & the fun newsletter PEP Talk , to hire my hubby a graphic designer to work on the first brochure & company branding . There were many collaborative discussions, Doug knew what he wanted & we hope he was pleased with the end results.
Although we lost touch over the last decade , he was never far from our thoughts. We send the family strength during this difficult time .
My sincerest condolences for the family and good friends. I got to know Doug when I started taking care of the office IT almost 10 years ago. I enjoyed our conversations very much and despite the generation difference, we agreed on many things. We always had great laughs together, first in the office and later on the phone, every time he was dealing with some computer frustrations. We always ended our calls with a loud laugh, which I can still hear if I listen carefully! Doug, you will be missed greatly, you were man after my own heart <3
Where to start…The 40 some years that I’ve known Doug began with a working relationship and ended with a friendship that both Irene and I will always cherish. The Florida winters spent with Marilyn and Doug leave us with nothing but happy memories.Our sincerest condolences go out to Marilyn, Shannon, Erin and 6the grandkids. Doug, you will be missed.
Rennie Family – Doug was an amazing person with the biggest heart and yes, absolutely the best laugh! “The Peg” was our common ground however, Doug was more than just someone from my hometown with whom I had a business relationship at Toronto Pearson. Doug was a beacon of kindness and generosity. He made a huge impact in my life (whether he knew it or not). I will miss him dearly.
Marilyn, Shannon, Erin and family, while our hearts are heavy, we cherish the memories of Doug and his bigger than life presence. We will always remember him as a strong influence on our professional lives but more importantly, as a great friend. He will be missed but the imprint he left on us will not be forgotten. Our deepest condolences
To Marilyn, Erin, Shannon and family my heartfelt condolences on the loss of Doug.
I met Doug in 1981 and have known him to be a kind and generous man. He cared deeply for those in his life and his sense of humour is unmatched. He had the best laugh ever.
Doug had an entrepreneurial spirit and took us all along on his ride. It has been quite the journey.
As a mentor, friend and “boss”, Doug was the best. I’m going to miss him terribly.
I am saddened by his loss and pass on my prayers and condolences to Marilyn, Erin, Shannon and all those that loved him.
I was very fortunate to meet Doug via Jill Chalmers and Bob Christie and to participate in building and running parts of his business. I always appreciated how interested he was in what I was doing and his interest in “walking the mall” and always looking for the next opportunity.
I have had a couple of influential people in my retail life and I am proud to had him as one of them.
I am a better person for having know him.
To Marilyn, Erin , Shannon and Family my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Having worked and known Doug for 40 years has been a gift I will always treasure. When Doug asked me to join him at Cart Wheels, I wasn’t sure I could do the job. He had confidence in me and it worked for 28 years. He was supportive, generous and giving. Best move I ever made. We at Cart Wheels were family and we worked hard, but also had a lot of laughs. God did he make us laugh. I will truly miss you Doug and thank you for all the wonderful years.
Marilyn, Shannon, and Erin,
My sister said so many of the things I wanted to share in memory of Doug. The infectious laugh (I too, can hear it as I type this) and a family tradition that will likely live on well beyond us.
Thank you for sharing your home and your friendship with our family for all these years.
We will miss him dearly.
Xo
Marilyn,Erin & Shannon
Both Mike and I had the opportunity to work with and more importantly know Doug. He was a pioneer for sure and the thought of a Flea Market in Yorkdale still gives me shivers. He was definitely a “Squaretonian”and I was a”Circlonian”(taken from the famous conference at The Deerhurst where we were all banned)but we managed to become friends and shared many laughs. He and BC also taught me to drink martinis which should never be talked about.
Mike and Doug shared many good times together and he will miss him much.
Sending our warmest thoughts and hugs. He was one of a kind and won’t be replaced!!!
It has been many years since seeing you in person but there are memories of good times in the past. It was with much sadness that I head of Doug’s passing. Bob has kept us up to date over the years and I send you, Marilyn, Shannon and Erin sincere sympathy and memories of good times with Doug.
Barbara Christie Gledhill
To Marilyn, Erin and Shannon,
I’m so very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Doug. I hope you find comfort in knowing what fond memories and traditions your family shared with ours over many years of friendship. The fondue is literally my favourite meal of the year and an experience I have shared with many and will continue in our family. I always think of you all every Christmas eve, how we would all gather around and feast, opening your home and enjoying each others company. Dougs laugh was infectious and so genuine. I can hear is as I type this message. Sending you all much love and gratitude, Lindsay xo
One of a kind. Doug was always upbeat always there. I have a million memories of times we spent together. Dinners golf travel and just hanging out. A mentor and a friend.miss you buddy!
I have had the privilege of a cherished friendship with Doug for over 40 years. It all started back in 1982 when he hired me as a “trainee” @ Bramalea Ltd. and from then on as our friendship grew he has been a constant and steadfast ally and mentor and loyal beacon in my own life & career journey. We certainly had a lot fun and great memories and most of all – no one loved a good laugh more than Doug! I am truly going to miss him. My sincere condolences to Marilyn, Shannon and Erin.
Doug interviewed me for a job with Bramalea in 1983, and actually hired me on. He was so much more than a boss. Over the years we became good friends and shared so many laughs and stories. I wish all the best for Marilyn, Erin, Shannon and the grandchildren. I can imagine the big hole that his passing has left in your families. Doug was one of the good ones…
I had 43 years of what was the best times of my life with Doug. Our families have been the best of friends since 1979. I owe much of my good fortune career wise to a guy that saw some potential in a farm boy from Ontario. He made life better in every way. I will miss him every day.
Sorry to hear of your loss of Doug . We just had our 57 th anniversary September 3 seems like a longtime but can be suddenly overwhelming over . Treasure your memories and our prayer is that you have peace from God that passeth all understanding in the days ahead .
Sincerely Marie /Ray Remillard (Sims )
Condolences to Marilyn and family. Friends since grade six, each others best men,a lifetime of memories. A big personality through life. Be in peace.
My sincere condolences to Marilyn, Erin, Shannon and their families.
Doug was a big presence in the lives of so many of those of us who worked with and for him. He has left a vacancy in many lives.
Meet you for fish and chips in the hereafter. Rest well Friend.