THOMAS CLIFFORD "TOM" DOUGLAS

(December 12, 1932 – June 2, 2025) Thomas "Tom" Clifford Douglas, K.C., passed peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. Son of Samuel Clifford Douglas and Maude Morris Douglas (nee Hancox) born in Ingersoll, Ontario. Brother to Samuel Marlborough Douglas, died 1984. Brother to Eleanor Marie Borland, died 2019. Brother to Donald Arthur Douglas, died August 21, 2023. Husband to Evelyn Douglas, died April 2020. Father to Deborah (Jack) and Sarah (Brett) Douglas from first wife Judith (married at age 21 in 1954), Amy Douglas with Evelyn (married at age 50 in 1983), stepfather to Kate (Matt) and Rachelle (Dan) Thurston. Grandfather of twelve: Laura Teresa, Jacob (Sheila), Gianni (Ambre) Nunno. Dylan and Hannah Shackleton. Indianna and Alexandra Farren. Thomas, William and Finn Dale. Stanley and Arthur Adams Douglas. Great thanks to niece Alexis White (Julio) and their daughter Berkeley, niece Karen McMahon, and caregiver Portia for all their special support and care. Tom was an excellent orator and a tough negotiator with a quick mind, strong spirit and kind heart. He studied at Western University and received his LLB from Osgoode Law School. Tom practiced law in Toronto for 31 years, retiring from the practice of law in 1989 when he became a full-time business owner. He considered his greatest achievement to be that he lived into his nineties and still found life interesting and worthwhile. Tom's focus in life was his loved ones. He was always grateful for his large family of five daughters and twelve grandchildren. He was generous to many, including all of the members of his large extended family as well as many friends. Tom enjoyed sharing his wisdom around family dinner tables, including: "Count your blessings every morning and every night and remember that everything in human life is the result of five fundamental factors- brains, works, guts, sound moral judgment and luck." From his beloved mother Maude, Tom learned "do your best to be kind" and from his father Sam, he learned that he must think for himself. Tom lived according to these two principles. He also built his own philosophies that worked for him. He often said the most important question a person could ask is: "What should I do next in my own best interest without causing any harm to anyone else?" He said that question helped him to avoid wasting time. He was always precise with his efforts and timing - efficiency mattered to him greatly. Tom also believed: "The main goal in life is to correctly perceive reality and deal with it" and "we live in a morally imperfect world and there is only one great announcement - depending on your luck good or bad you will get the consequences of your actions." He loved making formulas for what he considered to be a good life and often said we should all keep in mind the four fundamental goals: CPPP-- Comfort, Peace of mind, freedom from Pain (emotional and physical), and maximizing Pleasure. Tom was very clear about what pleased him. He loved the perfect egg in a hole for late breakfast and dairy milk chocolate bars. Tom loved his back porch; he would sit there for hours reflecting on life, philosophy, theology, politics and economics. He enjoyed many good years at his home on Dunvegan Road in Toronto, at his farm near the village of Erin and at his lovely home in Naples, Florida. He never made it to India, but he loved visiting Italy, Switzerland, France, Caymen Islands, and Cuba. His favourite musicians were Peggy Lee and Sarah Vaughan. He read extensively, and one of his favourite books was: The Golden Bough by Sir James Fraser. Tom loved sharing his wisdom and storytelling. He leaves us all with many wonderful stories. Tom's ashes will be interred at Mount Pleasant Cemetery later this month. Those wishing to support a cause aligned with his values can donate to the Children's Aid Society of Toronto. Memories and wishes can be shared on his online obituary at www.humphreymiles.com.