Douglas Ratchford

Hello. I am just seeing this now because I was reminiscing about Henrietta and her boys. My father, Murray Thomson, was Henrietta´s cousin. My daughter lives in Caledonia and I pass Henrietta´s house and when I visit a friend in Caledonia, I see Henrietta´s grave stone in the cemetery! I have such good memories of Henrietta and her sons! My sisters and I all had a crush on Doug! I´m sorry this message is so long after Doug´s passing but I just read this today!

I hope you receive this message. I just learned of Doug's passing and was saddened to hear the news. I admired him so much! As a graduate of the Sheridan College Illustration and Design program in 1982, I was so excited to get an interview with Doug. He looked through my portfolio and said ... "My dear, you have a long way to go.". I was crushed. Fast forward to 2013 (thereabouts) I was at Baker's Cove restaurant on Erb. I was paying our bill and Doug was picking up his dinner. I heard him say his name...and I was so excited to talk to him. It had been so many years! I introduced myself ... 'Hi Doug, I'm Debbie from Eyelight.' My husband Ron and I ran an agency in Waterloo for 30 years. Doug looked at me and said...'If I had only known what you were capable of, I would have hired you on the spot!'. I can not tell you how happy that made me. He was an icon in our industry... an amazing designer and artist!
My husband and business partner Ron Repke passed this year on Jan 13 after a long battle with MS and I have retired. I just wanted to let you know the incredible impact Doug had on me. I wish you and your family all the very best.

Debbie Crow-Repke

Our sincerest condolences for your at this time. Wishing you all peace and comfort during this time of sorrow. Our hearts goes out to the family and extended family at this difficult time.

So sorry to hear of Doug´s passing.
As a young man, my mother Rena had Doug paint my goalie mask in flames, which was quite a thrill for sure, and his painting of a young daughter Kelly in the snow hung in my mother´s house on Colonial Drive for over 30 years. As a WLU graduate Doug and his partner Ron Wagner were fixtures during Laurier Football games. As a hockey guy I loved his Kitchener Rangers artwork.
My sincerest condolences to Fran and the entire family.

Frannie our condolences to you and your family. Remembering our times to gether

We'll always remember fondly Doug's great smile, sense of humour and passion for life and art. Together with Fran, he always made us feel welcome in their home. Our deepest sympathies to the Ratchford family for their loss.

I am so sorry to hear of Doug. He was such an amazing guy! I will truly miss him. Please know that I am thinking of you all during this difficult time.

My condolences to you, Frani, and the whole family on the loss of Doug. His presence will be missed but he will always live on in his Mennonite drawings, his magnificent paintings and very especially, his caricatures! What a wonderful sense of humour he had! Thinking of you during these difficult times.

Dear Fran and Shannon and the Ratchford family,
We were so sorry to hear about Doug.
Please accept our condolences for your loss.

To the three Ratchford children, Kelly, Jeremy, Shannon.
What pleasant memories I have of you and your parents.
I have distinct memories of each of you and of spending at least one meal with you in your home on Union St.
You were very special students.
I'm saddened to read of your father's death.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Miss Shantz (Grade two teacher, Westmount)