Douglas Leng

Douglas Leng
It was on the beautiful first day of spring that Douglas Leng, 93, passed away peacefully at Midland King's Daughters Home. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor. Doug was the only son of Douglas and Blanche Leng. He was born and grew up in Kitchener, Ontario and obtained his bachelor and master degrees from Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. He then immigrated to the United States where he attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. It was there that he met fellow Canadian Marguerite Lambert whom he married on June 18, 1955. They both received their PhD degrees (Doug in Chemical Engineering and Marguerite in Biochemistry) that year and accepted positions in Research and Development at The Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan.
Doug had a long, successful career retiring from Dow in 1996 as one of the top scientists in the company. Perhaps his greatest legacy was in establishing a Fluid Mechanics and Mixing capability that touched virtually every chemical process developed in the company. In addition to solving some really tough problems, Doug was devoted to mentoring countless young scientists.
Doug loved life and had many passions. Sailing his boat Panacea with his family in the North Channel of Lake Huron was perhaps his favorite. Quite often you could find Doug out on a Saturday with a "crew from the lab" racing Panacea in Saginaw Bay. Doug, as a true Canadian, was an avid and lifelong curler, being one of the founding members of the Midland Granite Club in 1964. Later, he helped see that legacy continue with the establishment of the new Midland Curling Center, where he continued curling well into his 80's and even scored a rare "Eight Ender". Doug and Marguerite were inducted into the Midland Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 for their pioneering efforts to bring curling to Midland. They also became US citizens in 2002.
Doug was also active in the Macintosh computer club (MIAMUG) serving as president in 2000. He had a relentless drive to learn (and fix) all things related to a computer, and to generously help others with their challenges. Doug was an avid photographer who enjoyed capturing the raw beauty of the lakes and islands, as well as the beautiful flowers at Dow Gardens. Doug and Marguerite loved attending the symphony at The Center for the Arts, and dining with friends and family at the Midland Country Club. His devotion and care for his wife in her later years was a true inspiration to his family.
He is predeceased by Marguerite, his wife of 63 years. He is survived by three children, Ronald Leng (Tricia), Janet Tangi (Craig) and Douglas Leng (special friend Kara). He was blessed with nine grandchildren, Ryan Leng, Katherine Welker Leng (Ray), Jessica Sturgeon (Zac), Michael Dumas (Jessica), Philip Dumas (Madison fiancée), Craig Leng, Kristen Leng, Taylor Lowe (Kirk), and Kelsey Leng and great grandson, Karson Lowe.
Doug was loved and respected by many. The wonderful memories and funny jokes will be remembered with a smile, as he would want them to be.
The family thanks Dianne Callahan, the King's Daughters staff, and the many other health care professionals for their care and compassion shown our father over the last 18 months. A private "Celebration of Life" service for the family is planned. Those wishing to express condolences are encouraged to consider a gift to Midland King's Daughters or the Midland Curling Center in memory of Doug.
Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Leng family; to share a special memory please visit www.smithminer.com.