Skelding, Douglas Grant. At the Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie on Tuesday September 29, 2009. Douglas Grant Skelding in his 82nd year. Beloved husband of 62 years of Helen Mae (Vivian) Skelding. Dear father of Rev. Robert Skelding and his wife Marie of Cambridge, Deborah and her husband Michael McManus of St. George. Loving grandfather of Jennifer, Stephanie (Christopher Locke), Geoffrey (Patrick Hansen), Elizabeth, and Judith Anne and great grandfather of Brayden. Dear brother of Leonard Skelding and Janet Lebert both of Windsor. A 43 year resident of Barrie, Doug retired from Bell Canada in 1985, where he held several positions. The last position as Manager Real Estate. Doug was involved in the Georgian Bay Region Classic Car Club in the 60’s and was instrumental in putting on the first Barrie Flea market in 1970. Doug’s association with the Barrie Fire Department began in 1979 when he was asked by the Red Cross to organize Simcoe County’s first Emergency Service Team. He assisted in restoring B.F.D.’s 1934 Bickle Roe pumper, 1947 Bickle Seagrave pumper and a hose wagon. Doug was instrumental in the creation of B.F.D.’s museum which operated from 1995 to 2000. In 1994 he became an author and produced 4 books, two about the history of the B.F.D., one for the Vespra Township F.D. and one for the Collingwood F.D. The stories and pictures contained in these books have been enjoyed by many friends and families of these F.D.’s. In 2005 the Barrie F.D. Marine unit was dedicated as “The Skelding†to recognize his hard work on behalf of the fire service. Friends may call at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, Clapperton and Worsley Streets, Barrie on Friday October 2nd from 10:00am until time of service in the chapel at 11:00am. Cremation. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the dedicated nurses and doctors of the 3rd floor north and emergency department at the Royal Victoria Hospital. The warmth, compassion, and excellent care giving was greatly appreciated by the entire family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the M.S. Society or Heart and Stroke Foundation. Condolences may be forwarded to the family through www.steckleygooderham.com.