Douglas Birkley Patrick Roberts
October 19, 1951 - June 16, 2024
Funeral Details: Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 14, 2024 from 1pm to 5pm at Traditions Banquet Hall at Sheba Shrine (142 John Street, Barrie)
Aged 72, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
Doug was born October 19, 1951, in Burk’s Falls to Mary and Douglas Roberts. When he was 16 years old, Doug spotted the love of his life walking by while he was shingling a church roof in Barrie, Ontario. He whistled once, they met soon after, and on August 7th, 1971, Doug married Barbara (Baukje) Westra and began a beautiful relationship that would span 53 years.
Doug and Barb lived in several places over the years including Simcoe, Whitby, Oro-Medonte, and Barrie. Doug’s biggest source of pride was his family. First came Kim, then soon after, Shelley, and Todd a few years later. Doug was a devoted dad and a strong presence in their lives. A constant source of stability and protection, he was fierce and loyal. He loved coaching hockey and being involved in their lives.
With a strong passion for vehicles, Doug opened his first collision repair shop at 155 Brock Street almost 50 years ago. Roberts Collision joined the Fix Auto network about 20 years ago, and Doug served on the advisory board, was a brand ambassador and became a strong champion of the network. He was a legend in the automotive industry (Rollover Roberts!) and a friend and mentor to many.
Doug’s strong sense of business contributed to his steady growth during the good times and to his survival during the hard times. He was so proud to be able to support his employees and their families. Twelve years ago, he opened Roberts Complete Auto Care, an auto mechanic shop.
Doug will be especially remembered for his commitment to fairness and integrity. He was not often a man who outwardly showed his emotions, but he cared deeply about others. He was strong willed and quite opinionated, but his capacity for love and growth was even stronger. He often organized local auto industry events, stepped in when anyone was struggling, and supported many charities. He loved to sit in the office and share stories with customers; he considered them not only friends, but family. He could dance like there was no tomorrow and was the life of the party.
Survivors include his wife Barb and their children Kim (Chad), Shelley (Derek), and Todd (Cathy). Grandchildren include Riley, Zach, TJ, and Emma. Doug also leaves behind his sister Brenda (Alf) and a large extended family of step grandkids, step great-grandkids, relatives, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Please join us for Doug’s Celebration of Life from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, July 14th at Traditions Banquet Hall at Sheba Shrine (142 John Street, Barrie). Doug loved helping kids and making sure they had every opportunity to grow and learn. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Youth Reach, a local charity that provides grants for kids to participate in programs such as dance, music, and sports. Please donate here: https://youthreach.ca
We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the staff at RVH for their wonderful care of Doug and to all of our friends and family for their love and support. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.peacefultransition.ca
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Debbie Webster
Posted on: Friday, June 21, 2024I’m so very sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. It was so wonderful to see you Barb and Doug after many years with history of River Gardens at the fundraiser at the Queens. Sincerest condolences to all your friends and family.
Shelley Roberts
Posted on: Friday, June 21, 2024My heart is so broken, dad. I’m so proud of you and everything you accomplished and stood for. You’re my hero and I’ll be missing you deeply until I get to see you again. We will take care of mom like you did. ❤️💔 I love you.
Jim &Harriette Thomson
Posted on: Friday, June 21, 2024Our sincerest condolences to Barb , Kim , Shelley , Todd and all the families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time
Joyce & Brian Moosang
Posted on: Saturday, June 22, 2024It is with great sadness that we learned of Doug’s passing.
He was a wonderful human being, in all aspects of his life.
We will miss him.
Don Tutty
Posted on: Sunday, June 23, 2024It has been a long time since I’ve seen any of the Robert’s clan. Many good chats were had on our way to Guthrie Public School. Doug was very supportive of the members of his family and he also supported the community. He will be greatly missed. Blessings to everyone.
George Dangerfield
Posted on: Sunday, June 23, 2024My condolences to all the family.
When I owned Barrie Drive-a-Car I did a lot of business with Doug. We always got along well as he was a trustworthy businessman, did great work and just a good guy to do business with.
Again, so sorry for your loss.
George
Les Mavor
Posted on: Monday, June 24, 2024I came to know Doug in 1977, introduced by Dave McKee, another long-time friend, and always enjoyed Doug’s sense of humour and integrity. Both in his business dealings and as a friend, I never saw him waver from his high standards. I remember the New Year cheese fondue, and the bumper and airport runs, and building and installing signs that proclaimed “Roberts Collision 737-5560”, and Doug’s trust in allowing me to be a part of his growth in life. Passing by all the other events, all I want to add is: I’m proud to have known you, and been your friend. Les Mavor
Bill Hanley
Posted on: Tuesday, June 25, 2024My wife and myself have had bodywork done at Doug’s shop on several of our vehicles over the last 35 years. During that course of time I got to know Doug a little bit and we shared several good chats over the years. He was always very professional, courteous and pleasant to deal with and always ran a body shop with integrity and good people. A true gentleman. Altho’ we hadn’t crossed paths in the last while he will be missed. B Hanley
John & Katie Bureau
Posted on: Wednesday, June 26, 2024Dear Barb …Kim , Shelly and Todd.
We are very sad to hear of Doug’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Doug was a good friend and he will be missed by everyone who knew him . I have had many interactions over the years with Doug from work to golf.
Love John and Katie
Brian Blair
Posted on: Thursday, June 27, 2024When I had my insurance business in Barrie, Doug at Robert’s Collision was my “go to” guy for my clients and myself when excellent auto body work was needed. He was the best around and one of the nicest guys you could ever meet.I enjoyed our many chats over the years and our business relationship.Rest in peace Doug, you will be missed!
Gloria Mann
Posted on: Sunday, July 7, 2024Sincerest condolences to the Roberts family. Doug created a career of passion commitment and dedication within the collision repair industry. Doug your presence will be missed but your legacy lives on ! Sincerely, The team at Media Matters/ Collision Repair Magazine
Tom Laughlin
Posted on: Friday, July 12, 2024I had many years of pleasant dealings with Doug in his collision business. He was certainly a good and fair man to deal with . My condolences to the family. Rest in peace brother. You will be surly missed.
Christine Perri/Justin Varga
Posted on: Monday, July 15, 2024So sorry to hear about this. Dougie was such a fun & kind person. Loved to stop hear his stories. Condolences to all the family especially Kim & Todd.