Douglas Harcourt

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Doug Harcourt at age 99. He died peacefully in his sleep 16 days before his 100th birthday.

Doug was the beloved husband for over 57 years to Barbara Harcourt (April 2007) and more recently partner to the late Gayle Cole (November 2023). He leaves behind his son Peter (Late Joanne Hill). Predeased by his son son Scott Harcourt and daughter Peggy (Rob Brydges). Doug was the proud grandfather of 5 Grandchildren; Michael (Tricia), David (Nadine), Nancy, Jordan, and Cary (Riley). He also leaves behind 4 great grandchildren.

Doug was the son of George Harcourt and Sadie (Muston) of Toronto.

Born in Toronto (in 1926), Doug had a profound love of sports. He played high school basketball, track and field, and football for North Toronto Collegiate. Doug then played football for the University of Guelph where he studied Agricultural Science. After graduation and his marriage to Babs in 1949, he pursued his education in economic entomology at Cornell University where he took his PHD.

During a 42 year career with Agriculture Canada, he was chief of entomology at the Experimental Farm and an adjunct professor at Carleton University. He also served several consultancies with the United Nations (FAO) and was periodically a visiting Professor at universities in Brazil and Argentina. He published more than 100 research papers and in 1990 was nominated by his peers for the Gold medal of the ESC. He was also elected to the Entomological Society of Canada in 1984.

Doug loved to spend time with his family at the cottage (Norway Lake). He was an avid curler and past president of the Granite Curling Club. He was a member at the Cedarhill Golf and Country Club and a lifetime member at Greensmere. Doug and Babs enjoyed many winters at their condo at Hilton Head Island.

Doug had an infectious smile and knew how to live life to the fullest as his family and many friends can attest to.

Thank you so much to the PSW workers and Bayshore group for their passionate care during Doug’s last year.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.