November 17, 1942 - August 12, 2023
Doug died peacefully August 12, 2023, at Rotary Hospice, after a brief illness. He was appreciative of the wonderful care by Dr. Sean Blaine, Dr. Eric Thomas, and hospice staff.
Born in Flint Michigan, son of the late Clifford and Violet (Colley) Reberg. Doug was predeceased by his beloved wife and soulmate, Bonnie Jean (Blankinship) Reberg on March 24, 2008.
Doug studied psychology at Western Michigan University where he received his B.A. and M.A. Bonnie and Doug came to Canada in 1967 where Doug completed his PhD at McMaster University. After a brief period doing animal behaviour research, Doug became an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Western Ontario. He enjoyed teaching and received the outstanding teacher award from the Undergraduate Psychology Society in 1980.
From Western, Doug moved to his last professional setting at the Huron Perth Centre for Children and Youth where he was the agency’s psychologist from 1980-2001. He was the first psychologist responsible for developing the HPC psychology program. Early in his career with HPC, he observed the many children and youth whose mental and emotional health was negatively impacted by the violence in their homes. These observations led to the co-development of several programs and initiatives within the Centre and the community, specifically the Delta and Renascence Programs, and the formation of what is now known as DART (Domestic Assault Review Team). He created a solid foundation for the Quality Improvement work of the Centre. He was a warm, supportive colleague and a mentor to staff.
Doug contributed to his profession as Chair of the Ethics and Policy committee of the Ontario Psychology Association (OPA), and as the Professional Ethics Columnist for Ontario Psychologists. He was a member of the Canadian and American Psychological Associations, and the Ontario College of Psychologists. Doug received the Barbara Wand Award from the OPA in 1994 for Excellence in the area of Professional Ethics and Standards. He was the recipient of the Raoul Wallenberg Award from the Raoul Wallenberg Committee of the United States. This award is bestowed on "individuals, organizations, and communities whose courage, selflessness and success against great odds personified those of Raoul Wallenberg himself."
Doug had a life-long love of music, especially jazz and opera. For many years, Doug was an avid birdwatcher travelling annually to Point Pelee each spring. Many local people knew Doug from his monthly garden column in the Stratford Beacon Herald. He submitted his final column on June 19, 2023. He was an active member of Garden Stratford.
Doug’s family includes Bonnie’s brother Tom, his wife Andrea and their children, Gina, Joel, Tony, and Joseph. Doug was a wonderful friend nurturing many long-term friendships. He had a genuine interest in people and was always open to meeting new friends. In addition to his warmth, open-hearted generosity, and bright inquiring mind, Doug was known for his wry humour. In March 2020, when people were isolating because of the pandemic, he initiated a daily “Merriment” cartoon which he emailed to family and friends until July 19, 2023.
A celebration of Doug’s life will take place at the W. G. Young Funeral Home Reception Centre, 430 Huron Street, Stratford on September 23, 2023 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm with words of remembrance at 3:00 pm. No flowers please. Memorial donations may be made to Optimism Place Women’s Shelter and Support Services (Perth County Transition Home for Women), Life Water Canada, or a charity of your choice through the funeral home 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
