Obituary of Dr. Douglas Charles Simms Jr.

SIMMS, Dr. Douglas Charles Jr., MD, Dermatology -- Passed away peacefully at the Palliative Care Unit of Western Long Term Care on May 2nd, 2024. Dr. Douglas Charles Simms Jr., MD of Corner Brook, Newfoundland, beloved husband of the late Melva Simms, devoted son of the late Dr. Douglas Charles Simms Sr. and Dorothy McKay Simms. He was a loving father to Patricia (Darren) Reid of Rocky Harbour, Mark (Darlene) Simms of St. John’s, Laura (Dan Ficken) Simms of St. John’s, Krysta (Matthew Shears) Simms of Rocky Harbour, and David Simms of Ottawa. Cherished grandfather of Nathan Reid, Hanna and Kaitlyn Simms, Evan Simms Ficken, Isabella and Brianna Shears. He was also a beloved brother of Judy (John) Simms of Prince George, BC, Greg (Mary) Simms of Barrie, ON, Richard (Diana) Simms of Alliston, ON, Colin (Susan) Simms and Andrea Adams of St. John’s, NL, and the late Philip Simms of New Liskeard, ON. He was the dear brother-in-law of Leslie Simms, Chelsea Critch, Elizabeth (Norman) Gilley, Roy (Rita) Sparkes, Venus (Wilson) Thomas, Wayne (Diane) Sparkes, Gaius (Della) Sparkes, Sandra Ruth (Wayne) Sparkes, Barbara Sparkes, Nancy Sparkes, Blandford Duval, and the late Brian Adams, Newman Sparkes, Lloyd Critch, Phillip Sparkes, and Valerie Duval. He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a circle of extended family and friends who will dearly miss him.

Doug dedicated his life to medicine, graduating from Memorial University's inaugural Faculty of Medicine class in 1973. He commenced his medical journey at Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital in Norris Point, where he met and married his late wife Melva. Subsequently, he pursued dermatology studies in Halifax and Toronto before establishing his private practice in Corner Brook in the early 1980s. Over the next few decades, he served the areas of Corner Brook, western and central Newfoundland, the northern peninsula, and Labrador with compassion and expertise, leaving a lasting impact on his patients and colleagues. His commitment to excellence and his caring nature will be fondly remembered.

The family extends special thanks to Doug’s neighbors Scott and Debbie, as well as the home support workers who assisted him the past several years, including a heartfelt appreciation to Gerald, whose comforting care during Doug's final months was deeply valued. The family also acknowledges the dedicated staff at Western Memorial Regional Hospital and the Palliative Care Unit in Western Long Term Care for their compassionate support.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 5 at Fillatre’s Funeral Home, 4 St. Mark’s Avenue from the hours of 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Monday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. from Fillatre’s Funeral Chapel, St. Mark’s Avenue with Father Edward Terry officiating. Interment will take place at a later date at the Salvation Army Cemetery, Rocky Harbour.

The funeral service can be viewed livestream through the following link

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=f5396196-c97d-4e2f-aee4-045707d227e3