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Claire Doolittle
January 18, 2026
DOOLITTLE, Claire Winston McArthur - Age 83, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Honolulu, Hawaii, following complications from a heart attack.
Born on April 26, 1942, in Aurora, Ontario, Claire was the youngest of seven children born to Clarence and Iona Doolittle. Growing up in Aurora alongside his siblings Loring, Jolyne, Garfield, Clayton, Bernice, and Audrey shaped his lifelong values of respect, hard work, and community. He was predeceased by his parents and all his siblings.
Claire attended Aurora High School before earning a degree in Industrial Arts and a teaching certificate from the University of Toronto. Farming was always close to his heart, and he farmed in Arthur Township for 20 years, but teaching became his life’s calling. He began his teaching career at Oakville High School from 1964 to 1966, and in January 1967 joined Mount Forest District High School, where he taught Industrial Arts until his retirement in 1998. He later spent ten years as a Health and Safety Instructor for co-op students, continuing his commitment to preparing young people for the working world.
Claire poured everything he had into his students and the school. A dedicated coach and mentor, he led the Mount Forest District High School football team to championship victories in 1968 and 1970, and also coached basketball. Beyond the school, he coached many minor hockey teams, leaving a lasting impact on countless young athletes. In his early years in Mount Forest, he was an active member of the Kinsmen and K-40, always ready to contribute where help was needed.
Known for his big personality, love of conversation, and fondness for storytelling — even if you had heard the story before — Claire believed deeply in showing up prepared and giving your best effort. One of his favourite reminders was, “If you’re not 15 minutes early, you’re late”. He had little tolerance for laziness or lack of effort, but endless patience and respect for anyone willing to work hard. He was always there to lend a hand or help with whatever needed doing.
Above all else, Claire loved his family, farming, sports, and honest hard work. He is survived by his beloved wife Eileen, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage; his children Aaron Doolittle, Robin Doolittle and Victoria Freeman; daughter-in-law Manami Doolittle, and his cherished grandchildren Isla and Charlie. His influence extended far beyond his family, touching generations of students, athletes, colleagues, and friends throughout the Mount Forest community.
Claire lived by the belief that everyone deserves respect and support if they are willing to work for it. He taught those around him to work hard and trust that things will work out. His family is deeply grateful for everything he taught them — lessons that will continue to guide them every day.
A celebration of Claire’s life will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., with family remembrances being shared at 2:00 p.m. at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex Community Hall, 850 Princess Street, Mount Forest.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Claire’s memory may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation or Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation. Online condolences and donations may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com
Condolences
Dear Eileen - Sometimes it is simply the hope in our hearts and the faith in our souls that comfort us. Wishing you peace at this sad time. Words sometimes just cannot say enough!! Enjoy your happy memories of fun times over your years together.
Dianne
Mr Doolittle the first teacher I met in Mount Forest over 40 years ago when I moved to Mount Forest. A better mix could never be made. He was thoughtful and very outspoken in the only way he could be. In recent years my family were very fortunate to be introduced to him through our work at the shop. Claire was always a welcome face, and his face always lit up when conversations of the good old days came up. The picture that is included was taken by my 10 year old son when we assisted him on the return of one of his many trips. Our family expresses sincere condolences and love. Godspeed my friend.
Sincere sympathies to the Doolittle family. I delivered mail to Claire and Eileen for many years and always enjoyed when he was out at the mailbox and we shared a conversation. Every Christmas I looked forward to his homemade bread and jam. He was a wonderful man. A few of my mail customers become special and he was definitely one of them.
He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP.
To call Claire a force of nature would be an understatement. I was blessed to have many great teachers but if anyone was born to teach it was Claire Doolittle. I can still picture him coming down the hall heading to his kingdom, his shop coat flowing, a cup of coffee in his hand. When he called attendance, you were expected to answer either 'Sir' or 'Present'. Or, even better, 'Present, Sir'. He had high standards. He expected you to finish the unseen surfaces of your projects. "God put skin on the bottom of your feet, didn't He?" he would say. Failing to meet those standards wasn't met with anger but with disappointment. He saved his anger for anyone who endangered the safety of those in the shop. He was keenly aware of how dangerous a shop full of teenagers could be what with sharp blades, open flames and fast spinning lathes. His patience and graciousness were bottomless. I know, I was the recipient of both. If wealth is measured by the lives we improve then Claire was a wealthy, wealthy man. And those of us who knew him are all wealthier too.
— Roger Cook, February 15, 2026Claire came to speak to students at FE Madill SS in Wingham for many years about the importance of health and safety. He had a unique way of captivating the interest of students he had never met and left them thinking about ways to navigate the workplace more safely. I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch time chats as he willingly shared his philosophy of life and his profound pride and love for his family. I am convinced that he left his part of the world better off because of his role in it. My sympathies and condolences are extended to all his family and friends.
Dale Gilchrist, Retired Head of Co-operative Education
Thank you to all the Doolittle’s for your years of friendship. I, Basil, spent my whole teaching career, teaching with Claire. I, Edith, had the joy of taking care of Aaron and Robin for years while your parents both worked. So many fond memories of you boys! Our lives have been enriched because of your friendship.
Praying for your comfort at this time and as you read these condolences reminding you how much Claire was loved and respected by so many.
Basil and Edith Oke
On behalf of the students and staff at Wellington Heights Secondary School in Mount Forest, I wanted to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Claire. He was an actively involved educator and community member who had a significant impact on many young people over the years in the Mount Forest community. May the knowledge that others are thinking of you during this difficult time bring you some comfort.
Brent Bloch
Principal
WHSS
Eileen, Aaron, Rob and families,
We are all heart broken that we have lost Claire. What an amazing man, our world won’t be the same without him. Mom has said for many years that Claire’s heart was always bigger than he was and that is so true. One of countless times I will always remember was the night before we left for Disney in Florida and Claire came to the house and stuffed a hundred dollar American bill in each boy’s pocket. He was always giving of himself for the betterment of others. We always loved his sense of humour as well. He had the gift of turning any serious situation around and make it more bearable. Students, colleagues, friends and family, he touched so many lives very deeply. The world really needs more Claire Doolittle’s. We Loved Claire with all our hearts and love all of you too. Please know you are not alone and we are all grieving with you.
I was so shocked to learn of the passing of Mr. Doolittle. I had him for shop one year, ( one of the first females to take shop!) and I remember him so fondly. He was patient, kind, friendly and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was one of my all-time favorite teachers. I am saddened for his family and their loss. My parents were friends with Claire and Eileen and spoke highly of them both. My prayers to the family for comfort in this time of sorrow
Madeline (Tighe) Ruehlicke.
Dear Eileen, Aaron, Robin and Family…. "Mr Doolittle", (Claire) embodied the true spirit of industrial arts ("Shop") education—practical wisdom, safety first, creative problem-solving, and genuine care for every student who walked into the shop. He had us build more than projects; he built character, resilience, and futures. I'm grateful for every lesson and every moment of encouragement. Seems like just a few months ago he called me at the Radio Station to catch up and let me know what he thought of some recent content. He always had such great advice and always with a touch of humour. May peace and warm memories surround you all in the days ahead. With deepest sympathy.
— Kevin Brown, February 6, 2026So sorry to hear this.
I can't say it much better than Mike M. did.
I always felt extremely grateful to have known Claire and had him as a mentor and family friend. As so many people can attest he was a fantastic role model and teacher for hundreds of us, but especially for that smaller group who worked for him on the farm, and for whom he patiently put up with all our "teenager b.s." (a Claireism I remember 😀). All our love from the Price family.
Tim, Jeannette and family.
Eileen, Aaron, Robin and families, we were shocked and saddened to hear of Claire's passing! He touched a lot of lives in his teaching career. It was a pleasure to teach at MFDHS when Claire was part of the teaching staff. He will be deeply missed by his family and his community. Condolences to all.
— Doug and Joan Woods, February 4, 2026Dear Eileen, Aaron, Robin and family,
I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Mr Doolittle’s passing. He had such a larger-than-life presence - it felt like he’d be around forever. I always found him to be both intimidating and incredibly supportive - a rare and memorable combination! He had a perfect blend of being able to command respect, and lighten the mood with a cheesy joke/saying when needed! He left a lasting impression on me, as he did on so many of his students, not only through what he taught, but through his humanity and unmistakable personality. He is someone I will remember often with great fondness.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Eileen, Aaron, Robin and family. What a shock to hear of Claire's passing! We have SO many wonderful memories together. Claire teaching our children; coaching hockey together; Barb and Eileen working together in the lab; working together on the minor hockey executive and the over all friendships that we have built. We send our deepest condolences and prayers. There are so many terrific memories to hold onto. Claire was a "ONE OF A KIND" person who touched many people in so many ways. He will be missed! May God send much peace and comfort your way at this time. Love to ALL. Garn and Barb
— Garnet Troyer, February 4, 2026Eileen, Aaron, Robin & families…please accept our deepest sympathy…our thoughts & prayers are with you all @ this difficult time.
— Brian & Marilynne Adams, February 4, 2026This is such a loss for everyone. Claire Doolittle was truly an exceptional human being. As my shop teacher, he taught me so much more than any curriculum could accomplish. He instilled in me a sense of pride in my work that I have carried with me ever since. When I asked him once to rate a project that I had been working on, he told me "It's coming along nicely". I asked how much more it needed and he said that was up to me. "It's finished when you say it's finished" he told me. He said he would never tell me something is good enough, as it could always be made a little better. Those words continue to guide me to this day. He taught us more than skills; he taught us values.
My deepest condolences.
Teacher, Mentor, Friend and FATHER FIGURE ,,, Doo you covered it all for Me. Starting in Gr 9 right to being our Wedding MC. You always called me Danger Boy and told me it's ok to have fear but remember you can always hide it. Eileen, I thank you and Doo for all your patience over the years and he truly taught me everything. I have so many great memories of your boys growing up on the farm and you actually trusted me with Aaron and Robin as babies. Doo shaped my life in every way and I will forever be grateful for that. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Mike and Sherry
— Mike McDonald, February 4, 2026
It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of Mr Doolittle. My thoughts and prayers go out to Eileen Aaron and Robin. The futility of words is evident when expressing loss, more so when the person who has transitioned was a prominent pillar in the community and in my life. For a few years I had the transformative experience of working on SummerDo farm. My memories of kindnesses mentorship and respect will live with me forever. Mr Doolittle was exactly the role model I needed at the time. They say people come into your life for a reason a season or a life time. Mr Doolittle it all those marks for me. I still tell his jokes and attribute any sense of being a decent man to his stewardship. Rest in peace kind sir.
Dooly, Mulch, Lichti & Heffernan was there a better tonic for a bunch brash teens in the 70's, these guys were just what we needed to prep for the adult years. We were so lucky to have this group as our educators growing up. Eileen our thoughts are with you and your family. He will be sadly missed.
Rick & Judy Brownrigg
I am so sorry to hear this. Mr. Doolittle was a true legend - a fantastic teacher and a great man. He was a great at teaching shop class skills and he worked equally hard at making great people, always insisting on hard work and respect. Safety was also important in his classes as day one of his shop classes always included the demonstration on what would happen to whoever disregarded safety - that poor old garbage can got it every time! He will be greatly missed.
— Rob Bodendistle, February 3, 2026Eileen, Aaron, Robin, and families. You've lost one amazing man. By far, one of my favourite teachers. He was such a well respected person, cause he showed so much respect, especially to those who put in the effort.....God help you if you didn't. ;) RIP Sir.
— Jason Oakes, February 3, 2026Dear Eileen and Family We were so saddened to hear of Claire’s sudden passing. He was a great teacher when I attended high school and also in later years a great hockey coach for our sons. Always ready for a friendly chat when we met. He will be missed . Sincerely Paul and Mary Lou Bolen
— Paul & Mary Lou Bolen, February 3, 2026From feeding the boys and their friends delicious pork ends to helping dumb college kids out of a jam, from decades ago I remember Claire's kindness mixed together with expectations to try harder. Reading the obituary made me realize that we don't often see people of such high caliber and that Claire's life was truly a blessing for us all. My deepest condolences to the Doolittle family.
— Jason Visscher, February 3, 2026Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the Doolittle Family.
Claire was a great teacher, always positive and always getting you to strive to go further.
Cathy (White) Dursun and family
We send our deepest sympathy. “Mr. Doolittle” was a great teacher and coach, and was a memorable mentor to many people. - Barry & Thelma Rawn
— Barry & Thelma Rawn, February 3, 2026My deepest condolences to the Doolittle family on Clarie’s passing. Mr. Doolittle was a remarkable teacher in so many ways. I remember working as a grade 10 student to help build the stage settings for the ‘Walk Through Broadway’ musical the school put on that year (1986?). Mr. Doolittle, myself, and another student (Scott Fettes) were working one evening in the shop on these items when he got called away. He promptly handed me the keys to the shop / high school and told us to keep on working and then to lock everything up when we were done! I can’t think of any other teacher who would have left two students alone in their classroom (at night) to keep on work and giving them their keys work keys to lock all the doors. But that was just how Mr. Doolittle operated.
— Paul Barnard, February 3, 2026Lovely obituary for a lovely and impressive man. We have lots of happy memories from both sides of the pond over many years. Love and condolences from Scotland.
— David Mcilroy, February 3, 2026One of the Greats.....has joined the other greats of MFDHS....who were called home before him...wow what a party they must be having....but for those left behind it is heavy on our hearts.
Your many wonderful moments and memories will comfort you and give you a chuckle and a smile.
To his family , sincere condolences at this sad time
Sherry Kerr/former student of MFDHS
Our sincere condolences to the Doolittle Family, RIP Sir.
— Ken and Karen Thompson, February 3, 2026Eileen and family, my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear husband and father Claire. He will be missed by so many friends as well as family. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.
— Gladys Stevenson, February 3, 2026My condolences to Eileen and family on your loss. He was really well known as a great teacher and he supported sports in the community with his children.
— Dr Hugh Perrin, February 2, 2026Our hearts are with all the Doolittles. Our deepest sympathies and condolences. Sending you all lots of love and hugs.
— Karen & Trevor, February 2, 2026Dear Eileen and family , so sorry to hear about the passing of Claire . He was one of my favourite teachers for sure . Work hard and respect are two things he taught us and 10 minutes before class ended , l always remembered “ Gentlemen let’s clean up “ He came to my shop a few times last summer to use my table saw . “ of course you can but make sure you clean up “ l told him . Our deepest sympathies, Brad and Cathy Schwindt
— Brad Schwindt, February 2, 2026I'm saddened to hear about Mr. Doolittle's passing. He was a great teacher and a wonderful person.
— Andrew Sharpe, February 2, 2026I'm so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of Claire. For my four years of high school I respected a liked him. He was my best home room teacher ever. He treated all of us with such kindness and respect and that is why I cherish my high school memories so much. I always say I would do high school over in a minute and wouldn't change a thing. May your memories be sweet and know that his students have great memories too. Respectfully, M McGowan
We are sorry to hear about Claire’s passing he was a terrific teacher and just a great man, he still liked to follow what his students were doing with their lives, please accept our condolences at this difficult time.
— Dan & Kim Yake, February 2, 2026So sorry to hear this. GREAT TEACHER, GREAT COACH, GREAT MAN !!!!! Our condolences to the family.
— Don Koehler, February 2, 2026Thinking of you all with deepest sympathies.
— Linda Ross, February 2, 2026Our sincere condolences to the Doolittle Family, on the passing , of a very respected gentleman.
— John and Linda Thomson, February 2, 2026Dear Eileen,
I was so saddened to hear of Claire,s passing.
We always had good conversations, including the one we had on the airplane to Honolulu, in 2002
Thinking of you, Eileen, as you carry on without your wonderful hubby.
Eileen, Aaron, Robin and Families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Claire was a special person and will be missed by many. Sincere sympathy. Wayne and Sandra
— Wayne and Sandra Lytle, February 2, 2026Eileen, Aaron, Robin and families. I am saddened to learn of Claire’s recent and sudden passing. He definitely left his mark and will be remembered by many who came to know him. I will miss our little gab sessions. Heartfelt condolences to all.
— Marilyn MacKenzie McLeod, February 2, 2026Eileen… We are so sorry to hear of Claire’s passing… Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
— Tracey & Marj Andrews, February 2, 2026Dear Eileen, Aaron, Robin and family.
We are in total shock at the loss of Claire! He was a wonderful man and a great friend. Please let all your memories and times together comfort you during this difficult time. Our love prayers are with you all.
I ‘ll remember Clare (Mr. Doolittle) as a great shop teacher, football coach and his white shop coat with a 7 oz coke in the pocket. I recall him taking me to the principals office to show off an extra piece of shop work I did on my own initiative.
Condolences to his family
Gary & Carol Walsh
Rocky View County AB
Mr. Doolittle had a formative role in my development. He taught me shop but then biggest impact was as a coach. He was demanding but positive in his style - just what we needed.
So sorry to see him go.
Condolences to his Damian’s friends.
Eileen, Aaron, Robin and families, please accept our deepest sympathy on Clare’s passing. Our thoughts are with you.
— Gord and Kathy Calder, February 2, 2026So very sad to hear of Claire's passing.
I really enjoyed our conversations over the years, he was a very kind and caring man.
Please accept my most sincere condolences.
If only there were more people like this man, the world would be a much better place. I didn't know him, but i wish I had.
— Eva McIntosh, February 2, 2026Dear Eileen, Aaron, Robin & families:
Our sincere condolences at your sudden loss...Claire was a special member of our Mount Forest community & will be missed by many.
With our caring & prayers,
Gary & Gwynne Smith