Obituary of Doug Jonah

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Douglas Raymond Jonah, our Dad and Papa, who left us peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving family at the Saint John Regional Hospital. 

Doug was born in Saint John, NB on March 10, 1941, to Lawrence and Evelyn (Hill) Jonah. He was raised on a rural farm in Hampton, New Brunswick. He led a life of adventure, hard work, and had unwavering love for his family. He was a proud graduate of Saint John Vocational School in 1960, where he earned his certification as a diesel mechanic and met the love of his life, Jeannette. They married on December 29, 1961, and shared 62 years of love, partnership, and countless memories.

After starting his career at the SMT bus garage as a mechanic, Doug soon discovered his true passion for the open road. In his twenties, he became a truck driver, a profession that would shape the rest of his life. Throughout his career, he worked for numerous companies, including Allied Van Lines, Maritime Ontario, and Imperial Oil. In his later years, he helped establish Kingsco Transport, where he drove safely for more than 5.5 million miles before retiring at the age of 75.

When he wasn't on the road, Doug cherished spending time with his family in the great outdoors. He enjoyed trailering in St Martins, snowmobiling, and exploring the backcountry with the Sussex Valley ATV Club. Later in life, he and Mom embraced their love of travel, exploring the world together. Doug was also an active member of the Sussex Kiwanis Group and the Sussex Silverados, where he formed lasting friendships.

Doug is survived by his children: Keith Jonah (Julie) of Toronto, ON, Karen Jonah-Brown (Stewart) of Belleisle Creek, NB and Kyla Jonah-Hourihan (Anthony) of Kingston, NB; grandchildren: Calista & Aidan Jonah, Marshall (Ashley) & Chelsey (Jonathon) Brown, and Kaitlin & Siobhan Hourihan; great-grandchildren: Hailey Muggeridge and Grayson Brown; sister Louise Craine of Hampton, NB; as well as extended family. In addition to his parents, Doug was predeceased by his loving wife Jeannette Jonah in 2023; brothers-in-law Kenneth Cogswell and Paul Craine; sister-in-law Judith Cogswell

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB, where visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 3:00 to 7:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 11:00AM from Hampton United Church, Hampton, NB with a reception to follow. A private family interment will take place in the Greenwood Cemetery, Saint John, NB.

Donations in memory of Doug may be made to the Hampton United Church, Sussex Kiwanis Club or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: ReidsFH.com