Obituary of Douglas Frederick Childs

After a long illness, Douglas Frederick Childs of Saint John, passed away peacefully at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Sept 1, 2014 with his family by his side. Born Sept 23, 1939, he was the son of the late Vincent Childs and Florence (Belmont) Childs. As a young man, Doug worked with his father as a baker at Childs Bakery and then moved on to work as a baker and chef with a national catering company, travelling throughout Canada. In 1979, he became a businessman and entrepreneur by starting his own restaurant and catering business with his wife, Betty. They started out at the Bowlarama Restaurant on Union Street in Saint John, moved on to operating from the Saint John Radio & Press Club on Sydney Street, and then opened Childs Restaurant & Lounge on King Street until retiring in 2001. Over those years Doug became well known for his Hip of Beef Buffets, potato croquettes, and his close relationship with his customers. Doug was a member of the Masonic Lodge #22, taking an active role in the preparation and provision of the membership meals and celebrations throughout the years. Doug was a great sports fan, playing hockey and softball in his youth and becoming an avid golfer in his later years. He loved music and was well known for his ability to sing a Frank Sinatra tune upon request. He also enjoyed travelling and made new friends everywhere he went. Doug always had a smile, was a great conversationalist and took a genuine interest in everyone he met. He spent his last eight summers camping with many friends at Wally’s Campground in Cambridge-Narrows. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Elizabeth (nee Sullivan); his daughters Debbie McCluskey (Lee) of Nerepis, Angela Kippers of Saint John, Jo-Anne Renton (Bruce) of Dipper Harbour, Tracy Childs of Musquodoboit Harbour, NS and his son, Andrew Childs (Rachel) of Bedford, NS; his 8 grandchildren, Martina, Brendan, Alexander, Hayley, Leah, Ashlene, Ty, and Olivia; his twin brother Donald (Dianne) and his youngest brother Richard (Heather), both of Saint John; his lifelong friend Kenneth Maxwell of Saint John; his Aunt Phyllis Fitzpatrick of Saint John; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Besides his parents, he was pre-deceased by his older brothers, Robert, Gerald and Joseph. The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Saint John Regional Hospital, especially the dedicated staff at the MICU. Your kindness and compassionate care to "the King of Kensington" will never be forgotten. Doug leaves many fond memories and will be dearly missed. We will celebrate Doug’s life at Brenan’s Bay View Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John, NB (634-7424) with visiting on Thursday, September 4, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm with a Masonic Lodge Service at 6:15 pm. A celebration of Doug’s life will be held on Friday, September 5, 2014 at 2:00 pm from Brenan’s Bay View Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of one’s choice.