Douglas Francis Leirer, beloved brother and uncle, left this world just before dawn on All Saints' Day, November 1, surrounded by family and friends. The poet Tagore said, "Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark." Early Thursday morning Doug's soul soared free.
Born November 26, 1951, to Mary and Lou, Doug was a free spirit at an early age and viewed the world through the eyes of an artist. A 1969 graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School, Doug worked for Ironworkers Local #55 to pay for college. He studied fine art at the University of Toledo and Toledo Museum of Art. Doug had a long, successful career in project management and new business development for the environmental and architectural firms of Hoellrich Associates and Rossi Associates.
Smart, witty and funny, Doug also was the keeper of family recipes. An excellent cook, he gladly pitched in during family holidays (as gravy maker and sous chef). He lived a simple life, rich with family who loved him.
Doug is survived by brother Dennis (Colleen) Leirer; sisters Nancy (Tim) Alter and Janice (Tony) Braida; nieces Andrea (Jason) Drew, Mary Alter, Kelly Alter and Nicole Leirer; and nephew Adam Leirer.
A celebration of Doug's life is planned for Monday, November 5, beginning with an 11 a.m. mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 2255 Central Grove in Toledo.
Donations in Doug's name can be made to St. Francis de Sales High School.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 3, 2012
Beloved brother,
May the Lord hold you
close to His heart.
Love always,
Janny
November 8, 2012
Terry Moore SFS'69
Doug was a terrific classmate at St. Francis de Sales. He had a great sense of humor and was so very talented. Rest in Peace, Doug. Say hello to our SFS brothers for us.
November 8, 2012
Larry Bialorucki
I have great memories of my days at SFS with Doug. My deepest sympathy to the entire Leirer family. May he rest i peace!
November 7, 2012
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November 6, 2012
John Fell
I am very sorry to hear of Dougs passing. I have fond memories of him and his family. It seems like yesterday that we were all young and looking forward to the future. Life is too short. May he rest in peace.
November 6, 2012
Damian Wilkerson
Nancy and family...So sorry for your loss. From what I remember from our HS days he was always very supportive and envolved with family. He was quite humorous and always had something nice to say about people who were a topic of conversation. I enjoyed our time together @ St. Francis and have many fond memories of our friendship. I'm sure he'll be greatly missed by everyone who loved him. May he rest in peace and may the memories of his life bring joy and comfort to you all.
November 5, 2012
Dennis Shonebarger
My condolences to the enrire Leirer family. I knew Doug at SFS graduating with him in 69' He had a great sense of humor with the ability to see fun in almost anything. May his wonderful spirit soar forever!
November 5, 2012
Jim Hodulik
Nancy, Denny and family. I had lost touch with Doug after college, we had a few classes together, and then was doing a project that Rossi and Associates were the architects for and reconnected with Doug. He would stop out and oversee some of the project and it was always FUN to see him and be around him. It was like we were 16 again and in high school. You have my sympathy and I'm sorry for your loss.
November 5, 2012
Gary Szenderski
Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
November 5, 2012
Jann Stripling
I'm very sorry for your loss.
November 5, 2012
Roy Wiegand
Very sorry to hear of Doug's passing.
November 4, 2012
My thoughts & prayers are with Doug's family. May he rest in peaces.
Thomas Biblewski
SFS class 1969
November 4, 2012
Sue Vargo Williams
Nancy, you and your family have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your brother. My prayers are with you.
November 4, 2012
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November 3, 2012
James and Joy Leirer
Our prayers and heartfelt sympathies are sent to the Toledo Leirers. We are confident that Doug is now enjoying the heavenly promise of our Savior in the most beautiful vista ever imagined. Peace to all.
November 3, 2012
Todd Wilson
I'm sorry that I lost touch with my friend for so long. I drove by the last place I knew he lived recently to get his address, in hopes of reconnecting with an upcomming Christmas card, was not to be. I will treasure the wonderful memories, great travels and his wonderful artwork that is dear to me. Like the photo you gave me long ago titled "waiting on a friend" ...see you on the other side. My condolence to the family.
November 3, 2012
Mark Grant
Dennis and Colleen may the Lord comfort you and ease your burden.
Mark Grant SFS '68
November 3, 2012
Andrew & Nancy Leirer
Our prayers are with Doug and our Toledo family. May Doug find his eternal peace with God the Father in his heavenly kingdom. Well done Good and Faithful Servant.
November 3, 2012
Chris Ignasiak
I'll always remember Doug for his open face and big smile.
November 3, 2012
Richard Leirer
Growing up in Cleveland I only saw cousin Doug,his brother and sister and his Mom and Dad on special occasions. They remain happy memories for me. Sad to hear of this loss. Blessings to his loved ones.
November 3, 2012
Andrew & Nancy Leirer
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Leirer family at this time
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