Memorial Service Slated For Longtime YMCA Director

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A memorial service celebrating the life of former YMCA Executive Director Doug McLeod has been scheduled for later this month.

McLeod's family and the Southington Community YMCA have organized the July 20 service, which will be followed by a picnic. The memorial service will take place at YMCA Camp Sloper and will start at 11 a.m.

McLeod is being remembered "for his many qualities that shaped him into a community leader."

Friends and former colleagues have described him as compassionate, charismatic, genuine, thoughtful, committed, faithful, a visionary, a risk taker, a mentor, a leader and a friend.

"Doug McLeod has been one of the most influential leaders in the history of our YMCA. On one of my last visits with him at his home in Florida last summer just before he passed, he shared some of his philosophy on leadership with me. These are lessons that I and many others have tried to incorporate in our daily work: Be honest, be kind, allow your people to make mistakes, love everyone, don’t give up on people and have fun,” said Mark Pooler, the current CEO for the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs."

He added, "Doug was a major contributor to building the foundation for the YMCA know today. His eadership style helped mentor many young Y professionals and allowed them to follow a career path of service to others."

He passed away peacefully at age 84 on Sept. 26, surrounded by his loving family.

The memorial service is open to any and all family, friends and Y Members looking to celebrate the life of Doug McLeod. It will take place at YMCA Camp Sloper Memorial Forest from 11 to 11:30 a.m. and then followed by a picnic at the McLeod Pavilion (both located at YMCA Camp Sloper - 1000 East St. in Southington).

To attend visit sccymca.org to RSVP.