Douglas Chris Tussing

Douglas C. Tussing

8/22/1947-10/03/2017

The world has lost one of the best.  Douglas C. Tussing, age 70, departed from his earthly presence on 10/3/17, at approximately 4:20 p.m., at Ebeid Hospice, in Sylvania, OH. 

Doug was the 2nd child of Perry G. Tussing, and Helen Josephine Northrup, who preceded him in death.  Doug’s older brother Terry N. Tussing, left us in 1977. 

Growing up, Doug enjoyed a typical childhood of the late 40’s, 50’s, and early 60’s.  Sports was always a part of Doug’s life. He loved playing baseball, listening to his Detroit Tigers, and cheering on Al Kaline. He was also known to follow the Detroit Lions and Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football.

Doug graduated from DeVilbiss High school in 1965, and went on to continue his education at the University of Toledo, where he graduated with a Bachelors’ Degree in Business Statistics. Like many young men at the time, Doug became concerned over the war in Viet Nam, and the escalation of political and racial unrest during the late 1960’s and early 70’s. During this time, Doug travelled to Washington D.C. to participate in a March for Peace, sparking a desire in him to live his life in meaningful and peaceful ways. He admired the work of John Lennon, who often sang and spoke of living life in peace.  Doug’s favorite song was “Imagine”, and remained a favorite until his death.

Doug worked briefly for the Department of Defense at Wright-Patt Airforce base in Dayton, OH, as a civilian statistician before transferring to the Social Security Administration as a Claims Representative. Doug would work 42 years for the U.S. Government and Social Security, where he would assist claimants in navigating the often complex and confusing regulations of the SSA/SSI Programs.   Doug treated his claimants with empathy and respect, and often said he loved what he did because he felt he was helping people. Doug earned the respect of many of his co-workers, for his ability to simplify work processes, and was an excellent mentor and trainer. Doug earned many accolades and awards throughout his career with SSA.

In December, 1976, while working for Social Security, Doug accepted a temporary assignment to Chicago, IL for 90 days.  It was during this detail that Doug met his future wife, Linda McCarthy, who also worked for Social Security in Chicago, IL.  They met, they liked what they saw, they talked, they ate, they danced, they talked some more, and at the end of that 90-day detail, Linda agreed to move back to Toledo, OH with Doug to see what the future would bring. 

Doug and Linda were then married on July 7, 1977. 

There were 3 children born of this union.  Patrick T. Tussing (1980), Michelle M. Tussing (1983) and Brandon T. Tussing (1985). 

The couple enjoyed traveling, as a family and after as the children grew and left the nest.  They also enjoyed spending time with friends at their Cottage at Bird Lake.  It was this introduction to lake life, that stirred a desire to become “Lake People”.  After lots of house hunting, the couple stumbled upon a time-worn mobile home on a channel-side lot with lots of trees, flowers, and charm.  Even before seeing the inside of the trailer, Doug knew, this was the place. By this time, the first grandchild had been born. Doug knew this place would be the place to create memories for the children and grandchildren. The couple purchased the cottage at Bird Lake, and this is where Doug was happiest.  He loved working in the yard, getting to know the neighbors, and taking the pontoon boat out on the lake for some quiet time.

Doug was an amazing father, who provided guidance without judgment for all of his children.  Later, he would assist in raising his Grandson Dylan, who lived with Doug and Linda until Dylan was 7.  Dylan and “Ampa” were the best of buddies, and did many things together.  Later, son Brandon and Katelyn Witaszek would bring Nora Rose Tussing (2016) into the world.  She provided Doug lots of laughter and love during her short time with him.  Nora Rose gave Doug the best hugs and kisses.  Then in August, 2017, daughter Michelle Tussing and Tony Westbrook welcomed Madison Michelle Westbrook into the world.  While her time with Grandpa was short, we are confident that Doug’s legacy and strength will be instilled within her, and all the grandchildren, to continue for years to come.

Doug was immensely proud of all his children, and encouraged them as they transitioned into adulthood, with sound advice and encouragement, again without judgment. The children and even their children’s friends, all enjoyed lively conversations with Doug, who enjoyed sharing his views on religion, spirituality, politics, para-normal activities, aliens, and other topics that some found “weird”, but his children, co-workers, and friends, loved to hear him discuss these topics with regularity.   He lived an honorable life, treated others well, and did no harm.   He never wanted to linger in a state where he was not capable of decision making or choice. But he was always a fighter, and he fought bravely until the end.  When it became clear that the prostate/bone cancer was going to win, Doug told his doctors “I’m done” and began to refuse any more medications or treatment. He died the very next day.

Doug leaves behind wife Linda Tussing, (nee McCarthy), Son Patrick, Daughter Michelle (Tony Westbrook), Son Brandon (Kate Witaszek), Grandson Dylan Thomas, Granddaughter Nora Rose, and Granddaughter Madison Michelle, as well nieces, a nephew, in-laws, and dear friends to mourn his departure.

A Celebration of his Life will be held on November 17, 2017 from 4:00pm to 10:00 p.m. at Olander Park, Nederhouser Hall, 6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania, OH 43560.  Food and Beverages will be provided.  Bring a picture, bring a story, but most of all, we are here to celebrate his life.  Doug wanted a party, not a funeral.

In lieu of flowers or planters, please consider a donation in his memory to:

Toledo Bar Association, Pro Bono Program: http://www.toledobar.org/TBA/For_the_Public/Pro_Bono_Legal_Services/TBA/ForthePublic/ProBono.aspx?hkey=3b230b8f-542a-4b98-ab8c-d63c75d50f29; or

Medical Mission in Motion: medicalmissioninmotion@gmail.com; or

Prostate Cancer Foundation: https://www.pcf.org/: or

Or consider donating your hair to: Pantene Beautiful Lengths: https://pantene.com/en-us/experience-main-section2/beautiful-lengthsDoug’s earthly presence will be missed by us all, but he leaves us with immeasurable wisdom, clarity, and calm.  Fly High………until we meet again.