The world lost not just a great man but a good one this week. Douglas Harold Ireland, age 79, died at home with his family on April 7, 2020. Born in Unadilla on Feb. 19, 1941 to the late Phillip Orville Ireland and Beatrice (Coddington), Doug was a natural at farm life. He had a knack for handling the animals, and was excellent at working with his hands. He had his first herd right out of high school, and went on to operate his award-winning dairy in Mt. Upton. After closing the farm, Doug became a successful contractor and electrician. He took pride in his work, cared about his customers, and took every emergency call that he could, especially during the winter. Doug did tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of work during the floods in both 2006 and 2011, simply because it was the right thing to do. He donated time to local charity programs with no desire for praise or recognition. He drove more than thirty years’ worth of toys all over the area for children in need.
He helped raise six children to be hard-working, honest people. He performed countless acts of kindness for many, many people, simply because he believed in the idea of neighbor helping neighbor. In short, he was simply a good man. His legacy will not be one of money or power, but one of integrity and honesty, and his presence in the world will truly be missed.
Doug is survived by his beloved wife Virginia “Ginny” Frewert Ireland, Bainbridge; children Valerie Sue McCain, Bainbridge, Ronald Eric Ireland (and Barb) of Florida, and Nadine Mae Fineout of St. Louis, Mo., Karen Ann Kantor (and Andrew), Unadilla, Cheryl Lynn Liberty (and Stratton), Bainbridge, and Dorene Ellen Ireland (and Gerold Fisher); sister Jeanette Hinkley (and Robert), Unadilla; grandchildren Tracy McCain, Rochester, Dustin Fineout , Virginia, Melissa Gemmel, St. Louis, Mo., Matthew Fineout, Pensacola, Fla., Jennifer Liberty, Dayton, Ohio, and Samuel Kantor, Unadilla; three great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and his pride and joy, Kizzy, who, Doug would assure you, is a very, very good dog.
Predeceasing Doug were his parents Phillip Ireland and Beatrice (Coddington), his brother Larry “Doc” Ireland, and his grandson Geoffrey Devon McCain.
Doug was a 1959 graduate of Sidney High School in Sidney. He married the love of his life, Ginny Frewert, on April 22, 1966.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not have funeral services. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations are being accepted in Doug’s name at the Ireland’s family charity, Operation Merry Christmas, in care of the East Guilford United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 147, Sidney NY 13838.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.
