Douglas M Midgley's Obituary
Douglas M. Midgley, a distinguished legal figure and devoted public servant, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the age of 84. A longtime resident of Florida, he leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to justice and community service.
Born on February 17, 1940, In Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Douglas was the son of the late James and Etta (nee Merritt) Midgley. His educational journey was marked by excellence: he graduated from Fort Myers High School in 1958, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida in 1962, and went on to complete his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1964. His legal education culminated with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in December of 1967.
Douglas served as the Elected Public Defender of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, representing Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Glades counties. His tireless advocacy for the rights of the accused and his commitment to ensuring a fair legal process earned him respect throughout the legal community.
For an impressive 39 years, Douglas dedicated himself to defending those who could not afford legal representation. His compassion, legal acumen, and unwavering dedication made a lasting impact on countless lives.
Douglas was an active member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Winter Haven, FL. His faith guided his actions, and he found solace in the church community.
Douglas M. Midgley’s legacy extends far beyond his legal career. He will be remembered as a compassionate advocate, a mentor to aspiring attorneys, and a pillar of integrity. His commitment to justice and fairness will continue to inspire generations to come.
He is survived by his loving children, Scott Douglas Midgley and Diana Lynne Midgley Dorsey; grandchildren, Katherine Michelle Midgley, Alexander Scott Midgley, Emily Jessen, William Dorsey and Elijah Dorsey as well as many extended family members and friends both in the USA and Canada.
A Graveside Service will be celebrated 10:00 AM, Friday, June 7, 2024 at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907 inside the Chapel of Memories. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 9:15 AM until the service time at 10:00 AM.
For those who were unable to attend but wish to see the recorded service please use the link below, this link is only good for 30 days.
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