Doug Specht has passed away at the age of 83.
Born in Windsor, Ontario on February 7, 1942, Doug excelled in hockey, baseball and football. He played hockey for Assumption H.S. and signed a C Form with the Detroit Red Wings, attending their Junior A camp in Hamilton. He was the highest scoring defenseman for the Windsor N & D Junior Team and played for the Windsor Bulldogs of the O.H.A. He won Class F and D Championships and a Babe Ruth Championship in Detroit in baseball and was selected All Star catcher for the All-Star game at Brigg’s Stadium. He also played inter-county baseball with the Galt Terriers. Doug played football at Assumption and Corpus Christie (now F.J. Brennan). His outstanding play for Windsor Junior A.K.O. attracted the attention of Brigham Young University in Utah where he earned a football scholarship.
Doug played centre for the Ottawa Rough Riders from 1965 to 1971; in 1966 he was named an Eastern All-Star, and won two Grey Cups in 1968 and 1969. His football career ended tragically when he broke his neck in a car accident in 1972. Doug was named to the Windsor Essex Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. Doug remained in Ottawa, operating a successful and respected bailiff business with his wife Donna. He has three children (Donna, Jeff, Jennifer) and eight grandchildren.
Doug Specht with his wife, Donna, and son, Jeff. (Photo by Donn Smith)
