Dear Marie,

Today I took Yvonne´s print of the wall, you gave us in 2005, after making it possible for you and Doug to fly to Holland, to celebrate the 60th liberation anniversary of our country, where we were born a short time after Dougs heroic action during WWII.

The information on the back of the print was out-of-date, but after some research, we, sadly, came accross Doug´s obituary, but were surprised to learn the many years God had given him for you both to be together.

Doug must have left an enormous void in your heart, that can only be filled with God´s love.

We are very blessed that you both were part of our lives.

Please accept our belated condolences and hope the burden of loss is shared by your many children, family and friends.

His blessings for you all,

Akkie and Rene Blei, Cochrane,AB

Dear Aunt Marie and Family,

I was so sad to hear of Uncle Doug's passing. I have so many memories of time spent with him and all of you as a child growing up in Calgary. Coming from a family of 6 children, people often commented on the size of my family, and I would just smile and say, oh my goodness, our family is small compared to my cousin's. I remember Uncle Doug's twinkling eyes and his strong, beautiful voice. If I close my eyes, I can see and hear him speaking at our wedding way back in 1972. He was a treasure. He loved all of you and was so happy at the cabin. Please know that you are all in our thoughts.

Pat Kirkey (Forde)

My dearest Dad - we shared the most beautiful music memories together! All my adult life Dad - and I would enjoy accompanying each other to the old standards. (Dad on his chromatic harmonica and myself on guitar.) We played most of the 'old' songs. I learned many of the good old standards from him. Dad was an exceptional harmonica player and I was always amazed at the difficulty of what he more than mastered! One song in particular - 'Peg 'O My Heart' was a fun fast one that we tried to make even more galloping each time we played it. We always ended up laughing as our musicianship got completely silly from this.

About ten years back I was visiting my dear Mom and Dad when they lived in Cochrane AB. While enjoying one of my Mom's usual 'epicurean delightful desserts' - Dad put on a cd playing an instrumental of a favourite song of ours - 'Some Enchanted Evening'. Dad began playing his harmonica over the recorded instrumental. Well the story goes - - - that I must have jumped up and said:

"Dad that is more than fantastic! It sounds absolutely professional! Let's get that recorded - lets get a whole cd recorded of ten of your favourite harmonica songs!"

Well the project ended up being a mighty success. He was one very proud musician. It was lovely to see him signing the cover for all those who were so fortunate to get one. I called his cd - 'The Chromatic King'.

I will miss my dearest Dad so deeply - the music times together will always be such precious memories. They will live on forever in my heart.

His third eldest,

Yvonne Lavoie Martinez

Dear family,

Sad to hear that our Canadian friend has passed away. We were so fortunate to have met Douglas in France and Holland. We have warm memories to that period of time.

So long Douglas ! You enriched our lives.

Paul Bijkersma, Doetinchem, Holland

We always appreciated the hospitality shown to us at the cabin, sharing meals, campfire sing-a-longs, jumping in the river and rousing games of water ping pong. Condolences from The Malates

Dear Grandma Marie, and everyone,

My deepest condolences on Grandpa Doug's passing, and my deepest thanks for his life, his service, and everything that he and all of you have shared with my sister and I through your friendship in Christ with my mother - every Thanksgiving and Christmas we celebrated with you as the grandparents and extended family we didn't have here, every trip to the cabin, every wise word and memory you've shared with us over the years.

I regret so fiercely that my wife Erin and I can't be with you today and tomorrow, but we will pay tribute in spirit and gratitude for his long, fruitful, and honourable life.

Yours,

Chigbo Ikejiani

Dear Marie, dearest friend and sister in Christ Yvonne, and family,

Our condolences on the passing of Doug. I (VeraLucia) still have memories of his smiles every time he picked you up, Marie, after Wednesday (Canadian Martyrs) rosary prayers. Tim and I pray for the repose of his eternal soul with gratitude for his long and fruitful life. May he rest in peace. Love, VeraLucia Cottim-Coughlan/Tim Coughlan