Condolences
I have just seen the obituary for Doug and am in sympathy with you. Doug and I worked together at VRRI and together with another employee we named URSA. Over the years we would meet in Calgary when I visited there. So many fond memories of his creativity, going the route of the new and undiscovered, and finding good for so many. Thanking him for our time together.
I was very fortunate to have Doug as one of my early supervisors and mentor. He was a remarkable man who made real change and impact within the disability sector, improving the lives of many. Doug will be missed.
My sincere condolences to Doug's family and friends. Doug witty sense of humour always had me laughing when ever we would meet and he was an inspiration and mentor to many! You will be missed but never forgotten Doug.
Doug was a visionary and a mentor to many over the years. He was a strong advocate for persons with disabilities and never hesitated to speak out. We were all touched by his wit, energy and charm. He will be missed. Yvonne Martodam
My sincerest condolences to Doug’s family. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories he left you. He certainly left a legacy in his field of work with people with developmental disabilities and the brain injured. I know he will be truly missed by all who knew him. RIP Doug.
I met Doug in the early 80's...always up for some fun and a good party! Doug's contribution to those who live with a disability is known across the province. He was a gentle soul but a fierce advocate for anyone who needed support. He will be missed...and his memory cherished by all of us.
Cheryl Crocker
My family and I are forever grateful to Doug for creating the URSA legacy which our daughter now lives in. Such a remarkable man who never stopped at one major achievement that most people would find to be enough, but he continued on with the retreat and Easy Street. I'll never forget his energy and genuine love in helping not only my daughter, but helping us make the big adjustment to "letting her go to URSA". He was so reassuring and had a deep understanding of parents' devotedness. He was an extraordinary man who brought joy to everyone. Who else can say that? He is a true hero to us and will be missed.
Doug, was one of my first bosses, and he was an inspiring mentor. Later we were colleagues but most important he was MY FRIEND! So many memories!!! Rest in peace my dear friend.
-Linda Powell
One of our favourite memories of Doug was when his niece got married. He was so excited and so proud. After the wedding he came into work and called us into his office. He brought up his Facebook to show us the the dance that he and his niece did at the wedding. The dance was amazing to watch, he definitely had moves, but the beautiful part was the beaming smile on his face while he watched with us. So proud and loving.
Although we always knew that Doug was an amazing person, that day we saw his beautiful soul.
Doug was such an inspiration and a fearless leader. We are so grateful that we got to have the wonderful moments with Doug that we did.
Lots of love to Doug’s family
Mari-Anne and Tammy.
Ps
There are so many memories we can share of his wit and charisma however not quite sure we can share on this site. But have to say these moments were the best in our minds. We r laughing so loud right now talking of all the stories. You always knew where you stood with Doug and his impact in the field will forever be missed.
To all of Doug's immediate family, Al and myself were so saddened in the passing of Doug. We have some very close and funny memories to cherish of Doug. He worked so hard and accomplished so much in his life. His generosity touched so many people and his occupation gave so many a purpose to live. Great job Doug. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this heart breaking time.
Al and Dianne Cleveland
I first met Doug when we attended the University of a San Francisco in 1980. Lia Andrews, Brian Chittock, myself and Doug were the four Canadians in this Bachelor’s Program in Rehabilitation Administration. We flew down from Edmonton and Calgary for a week of intensive in class learning every three months over a year and a half. Oh what fun we had in beautiful San Francisco and we left quite an impression on our classmates and our instructors. We would all go on to leadership positions in the field of disability and inclusion.
Doug and I reconnected thirty some years later after a chance encounter of mutual friends in Palm Springs. Doug moved to Vancouver Island purchasing a beautiful home in Spirit Bay in East Sooke. We enjoyed many great times together including three trips to Palm Springs for fun and sun. Twice with Doug and a third trip to celebrate my retirement in 2019. Janice and I will be forever grateful to Doug for his incredible hospitality. Though his time in Victoria BC was limited due to his failing health Doug got great pleasure living in his purple house on the ocean. We visited most weekends until the time came that he had to return to Calgary. We then kept in touch through FaceTime and I visited him in Calgary one last time in May 2019.
So long my dear friend. You lived life to the fullest. I will miss your sarcasm, your hearty laugh, and ready smile. Such a proud Albertan you were. I wish you peace. Julie Hickey, Victoria, BC.
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