Obituary of Douglas Richard Rafuse

October 24, 1941 - Halifax, Nova Scotia

January 9, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness and somber relief that the family of Doug Rafuse announce his passing on Sunday, January 9, 2022.  After an eight-year courageous battle with Dementia he passed away peacefully at the age of 80 years.

Doug was always proud of the fact that he obtained his flying license in high school; it was impressive that he could identify any airplane flying overhead. His vocation in sales is where he excelled and spent his early days travelling the Maritime provinces. In 1967, he was employed with Polaroid and was transferred to Winnipeg.  In 1974, he moved to Calgary to take a sales position with North American Van Lines.  He then worked at Classic Moving in sales and in 1982, he started Noble House Consulting.  From 1985 he worked for various moving and storage companies until 2002, where he worked part time for his son Stephen until his retirement.

Doug was a long-time member of Grace Baptist Church, serving in various capacities including Deacon and planning plays for Christmas and Easter.  He was a member of AA where he served as a mentor and sponsor for many years.

One of his passions was motorcycles and that included teaching motorcycle safety.  In 2000, he took a solo motorcycle trip from Calgary to New Brunswick. A few years later, he repeated the trip with his lovely wife Nancy riding on the back.

With desire to become an actor, Doug took acting lessons, acquired head shots, and garnered a role in “Snow Dogs” and TV ads.

He will be best remembered for his playful wit and charming demeanor!  He loved to make people laugh, making funny faces and telling elaborate stories.

Doug is survived by his loving and caring wife of 60 years, Nancy; three grown children, Martin (Tracy), Stephen (Laurie) and Jane (Christian); twelve grandchildren, Jessica, Madison, Evan (Daniela), Jarrett (Lindsay), Kelly, Robyn (Jesse), James (Misha), Jenna, Liam, Seth, Cole, and Reid; along with four great-grandchildren, Ava, Miles, Noah, and Parker Elizabeth.  He is also survived by his half-brother Andrew Rafuse (Nathalie) and two half-sisters, Elise Rafuse (Bill Pase) and Susan Kelly. He was predeceased by his mother Gladys Rafuse, and his father Bruce Rafuse (Sally).

A Funeral Service will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB), on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Those attending will be asked to provide valid government identification (with name and date of birth) AND confirm one of the following: (A)Provincial vaccine record with QR code (paper or digital); OR (B)negative COVID test (within 72 hours); or (C)valid medical exemption (signed letter); OR (D)under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Rafuse’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

The family wishes to give their special thanks to all of Doug’s caregivers at Bethany Calgary on levels 4, 7, and 8 for taking such good care of him. Doug will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

In living memory of Douglas Rafuse, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.

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