Obituary of Doug Ayotte

July 21, 1946 – Gladmar, Saskatchewan

July 18, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

The family of Douglas Ayotte, of Calgary, AB, is saddened to announce his passing on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at the age of 76 years after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Doug was born in Gladmar, SK, and grew up in Minton. He met Gail, his wife to be, in junior high and they were seldom apart after that. University took him to Saskatoon, SK, where he married Gail and became a father for the first time. A job with Stelco had them headed east to Burlington, ON. They had another son there and then headed back west, this time to Edmonton, AB. They had a daughter there and established roots in Sherwood Park, AB. Another opportunity sent them to Venezuela, South America where they spent six months. Doug worked and the family explored the country together in their free time. 

After the South American adventure, Doug found his work home with Suncor. They headed north to Fort McMurray, AB, where the family would spend almost fifteen years.   

Calgary, AB, became his home and the place he lived the longest, spending twenty-eight years in sunny Southern Alberta. Doug retired after twenty-five years at Suncor. He spent his winters in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, with his beloved wife and thoroughly enjoying his hobbies of poker, and golf. In his spare time, he began to mentor and chair a TEC group that fed his insatiable passion to teach.  

Doug was happiest when spending time with his family. He enjoyed spoiling his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was happiest when watching his grandkids compete in sports, talking to them about life and politics, having family meals, downtime in his theatre room, and golfing at Canyon Meadows.  

Doug is survived by his beloved wife Gail (nee Metke), his two sons, Paul (Denise), Steve (Kelly); daughter, Michelle McSween (Derek); five grandchildren Alex, David, Sam, Sophia, and Julia. He is also survived by his brother Larry (Ladene) Ayotte.  He was predeceased by his parents, Margaret and Dave Ayotte, and his sister, Geraldine.

A Celebration of life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Doors open at noon. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Doug Ayotte Memorial fund at the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 – 99^th Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222, https://www.albertacancer.ca/donate. Please select World Leading Research and in the comment section, please include that you would like the funds designated to the PSMA prostate cancer research.  

In living memory of Douglas Ayotte, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.