Obituary of Douglas Everett Biles

June 18, 1946 - Calgary, Alberta

October 16, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Douglas Everett Biles passed away peacefully at Wentworth Manor, Calgary on Monday, October 16, 2023, at the age of 77 years after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Doug was born and raised in Calgary, AB. He spent many summers of his childhood at Camp Hector and Camp Gardner and was proud to have been a Queen’s Scout. His love of Scouting continued to his adult years, where he delighted in being a Cub Leader. Doug attended the University of Calgary where he received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and then a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. While attending U of C, Doug met and married Joan Treleaven. Soon after they were joined by Sandra, John, and Leslie.

After graduating, Doug worked in the upstream hydrocarbon industry (oil and gas to the rest of us). He started as Deputy Drilling Manager for Home Oil, then Operations Manager for Murphy Oil, followed by Country Production Manager for Kerr McGee Canada. In 1981, he became Managing Director of TransWorld & TransOcean Drilling (UK) which necessitated a move to London, England where he was based for the next 20 years. In the latter part of his career, he was CEO of Atlantic Caspian Resources, Chairman of the Chinook Group, and CEO of WesCorp Energy Inc. His work took him around the world including Argentina, Azerbaijan, Canada, Germany, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Russia, Saudia Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. He was a lifetime member of APEGGA, a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, and a longtime member of the Royal Automobile Club in the UK and the Petroleum Club in Calgary.

Doug loved to travel and took his family on many fantastic vacations. Favourite places included Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland, and, of course, Disney World where Doug was as much a kid as the kids. And who could forget Scotland and the day he introduced the family to the Strathclyde Police Bagpipe Band! Doug loved theatre, classical music, and opera and was lucky enough to be able to attend events all over the world. A favourite activity was going to Music on a Summer Evening concerts held on the grounds of some of the great houses of England. Despite all these international opportunities, he still loved the Calgary Stampede and the rodeo and chuckwagon events most of all.

Endless hours of entertainment were found in playing cards or any other game suggested. Anyone who played cards with Doug would remember his unorthodox method of bidding and his tremendous luck! Doug was also an avid Stampeders and Flames fan when in Calgary and loved rugby and cricket in the UK. Doug always wanted a dog, but that was not to be. However, when sent out to buy a goldfish for the children, he memorably returned with a 20-gallon fish tank and enough tropical fish to stock it, and over a few years, another five tanks arrived to keep them company! His love of animals encouraged all his children to adopt a menagerie of furry grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy.

Doug was an avid reader and intrepid walker. He was rarely without multiple books on the go. Most early mornings he could be found walking the neighbourhood, whether that was Hyde Park in London or Christie Park in Calgary. He also spent many weekend hours walking or gardening with his kids, imparting Dad wisdom along the way. Many of his colourful sayings have really stuck with those who were lucky enough to have heard them. We thank him for his solid advice and would like to remind him that when Mimi has pie in the sky, why choose?

Doug leaves a legacy in his children Sandy (Cam), John (Mary-Lee), and Leslie (Robert) and his much-loved grandchildren Abigail, Victoria, Emily, Adelaide, and Baxter. He leaves behind friends all over the globe. He will be particularly missed by his UK family Simon, Alison, Philippa, and Katie and his longtime friend and partner Gary and his wife Irene.

We are extremely grateful to those who visited or kept in touch with Dad. We would like to thank the staff at Wentworth Manor for taking the time to treat Dad with kindness, patience, and dignity. Our deepest gratitude to the team at SOS Supportive Outings & Services especially Deb, Colleen, Alison, and Darcy. Your kindness, care, and companionship to Dad went above and beyond and we are forever in your debt for stepping in to assist.

A Celebration of Doug’s Life will be held at a later date. Please email douglasbilesmemorial@gmail.com to leave memories, photos or for details of his memorial. Please remember Doug by toasting him with scotch and a good story. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made directly to The Brenda Strafford Foundation Ltd, 4628 Montgomery Blvd NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 0K7, Telephone: 403-444-7222, www.thebsf.ca.

In living memory of Doug Biles, 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.