Obituary of Douglas Wayne Vanner

October 5, 1952 – Calgary, Alberta

June 26, 2024 – Okotoks, Alberta

Douglas Vanner, beloved husband of Fern Vanner, of Cochrane, AB, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the age of 71 years.

Doug grew up in a small wartime house in the Calgary, AB, community of West Hillhurst with his parents, Kathleen (Kay) and Henry, as well as siblings Beth, Diane, and Allan. He spent his childhood fishing and swimming in the local creeks and swimming holes.

As a young boy, Doug met a pretty, young girl in the neighborhood who would one day become his beautiful bride. Doug married the love of his life, Fern, in 1974, and they spent 50 years together. They raised two sons, Duane, and Ryan, in the community of Temple in Calgary.

In his younger years, Doug enjoyed playing football and hockey, and in his later years, he loved watching his young grandsons play football and hockey.

Doug had a life well-lived; to call him an avid outdoorsman would be an understatement. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family fishing, skiing, dirt biking, camping, hiking, and exploring; he was certainly more at home outside than inside.

Doug worked for over 34 years at TransAlta Utilities as an Electronic Systems Technologist and Foreman. He was renowned for his expertise and, while at TransAlta, he and a colleague used their ingenuity to invent a specialized tool; complete with a U.S patent.

Doug and Fern caught the travel bug later in life and went on countless adventures through the United States, England, Spain, Mexico, and Hawaii, one of their favourite places in the world. They lived for the last twenty years at the foot of the Rockies in Cochrane, AB, and enjoyed going for long drives through the mountains, taking in the peace and serenity that surrounded them.

Doug will always be remembered for his generosity, big heart, and welcoming spirit.

Doug is survived by his wife Fern, son Ryan, daughter-in-law Tracy (Block-Vanner); his grandchildren, Jackson, Harrison, and Georgia. He was predeceased by his son Duane, brother Allan, and parents, Henry and Kay.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB), on Friday, July 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Cochrane Humane Society, 62 Griffin Industrial Point, Cochrane, AB T4C 0A3, Telephone: (403)932-2072 Website: https://www.cochranehumane.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Doug's family here.

In living memory of Doug Vanner, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.