Obituary of Douglas Iver Craig Massing

June 10, 1939 – Rimbey, Alberta

September 1, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sadness we announce Doug’s passing on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the age of 85 years.

Doug was born on June 10, 1939, in Rimbey, AB. He grew up with his parents, Ottar and Muriel (nee Craig), and his sister Marilyn, living in three small towns in Alberta: Rimbey, Wetaskiwin, and Killam. Doug graduated from the Killam Division Central High School and attended university in Missoula, Montana where he majored in science and math. During his youth, Doug enjoyed hockey, football, curling, and hanging out at the pool hall. The family had a cottage on Pigeon Lake where they enjoyed many memorable vacations together. Doug had wonderful memories of the times he had throughout his life, with his mother, father, sister, Massing grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Unfortunately, his Craig grandparents passed away before he was born.

Doug’s proudest moments were the arrival of his daughters, Tracy and Tanya, and his grandsons, Hunter and Dylan. He often commented, “Boys are far more active and aggressive than girls.” He loved the boys’ exuberance and enjoyed every opportunity he had with them.

Doug had a diverse career and as such his employment took him to many locations in Canada. When he left college, he worked in seismic interpretation, and then in drilling mud services. He worked many years for Dowell of Canada in Industrial Cleaning, servicing chemical and pulp and paper plants. It was when he was working in Weston, ON, as the Manufacturing Manager at Dow Chemical’s Packaging Plant, he met his wife, Nancy. After they moved to Calgary, Doug worked in the oil and gas service industry, in sales, enhanced oil recovery, and safety and procedures. Doug retired from Dale-Sagatex North America, a Norwegian company. Doug was very proud of his Massing Norwegian background and thoroughly enjoyed his travels to Norway while working at Dale. Doug enjoyed his work but most of all he cherished the friendships he made that lasted throughout his lifetime.

Doug enjoyed tennis, baseball, cross-country and downhill skiing, hiking, working out at the YMCA, and of course curling and golfing. He also took up running, starting out with 5 km and 10 km races, two 5-person marathons with family, and his greatest running achievement was the Harvest 1/2 Marathon in 2001, where he came in first in his age category. Doug was very gifted at woodworking. He made some very beautiful cutting boards, jewelry boxes, and bowls. One of his greatest woodworking achievements was the rocking horse he made for his grandsons. The love of this craft was handed down to him by his father.

Doug and his wife, Nancy, moved to Calgary in 1979. They shared 45 wonderful years together. They were not only husband and wife but best friends and soul mates. They were happiest when they were together enjoying life side by side.

Doug will fondly be remembered as a great listener; someone you could go to for wise and friendly advice or a helping hand. Most of all he will be remembered by family and friends for his loyalty, sense of humour and famous one-liners.

Doug is survived by his loving wife Nancy, daughters, Tracy Massing and Tanya Massing Esqueda; grandsons, Hunter and Dylan Esqueda; sister Marilyn Williams (Jack), sisters-in-law, Fran Bones, Lila Forester (Mike), Sandra Lawrence, Shirley DiFebo (Bob); nieces and nephews, Mitch Williams (Sue), Michele Matthew-Williams (Will), David Bones (Heather), Cheryl Hamilton (Kent), Nancy Bones, Steve McMinn (Angie), Tobi Crooks, Tami Crooks, Jason Di Febo (Michelle), and Dean DiFebo (Crystal); and many great-nieces and great-nephews, Lindsay, Abigail, and Gavin Williams, Pete and John Matthews, Brandon, Brett, and Breanne Bones, Sandra and Laura (nee Hamilton), Mason and Rachel Young, Tyler, Cameron and Scotland Crooks, and Ava, Grace, and Lily DiFebo.

Over the last 20 years Doug had many health issues. The family wishes to thank all the doctors and nurses for their exceptional care and attention to Doug. We wish to extend special thanks to Dr. Herget his G.P., Dr. Grossman his Hematologist at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, and Dr. Jarand at the Bronchiectasis/Respiratory Clinic, University of Calgary. We are especially grateful to the kind and caring staff at AgeCare Glenmore, where he spent the final few weeks of his life.

A Celebration of Doug’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca or the Canadian Lung Association, 885 Meadowlands Dr., Suite 502, Ottawa,  ON K2C 3N2, www.lung.ca or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

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

In living memory of Douglas Massing, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.