It was with much sadness, tinged with hope, that we released our precious Doug into the arms of Jesus on June 28, 2024, at Lionsgate Hospital.
He was a loving husband of 44 years to Donna, a beloved father to Michael, a brother to Roberta (Ed) and Wayne (Wanda), a brother-in-“love” to nine, and a friend and colleague. He received his Bachelor of Education at UBC and a subsequent Masters degree and taught for 35 years in the North Vancouver School District. His lifelong love of teaching marked all of his relationships both professional and personal. He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews often using nature and wildlife as teaching opportunities.
Doug enjoyed expressing himself in words, song and through instruments like his guitar and accordion and leading school Christmas concerts. Many joyous occasions were celebrated with family and friends. He loved live theatre and music and was a season ticket holder at The Arts Club and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. He was a member of North Shore Alliance Church for over 40 years serving in various capacities. He coached over 200 sports teams in the school district and community and loved throwing a baseball and kicking a soccer ball. He was also a big fan of the Canucks, Whitecaps and Lions and was on quest with his son to see as many Major League Baseball stadiums as possible. He loved adventures like camping, even in the rain, and road trips with family to the Okanagan, Vancouver Island, Alberta and Ontario. His young nephews loved traveling in his van where Abba CD’s blared through the speakers. He valued his relationships with family, friends, students, neighbours and colleagues.
After retirement he savoured moments observing birds, butterflies and wildlife that ventured into the backyard. He loved family dearly. No family member was an in-law, they were considered brothers and sisters. They were all his family. We miss him, but remember how he loved Jesus and used every opportunity to share his faith and lead others to the path of salvation. His life exemplified the words he treasured and often quoted: “Your heart is not your own until it beats for someone else.”
He was victorious over a massive heart attack, triple coronary bypass and prostate cancer. But his greatest battle was courageously fighting ALS. Never did he question or blame his Lord Jesus instead he asked how he could glorify Jesus in this battle.
A celebration of life will be held on July 27, 2024, at 11:30 am at North Shore Alliance Church, 201 E 23rd Street, North Vancouver, BC.
The family would like to thank the nurses, respiratory therapists and doctors at Lionsgate Hospital High Acuity Unit and Vancouver Coastal Health. The compassion and care that Doug received during his final days was so appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the ALS Society of Canada would be appreciated.
July 28th, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with Donna, Michael and the rest do Doug’s family. I sadly was not able to attend his services but I was there in spirit. Doug was a wonderful man and will greatly missed. Many memories will live on in all our hearts, keeping Doug with us till we meet again!
Glenn
July 21st, 2024
Doug was always a caring, loving, forgiving, positive, force in my life! Donna and Michael I am so sorry for your loss. It is hard not to look towards your neighborhood when I come back to the N.Shore without Doug entering my thoughts. I will alway miss Doug but I will never forget him. I am happy to know he is in a better place with no suffering or pain sitting there watching over us all with a big bowl of icecream
July 19th, 2024
Oh Donna and Michael...i am so sad to read of the passing of Doug, the love of your life, a man who embraced many things about life and who lived fully. My heart goes out to you both and know that many people are holding you close.
July 18th, 2024
Our condolences to you Donna and Michael we are so sad and upset with Doug's passing.
Doug was a friend to us for over 50 years from the time he and Darlene started teaching together at Braemar, to his retirement were he and I would walk together to talk about family and our journey with the Lord. He was always interested on how our kids and grandchildren were doing in life and would share with me on Michael's path in life.
Dave, Darlene, Kristin, Troy, Mari, Keaton, Dara, Matt, Grady, Brennen, Lexi, Nathan, and Aiden
July 18th, 2024
Our hearts go out to you, Donna and Michael, on the loss of your cherished Husband and Father. We met Doug in May 1987 at NSA when we still rented a room in the Rec Centre and he always showed a keen interest in our family. We enjoyed times of Christian "refreshment" together and we especially enjoyed Doug's accordian playing. We shared the same wedding anniversary year and we remember when we celebrated our 30th anniversaries together. I enjoyed his love of history. Doug was a blessing to us.
July 16th, 2024
Our hearts were sad when we first heard that Doug had been diagnosed with ALS disease. He stayed close to his Saviour, Jesus all throughout his illness and is now in the presence of our Lord. He will be greatly missed and we ache for both Donna and Michael as they grieve a husband and father. Doug has " fought the good fight and finished the race and in store for him is the crown of righteousness as Doug longed for Jesus' return. May our LORD comfort and strengthen you my precious sister Donna and Michael. Love you both so much.
July 15th, 2024
Our deepest condolences, Donna and Michael. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Love
David, Laurel, Geoffrey, Erin and Connor
July 15th, 2024
Condolences to the family. He was my grade four teacher at Braemar. He inspired us to enjoy life. He always tried to make our time fun. He was fair, compassionate and creative. A favourite of many students and parents. The world has lost a wonderful person.
July 15th, 2024
Shocking and very sad news to hear Donna, we had no idea Doug had passed away.
Our most sincere condolences, Donna and Michael.
Mauricio & Marcela
July 14th, 2024
I worked with Doug at Canyon Heights for 14 years. He was a kind, compassionate and caring man who was always interested in my life and my boys and would share stories of himself and Michael’s latest adventures as well. He was so proud of Michael! We all loved it when he would lead the school in a round of music with his accordian. He will be remembered with great fondness. ❤️
July 14th, 2024
I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Lloyd. Mr Lloyd taught me in grade 4 and 5 at Braemar elementary school in north Vancouver. He was by far my favorite teacher. I have such fond memories of preparing for and going out to sing go Caroling singing "up on the rooftop" with Mr. Lloyd as well as many other fond memories. Condolences to his family. He was a wonderful caring committed teacher.
July 14th, 2024
I worked with Doug for many years at Canyon Heights In North Vancouver. He was very passionate about teaching and was a kind and caring gentleman who will be missed by all of those who knew him. My condolences to Donna, Michael and his family.
July 14th, 2024
Our sincere condolences, Donna and Michael
🙏❤️
July 13th, 2024
My deepest condolences to Donna and her family, knowing Douglas is no longer suffering is a great comfort yet for the left behind, going through is still difficult. Holding you close to our Savior and Redeemer.
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