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Douglas John Smith

September 25th, 1954 - June 1st, 2022
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It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas John Smith. He passed away peacefully surrounded by those he loved on June 1, 2022 at McKenney Creek Hospice in Maple Ridge. After a 7-year long battle with cancer he is finally at peace.

Doug was predeceased by his parents John and Doris, and 16 years ago he lost his wife MaryBeth. 

He is survived by his children Dennis (Charlene), Lance and Tom, and is loved by his grandchildren Grayson, Hayden and Mary. 

He spent many of his last years with Jeanne who he adored with all his heart.

Doug worked as an educational assistant for the Burnaby school district and showed so much love and dedication to the children he worked with. All of us who knew Doug knew that he loved those children like they were his own and would do anything for them.

Our family is so happy that Doug was lucky enough to be surrounded by so many friends that loved and supported him throughout his illness. All of you filled his days with love and laughter.

Thank you all for your friendship throughout the years and for all the happiness you brought Doug.

"That's All Folks!"

-Mel Blanc (Looney Tunes)


Tributes

Franca Di Nunzio
July 26th, 2022

I have had the pleasure of meeting Doug during his time working at Burnaby Central. HIs care, kindness and thoughtfulness will always be remembered. My sincere condolences to his friends and family.

Franca

Raili Mazurek
July 12th, 2022

We worked with Doug in the late 90’s at Burnaby North. He was very sweet and kind and took such good care of, and made truly genuine connections with, the students he worked with. He was a pleasure to work with and will be missed. - Raili, Tammy and Alisa

Raili Mazurek
June 12th, 2022

We worked with Doug in the late 90’s at Burnaby North. He was very sweet and kind and took such good care of, and made truly genuine connections with, the students he worked with. He was a pleasure to work with and will be missed. - Raili, Tammy and Alisa

Dianne Carr - Principal Burnaby Central Secondary
June 10th, 2022

Doug created a safe and caring space for students at Burnaby Central Secondary school. He was kind, intelligent and compassionate. He worked with our most vulnerable students and they appreciated the love he extended to them. I had many wonderful conversations with Doug over the years at Central. He had a positive attitude and always made you feel listened to and cared for. Doug was authentic and a breath of fresh air. His spirit will live on in the halls of our school. Thank you, Doug.

Shari Cotter
June 10th, 2022

I had the pleasure of first meeting Doug in my first few months as an EA back in 2006. He was such an inspiration to work with. He taught me a lot in those first few months. Over the years I will always remember catching up with him at the Christmas events and special activities. Always making the kids smile and laugh. He was the heart of EA's in our district.

Isaac John Lewis
June 9th, 2022

You’re not totally away Mr. Smith, you’re a little sparkle in the memory of all the students you worked with with such dedication and love, and in the memory of all those coworkers around you for so many years in the schools, we didn’t get to know each other but I remember that you loved unicorns, my desire and hope is that you’ll find beautiful unicorns in the universes you’ll be traveling through, farewell Doug .

Lily Tong
June 8th, 2022

I've had the pleasure to work alongside Doug in summer school a few summers ago. Doug's caring nature and gentleness have always resonated with me. You will be greatly missed by many, Doug.

Lily Tong
June 8th, 2022

I had the honor work alongside Doug at summer school a few summers ago. Even though it was only for three weeks, his caring nature and gentleness with his students have always resonated with me. You will be missed, Doug.

Georgia
June 7th, 2022

It's been an honor having Doug as my friend, working with him since very first day here at Central.
He had "a heart of gold"

V.Baldwin
June 7th, 2022

Doug was a great Educational assistant. He had a genuine understanding for the students he supported. He will be missed by many.

Wendy Henderson
June 6th, 2022

I am saddened to hear of the news. Doug will be missed dearly. I will remember Doug as the sweet, gentle, soft spoken EA I often pass by in the Bby Central hallways while he was supporting his students. Such a wonderful individual. I wish the family peace and strength as you navigate through this difficult time.

Charlene Kemp
June 6th, 2022

Doug really was one on a kind~he loved all the kids, and they loved him. He appreciated all the people he worked with, and loved working with them. When he had Johnny as one of his students, I would go into the room where they were, and chat with him and hold Johnny’s hand. Doug was always so appreciative that I would take the time to do this. He couldn’t thank me enough. What a special, special man, I will never forget his kind and caring ways. He will be sorely missed by all of us that knew him. I will miss you, Doug 💔
Char

Chris Patey
June 6th, 2022

Doug was definitely one of a kind. A gentle giant with a big heart. I had the honor of working with Doug at 12th Ave Elementary. Not only was he a leader, but someone who inspired you to always put the best interests of the student first, making sure they had the best day possible while in his care. Rest easy, Doug.

A. Sahlsten
June 6th, 2022

" There are some who bring a light so great to the world 🌎 that even after they have gone, their light ✨ remains ".

debbie holzfoester
June 6th, 2022

Doug is definitely one of a kind. Words cannot explain my feelings about this human being. I remember playing magic and drinking coffee. He would always say
“This means a lot playing cards kiddo.” And I would respond me too buddy.
As stated by Angus ,my son, he is surrounded by dragons.

debbie holzfoester
June 6th, 2022

Doug is definitely one of a kind. Words cannot explain my feelings about this human being. I remember playing magic and drinking coffee. He would always say
“This means a lot playing cards kiddo.” And I would respond me too buddy.
As stated by Angus ,my son, he is surrounded by dragons.

Amber Norris
June 6th, 2022

Doug was special for sure. I had the pleasure of working with him at Central, and saw the love and care that he gave to the students with whom he worked. The students just took to him. He was a man with a big heart and a big smile.

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