R. Douglas (Doug) died unexpectedly in Keremeos on Monday, June 22, 2005 at the age of 49.
Born in Barrie, Ont., Doug is survived by his spouse, Carol; son Michael Douglas; daughters Danielle Doreine, Andrea Helen and Kaitlin Michelle, all of Abbotsford; parents Donald and Helen MacDonald of Windsor, Ont.; sisters Sandy Perrot (Dave) of Windsor, and Barb Bondy (Ian Sansburn) of Opelika, Alabama; brother Shane MacDonald (Sharon) of Calgary; as well as nieces, nephews and many other relatives.
He took his helicopter engineer and pilot training at Candore College in North Bay, Ont. His career began as a helicopter pilot in North Battleford, Sask. Over the years he flew for many helicopter companies and travelled extensively throughout Canada and the United States. Many of his first years as an engineer were spent in the Arctic. He later worked for Bell Helicopter Textron in Montreal. Before leaving the business he worked overseas with the UN and travelled through Australia, Egypt, Africa, Europe, Greenland, Fiji, Somalia and New Zealand. His last years were spent living in Keremeos surrounded by a community that welcomed him and enjoyed the love Doug had to give. He always encouraged and never discouraged.
A memorial service will be held at Keremeos Community Church on Thursday, July 7 at 1:00 pm A funeral will be held on Monday, Aug. 8 at the Mayfair Community Hall in Mayfair, Sask. at 1:00 pm.