On January 1, 2019 at 2:05 p.m., Doug Laing passed away peacefully at home. At his side were his wife, daughter and son as well as nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.
Doug was born in Sudbury Ont. on January 19, 1944 and died shy of his 75th birthday.
Doug is survived by his loving wife, Elsa, daughter Joanne (Craig), son Christopher (Tracy), grandchildren Hannah, Carter, Ben, Dru; sisters Carol (Bill), Louise (Ron), Elaine (John), Sally (sister in law), and Adina (sister in-law), as well as many nieces & nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother Juliette, father Douglas, and brother Blair.
He will be remembered for his wit and his ability to get a rise out of anyone that crossed his path. He carried with him a keen sense of humour, wisdom and laughter. His kind warm heart was always so proud of the accomplishments of others, and eager to always share them. Regardless of whom you were or where you came from, Doug had an ability to make you feel welcome and comfortable. He rooted for the underdog in life. Whether it was his commitment to the respect and dignity of the veterans at Deer Lodge or his encouraging words as a husband, father and uncle, those close to him felt that he was in their corner and was proud of them, loved them and was never afraid to tell them how he felt. God knows we will miss you Papa.
Doug’s work career was varied. As a teenager he joined the army, spending three years in the service and discharging in Shilo MB. Settling in Winnipeg, he became an orderly at Grace Hospital, an ambulance attendant with Wylie Ambulance & Rescue Service, a mortician assistant with Bardal Funeral Home, and then a buyer at Deer Lodge Hospital. Doug remained at Deer Lodge and retired as Director of Material Management in 2001 with 28 years of service. He enjoyed his retirement in the rural area of Sprague where he was very meticulous about his property and spent many hours on his lawn mower. Coffee shop time with Dougie were always lively with lots of laughter. He loved his dogs and brought many home over the years, some only stayed for a short time, others for their life time, the most recent addition named Chico will miss him too.
“We travel the river of life, day by day, and it’s turns can bring many changes our way, and in what may appear the final bend is just the beginning instead of the end. For beyond it, there lies still another land where our loved one, directed by God’s own hand, lives on, although physically out of sight, at peace in a world of eternal light.” May God hold you in his hand till we meet again.
Thank you to Dr O Ulanovych, Dr B Vandewege, Pauline Gosselin for their Caring Kindness.
His wishes were cremation and no funeral, hence a “Celebration of Life” will be held on February 3, 2019, at the Hall in Sprague, MB at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Sprague Community Cemetery at a later date.
Donations in memory of Douglas may be made to East Borderland Community Housing, (EBCH Inc.) P.O. Box 207, Sprague, MB, R0A 1Z0.