442 THE ADVOCATE
VOL. 80 PART 3 MAY 2022
Doug gave the opening address at the 50th reunion of the 61st class of
King Edward High School on June 14, 2000.
Doug retired from the practice of law in January 1994. Thereafter, he
stayed on the acreage for a period of time before moving to Sechelt, and
in April 2019, he moved to Prince Edward Island, where Barbie and her
now husband had preceded him. The three remained close friends, with
Barbie and her husband keeping an eye on Doug as his age began to catch
up to him.
Doug stayed in touch with the brood of children and grandchildren he
shared with his three former wives, and he would reserve Monday nights to
telephone them from Prince Edward Island. He offered them advice, inquiring
about their activities, listening to them, telling stories and always finishing
with love. His effect on each of their lives was profound and will remain
with each of them.
Doug can be forgiven for his life-long support of the New York Yankees.
Doug had an excellent mind for cards. He loved bridge and cribbage, both
of which he expected to win at all costs.
Doug was an avid reader. He always had two or three books going at
once. He liked the quote from Charles Dickens to “reflect upon your present
blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes,
of which all men have some”.
One of Doug’s early afflictions was gout, a surplus of urate crystals that
accumulate in the joints, commonly in the big toe. Eating a diet rich in red
meat and shellfish and drinking beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose)
increase the level of uric acid, which also increases the risk of gout.
Alcohol consumption, especially red wine, is discouraged. Once ensconced
on Prince Edward Island, Doug could not resist lobsters or scallops or red
wine, so quietly endured the symptoms of gout, rather than giving up the
foods and wine that he enjoyed.
The Anglican Church was a mainstay throughout Doug’s life, and he was
an active participant in the church in the various places that he lived. In
Halfmoon Bay, he led the service every other Sunday. He enjoyed the
monthly men’s discussion group. He visited the elderly people of the
church, took care of and cooked for them when they were unwell, invited
them to his home for holiday meals and cared for them in their final days.
Everyone in the congregation knew that they would be able to depend on
Doug.
He was easygoing, relaxed and happy. He forgave easily and knew how
to live in the present. He was a person from whom all could learn true
humility.