November 28, 1921 - October 11, 2021
Dad died 49 days short of his 100th birthday. We 3 girls were lucky to be with him when he died peacefully in his sleep.
He came from humble beginnings, in rural Alberta, often telling us about how all he got for his birthday was a 10 cent comb. Since he didn’t even comb his hair he said it was a waste of money.
Dad had 6 siblings who all predeceased him. (Gertrude Asp, Herbert Asp, Bertil Asp, Muriel Hyde, Bernice Lawson, and David Asp).
He was proud of his service during World War II as a pilot on Coastal Command over the North Sea, with the 407 squadron, “fighting for king and country.”
After the war, he got his MD from the University of Alberta in 1952 and later qualified as a pathologist. He practiced at the Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary for most of his career.
During his studies, one of his colleagues convinced him to ask out one of the nurses, Mary Boyd. We’re happy he did. They were married in 1952 and had 3 lovely daughters-us-Donna Hammerlindl (Hugh), Kathleen Asp (Don) and Barbara Waskiewich (Greg). Doug and Mary were happily married for 37 years. Sadly, Mary died in 1989.
After Mom’s death, Dad was very lost and was lucky that Anne Shuttleworth came into his life. They were married in 1990. Dad was pleased to say that he had two long, happy marriages.
Dad and Anne enjoyed hosting Dad’s five grandchildren. The feeling was enthusiastically returned by Andy Hammerlindl, Laura Hammerlindl, Pamela Forrester, Heather Farrell, and Bruce Waskiewich. Dad and Anne invited each of them to spend several days with them every year, even as adults. The grandchildren know the Victoria attractions better than just about anyone. It’s a shame his great grandchildren, Isobel and Lucas Farrell, won’t get this opportunity.
Throughout his life, Dad had many interests. At various times he enjoyed cooking, doing needlepoint, conquering the lock and chase video game, doing jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles (moving onto cryptic crosswords at Anne’s influence) and sudokus. In his 90’s he joined the Berwick singers and enthusiastically would “burst forth in song” with them. During family visits, he welcomed conversation, often saying “That reminds me of a story…” usually one we had heard many times before. His faculties were with him to the end, solving a 5 star sudoku the day before his death.
We are profoundly fortunate to have had such a wonderful father. He taught us so many valuable things. He was a dedicated professional with a strong work ethic and was a super good provider. He set an excellent example in his generosity and his honesty. He was the strong silent type, but we never doubted his love.
There will be no service, largely related to COVID, but when we asked Dad what he wanted for his funeral, he said, “I don’t care. I’m not going to be there.” Please take some time to remember our Dad, maybe with a rum and coke or a tin of beer.
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