He was the son of Nellie Blanche (Heckman) and Bernal Wyman Sawyer.
Doug attended Halifax schools. He graduated from Dalhousie University and the Technical University of Nova Scotia with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Degree. He became a Professional Engineer on October 17th, 1951. He worked for GE in Toronto for a few years before returning to Halifax where he found his love for ‘running the show’ as General Manager of Ben’s Limited for 25 years. Doug had a unique management style. He participated in many conferences and conventions associated with the baking industry. He took great pride in the quality of Ben’s Bread, the efficiency of the equipment and the skill of his employees.
Together with his first wife Barbara Moir they had two daughters, Barbara Lynn and Nancy Joan. They were divorced in 1963, three years after the tragic loss of their infant child Nancy. In 1966 Doug married Shirley Farquar who he met on the golf course. They shared many a golf game in Halifax and White Point spanning 30 of their 50 years of marriage. He and Shirley valued family and friends. After his brother Bernal died, Doug took his role of Uncle very seriously making a point with Shirley to host family gatherings. Shirley and Doug together had the gift of hospitality. They were always on the look out for bridge players to make a foursome. Wherever they lived, they embraced new friendships and their community.
Doug was predeceased by his parents, and an uncle and aunt, Ernest and Lyda Moir who raised him; his first wife Barbara; their infant daughter, Nancy Joan; his second wife, Shirley; and his brother, Bernal and sister-in-law Freda. He is survived by his daughter, Lynn (Paul Bezanson) and nieces, Marion (Jeff) Ross, Kentville; Gwen (Bill) Maden, Halifax; Karen (Colin MacKay) Sawyer and Doreen “Ginger” (Tim) Stoddard; Shirley’s niece, Susan (Carl) Demmons and family; and several grand nieces and nephews,
The family wishes to express their extreme gratitude to the various nurses, caregivers and doctors involved in Doug’s care, particularly as his illness progressed. In lieu of flowers you can pay tribute to Doug by doing something he loved; take a walk in the great outdoors.
Donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com
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