Apr. 13, 1934 – Aug. 12, 2023
Our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather Douglas passed away peacefully on Aug 12, 2023 at Village at Mill Creek care home.
Doug is survived by his wife Audrey, sister Geraldine ( Gerald ) Wurst, daughters Linda Smith, Sandra Ang, Sharon ( Derrick ) Elliott, former spouse Barbara Lane, grandchildren Landis, Kelly, Brayden, Lauren and Carmen , niece Diane Turner, nephews Len Wurst, Neil Wurst and Brian Wurst. Audrey's daughters Judy Schnurr, Carol ( Tim ) Dorn, Tina ( Greg) Dillon.
Doug was predeceased by his mother Ellen Peterman and his brother Donald Smith.
Dad was born in Regina, Sask. April 13, 1934. Dad had to navigate some challenges through his life due to a turbulent childhood and later dementia but that didn't wholly define him.
He was spunky, life of the party, handsome with that mischievous twinkle in his eye and boy what a great dancer. But most important Dad had a great moral compass, a gift he passed onto his daughters.
In 1956 Doug caught the eye of Barbara Lane and in 1957 they married in Keremeos. First daughter Linda arrived in 1959, next Sandra 1960 and last but not least Sharon 1962. So yes he was a girl dad all the way. In the first few years of their marriage Doug worked for Emile Anderson doing road construction on the Rodgers Pass. He loved telling stories about that time to anyone who would listen. There were a few colorful ones to say the least. A few years later the family settled in Osoyoos, B.C. where Dad worked as a shipper receiver for MacMillan Bloedel in the corrugated carton division. As well as his day job Dad always had what we call today as a side hustle. He liked to keep busy. Usually something to do with the fruit industry. In 1976 the family moved from Osoyoos to the city life of Kelowna B.C. In Kelowna Dad worked for Mission Hill Winery in the warehouse department until retirement. In 1991 Doug married Audrey Schnurr. They lived out their retirement years together.
Doug's interests included hockey, playing hockey, refereeing hockey, watching hockey and watching more hockey to the chagrin of his daughters. He ensured his girls learned how to skate even if he wasn't going to have any hockey players. Dad also liked to make the occasional trip to the casino in a very controlled manner. Being a member of the Freemasons was something Doug was very proud of and enjoyed immensely . He belonged to Lodges in Osoyoos and in Kelowna. Manning the kettles for the Salvation Army and driving cancer patients to appointments were also activities he enjoyed in his retirement years.
From our hearts to yours " You mattered and were loved "
The family would like to thank Village at Mill Creek for their wonderful care of Doug during his short stay there.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com for the Smith family.
