Douglas Robert Sharpe

Doug passed away on October 13, 2023 in Vernon at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with Cancer. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Loretta, and granddaughter Samantha. He is survived by his loving partner, Sharon as well as by siblings Rick (Anna) Sharpe, Janet (Paul) Benedictson and George (Heather) Sharpe. He will be deeply missed by his son, Neil (Priscilla) Sharpe and daughters Maryanne and Michelle as well as their children: Marcella, Nathan (Stephanie), Valerie (Jonah), Kristie, Amanda, Alyssa (Adam) and Kianna, and seven great grandchildren. Doug is also fondly missed by Sharon’s family: daughters Libby, Lori (Jon), Darren, four Grandsons Tommy (Kasha), Isaac, Liam, and Henry. He is also remembered by many extended family, friends, and coffee buddies.

Doug’s career in funeral service started in 1963, when he offered to work part-time at Winter’s Funeral Home in Drumheller, Alberta for experience. He washed cars and assisted on funeral and ambulance calls.

In the fall of 1964, he took a position at Haywards Funeral Chapel in Victoria. Doug recalls someone from one of the chemical companies stopped into Haywards and mentioned there was an opening at Henderson’s Funeral Home in Langley; on May 13, 1967, he started working with Henderson’s. He knew instantly it was a good move and in 1974 he was appointed as manager and eventually became a minority shareholder in all three of their locations in Langley, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack. On February 8, 1988, The Loewen Group purchased the share of Henderson’s and more opportunities opened for Doug. He was given the Regional Manager of British Columbia position and worked with great staff from all over the province. He remained the Regional Manager for a number of years until a General Manager position opened in Vernon. He was offered the position and remained the General Manager of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home and Vernon Funeral Home and Mountain View Funeral Home in Armstrong until his retirement in June of 2016. Doug continued to work part time until his illness. He last worked in December of 2022. He received a 55-year service award in 2021.

Doug was always part of the community and was a Charter Member of the Langley Curling Club, President of the Kinsmen Club of Langley, President of the K-40 Club of Langley, President of the Langley Hospice Society, President of the British Columbia Funeral Service Association.

In his downtime, Doug loved his Poker nights and spending time with family and friends. He would want to tell everyone “Thanks for stopping by, keep those cards and letters coming”

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Pleasant Valley Funeral Home in Vernon. 4303 Pleasant Valley Road.