Douglas Orville Fowler

Douglas Orville Fowler was born in Souris, Manitoba on September 5, 1944, to Orville and Hannah. He grew up in Virden with his sisters Gerry and Pat (Eliuk) and brother Bruce. With all the change and opportunities, the oil-boom years provided, Doug was drawn more to the family farm and their horses where his seemingly boundless energy found a place to fix, tinker, and become an accomplished horseman.

From a young age, Doug was extremely sociable, bright, easy-going, and a talented athlete. If there was a sport, he played it. But he loved hockey and football above all. Hard work at the farm, for the Trans-Prairie Pipeline in the summers, and a quiet competitiveness were balanced against his extraordinary compassion, kindness and patience. This rare mix of someone who had no problem crushing a halfback, but loved music and dancing, caught the eye of Buella. They were married for 57 years.

Doug believed deeply in the value of education and physical education for children. With no program in Canada at the time, he ventured to the University of North Dakota for a B.Sc. in Education followed by a B.Ed. at Brandon focusing on special needs. In Grand Forks, he found a fraternity of other Canadians who became life-long friends. After those lean and happy university days with Bue, they settled in Russell, Manitoba, where they lived for the next 31 years, raising their son Kent and daughter Aujah.

Doug was built to teach. PE was his passion. And he brought his love of history and literature into every class. He coached every conceivable sport, but it is his deep love of hockey and community that many will remember. A dynamic rushing defenceman for his playing career, he excelled as a coach. He was a high-performance coach in the Hockey Canada system (now HP 1) and was a founder of rural AAA under 18 hockey and high school hockey. Hundreds of kids learned how to skate and love the game at his hockey school. But it was more about being active for life. He got his black belt in Tae Kwon Do at 58 and played hockey until he was 80. He thought he might be slowing down a bit.

After an incredible year in Australia on a teacher’s exchange, Doug and Bue moved to their beloved Riding Mountain when he retired from teaching in Russell and then on to Brandon and Winnipeg to be closer to family. Family was the centre of everything. A truly beloved uncle, he was later an adoring Papa to Erika, Halla, Carter and Sydney. It was rare for Nana and Papa to miss a game, recital or concert. After Buella’s passing in 2023, Doug still gripped life with both hands and lived it. He cherished every moment with his family and his friends.

Doug was a voracious reader, lover of music, and he and Buella explored Europe, Africa, Australia, the US and Canada. Doug continued these travels with family after Buella’s passing. Mexico and Florida were favourite warm spots and golfing at St. Andrew’s in Scotland ticked a big box. Doug loved the history and cultures of the world and all its people had to offer.

For Doug, civility, kindness, empathy, learning your potential, and giving the most of yourself to others were the greatest strengths we can possess. These were the greatest lessons he gave to us, and the greatest legacy he left to this world. We will remember him always for it. He was, simply, a gentleman.

Doug passed away peacefully at home May 18, 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He is survived by his son Kent (Karen) and daughter Aujah Fowler Thomas (Kevin Thomas), grandchildren Erika and Halla Fowler and Carter and Sydney Thomas, his brother Bruce (Shirley), and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation and the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation (Cardiac Care).