Born September 21, 1925 in Almelo, Holland, Rie was the eldest of four (Ans, Henk and Jan). She was devoted to her husband of 61 years, John Dougan (2006) her daughters, Liz (Christopher), Maureen (Helmut), Barbara (Wayne) and Jacky (Bruce), her grandchildren (Stephanie, Graham, Simon, Jacklyn, Megan, Elisabeth, Lindsay) and great grandchildren (Emily, Cameron, Tanner, Rowan, Lyra).
Rie had an inner strength and perseverance that carried her through an exciting and colourful life. As a young girl of 16 in Holland she joined the Dutch war resistance without telling her parents, hoping to protect them and her family from her decision. A few challenging years later, she met and married her husband John, who was with the Canadian forces liberating Holland. She was the first Dutch war bride to arrive at Pier 21 in Halifax in March, 1946.
Over the next 61 years, Rie skillfully supported John during Canadian foreign service postings to Peru, Ceylon, Australia, Uruguay, Guyana, New Zealand and Malaysia. There was much recounting of adventures and misadventures where Rie had to put her soft diplomacy skills to work. Upon retiring to Victoria, BC in 1978, Rie quickly turned to enjoying her new life with John, exploring the outdoors, fishing, golfing gardening and spending time with her family and grandchildren in Canada and in Australia. State dinners were quickly replaced with cheese and onion sandwiches while fishing on the boat. Annual road trips across the North American continent from Alaska to Tennessee to Newfoundland were a highlight. She quickly made new friends in Victoria, participating in many newcomer activities such as the “stitch and bitch” club.
Rie lived for her husband and family. She was a selfless supporter of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, never forgetting a birthday or special occasion. Countless dresses and knitted items will be passed on for generations. She kept in close touch with her Dutch family, travelling to Holland regularly and inviting family to visit. There were many family reunions in Holland, and Rie was delighted to see the younger generation take an interest in continuing the tradition.
Even in the face of adversity, Rie never stopped. Blessed with good health, a zest for life and wonderful friends , she continued her daily walks along the sea until she was well into her mid nineties. She even managed to live in her condo in Victoria until she was 95. During covid, Rie banded together with others in her condo building to keep safe and manage the isolation, looking out for her friends on her floor. When she moved to Sunrise Senior Living some 18 months ago, she immediately jumped into the daily activities, never wanting to miss baking club, bus tours, bingo and many more events. Special thanks go to the staff of Sunrise Senior Living and her medical support team, including her family physician Dr Casper Friesen and her physiotherapist Shawn Allen. And, thanks to our sister Jacky and her family in Victoria for always being there.
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