When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Douglas Lynkowski who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Douglas was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Douglas knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.
Douglas was born on October 12, 1956 at Myrnam Hospital in Myrnam, Alberta. His parents were Nick and Mary Lynkowski. Douglas was raised in Myrnam, Alberta. Even as a youngster, Douglas learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.
As a young boy, Douglas was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Douglas was raised with one brother. He had one younger brother, Dennis. Douglas had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Douglas, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.
Douglas's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Douglas enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Douglas took part in basketball. He was a scout. In his spare time he liked to read.
In school, Douglas was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Douglas was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Douglas’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from New Myrnam High School in 1974. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Math. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was father, Nick Lynkowski. He will be remembered by classmates for having won the Govenor General Silver Medal for second best in Alberta.
Douglas’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Douglas’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Douglas saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He also pursued graduate school, earning his Chartered Accountants Designation.
Douglas was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Douglas was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Douglas came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Brian Sosnowski and Darrell Demchuk. Later in life, he became friends with, Trent Yacey, Brian Sosnowski, Harry Van Spyker.
An objective and conscientious individual, Douglas reveled in the security of his family. On June 8, 1985 Douglas exchanged wedding vows with Peggy Metrunec at the Vermillion United Church of Vermillion, Alberta. One of Douglas’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.
Douglas was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Douglas would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Douglas was blessed with two children, daughter, Hilary and Son, Harrison. They were also blessed with None, None.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Douglas was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Douglas was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Douglas upheld his standards. His primary occupation was chartered accountant. He was employed for 16 years with the Govenment of Alberta and 12 Years with the City of St. Albert. Douglas was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”
Douglas approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were golf, cars, movies, reading and music. Douglas was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Douglas to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Douglas played basketball. Recreational sports included golf. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey, and CFL Football.
Being generous with his time and energy, Douglas liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Douglas was an active member of the Hertiage Lakes Community Association (Treasurer) and Hockey Coach.
When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Douglas used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Douglas had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included 6 weeks in Europe and Sonoma Valley.
Douglas was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Douglas’s favorites was Hampton, Fergus and Murphy (all Shih-Tzu's). They were best friends for Hampton 15 years, Fergus and Murphy (9 months).
Douglas passed away on November 11, 2012 at St. Albert, Alberta. He is survived by his wife, Peggy; daughter, Hilary; predeceased by his son, Harrison; brother, Dennis (Linda) and many nieces and nephews. Services were held at North Pointe Community Church, Edmonton, Alberta.
All who knew him would agree that Douglas was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Douglas Lynkowski did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.
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