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JAMES BALE

JAMES DOUGLAS BALE Unexpectedly, on Thursday, August 9, 2012 Douglas passed away at home, at the age 60 years. Doug was predeceased by his father and mother, Ralph and Sylvia Bale; his dear sister, Denise Holton; his eldest niece, Meagan Holton; his favourite aunt, Eleanor Benson: and his beloved dog, Dylan. He is survived by his nephew Kyle Holton (Erin) and great-niece Sydney; his niece Aynsley Holton, great-niece Kayla and great-nephew Rhyder; and his brother-in-law Larry Holton (Linda). Doug is also remembered by his close cousin, Tannis Evers (Garry), and her daughters Lisa Evers (Stan and Nicholas Warsza), Allison Evers, and Jennifer Evers; lifelong friends David Montgomery, Milton Christiansen, and Nancy Montgomery; his best canine friend, Molly; and the cousins and their families. Doug's good friends, Albert Janvier and Ken Starkell, who were a tremendous support to him and will also miss him. Dougie , as he was often called in his early years, grew up in Selkirk, MB. He trained as a psychiatric nurse at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre and, later, as a registered nurse. Doug's career spanned some 30 years, beginning in Selkirk, then moving to the Seven Oaks Youth Centre, and finally to Child and Family Services, where he worked as a Post-Adoption Specialist. Doug retired in 2010. As a youngster, Doug took great pride in being a mischief-maker and, as an adult, he was known for his feistiness and quick wit, and as a challenger of the status quo. He loved to debate and would spar with anyone who was willing to take him on. Doug was interested in current events, American politics, and history, and he had recently registered for a university course on the American presidents. He loved all types of music: classical, folk, pop, jazz and blues, and he spent many enjoyable hours, as both a volunteer and a patron, at the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Doug was a voracious reader and a movie buff, and he enjoyed travelling and cycling; he was a longtime member of the McNally Robinson Book Club and the Winnipeg Cycletouring Club. Ever a dog-lover, Dylan and Molly were his pride and joy, and he was so happy to have them in his life. Above all else, Doug valued independence of thought, and he was steadfast in his beliefs and opinions. Doug had been dealing with some health issues the past few years, which made it increasingly difficult for him to do all the things he loved, but he never gave up his walks with Molly. Flowers are graciously declined. Donations in Doug's memory can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or the Canadian Mental Health Association. Cremation has taken place and an announcement regarding a memorial service will be made at a later date. All I can do is be me, whoever that is - Bob Dylan Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on August 18, 2012

Guest Book(18 entries)

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    - Posted by: wemoTiego on: Apr 16, 2013
  • Sitting in a restaurant, I recognize Doug's photo as someone is reading the paper next to me. I am profoundly saddened to learn of Doug's sudden passing. I first met Doug in 1974 and along with our fellow brothers and sisters we became the infamous "Class of "76" Psychiatric Nursing, Selkirk Mental Health Centre. How time steals away! Today it all seemed as though it was only yesterday and Doug and I were commuting from Selkirk to Winnipeg to complete our medical/surgical rotation at St. Boniface Hospital. We engaged in many deep and profound discussions and debates about life and world issues and even managed to talk ourselves into forming "Sugarbear" a 2 man, cheezy lounge act. I simply served as a backdrop to Doug's guitar prowess. As much as it was the best of times I suppose it also served as a little therapy to combat the stress. Sadly we kind of lost track of each other over the years, however my respect and admiration for my friend has never faded. Farewell my brother. "They say you can't take it with you but I think that they're wrong. Cause all I know as of this moment something great is gone." - Springsteen
    - Posted by: Joe Kneisz (Friend, Colleague) on: Sep 3, 2012
  • My heartfelt condolences to the family of Doug. It is sad to have to say a final farewell to Doug so unexpectedly at such a young age. We were members of the Winnipeg Cycling Club for a period of years, sharing executive roles, Doug as president, and as members who loved to cycle. Doug would cycle beside another for a brief, social chat or tell one of his jokes. These inclusive gestures were especially welcoming for newcomers. As president he stuck to what he thought was best for the club even if it were not the popular goal of the day. Ride on Doug on your heavenly highway where the road most certainly is always paved. Nina Tackaberry
    - Posted by: Nina Tackaberry (Friend) on: Aug 30, 2012
  • I was in a deep sleep before working a Friday night shift at the Manitoba Youth Centre when my phone rang. I answered it and it was Doug. He calmly asked if I was working that night. I thought to myself "yes and that is why I am trying to sleep" but verbalized yes. He then asked me if I knew what time it was and informed me it was 2315 p.m. Oh my God! I was to start work at 2300 so I jumped out of bed adrenaline rushing and said I would be right in. I will never forget how he calmed me by saying to take it easy-no rush-have a shower and have something to eat. He said just to get there when I could as he was in no hurry. I did take my time and this likely prevented me from having an accident. I have told this story many times over the years to other nurses. It is a great example of someone's kindness and how we should treat our fellow man/woman.
    - Posted by: Colleen Turnley (co-worker Manitoba Youth Centre 1980) on: Aug 28, 2012
  • I knew Doug a very short time, but I came to know him as a person who would give of himself that others may live....He shared from his heart to help save lives...He will be Greatly missed by others who have come to know him. He will never be forgotten for what he gave back to many...Thank-You Doug.
    - Posted by: David Sveinson (Friend in Fellowship) on: Aug 24, 2012
  • Doug used to visit my little niece and nephews regularly. He would spend the afternoon with Jake, Liza & Pat, goofing around and laughing and playing whatever they wanted to play. While saying his good-byes, he would tell the kids that their parents were getting them pizza for supper. As the kids went crazy, Doug would skoot out the back door laughing his head off. Only a bachelor would pull such a nasty trick on unsuspecting parents. HaHa! My favourite memory of Doug.
    - Posted by: Conni Cartlidge (friend) on: Aug 22, 2012
  • As far back as I can remember,Doug has always been around. One of my first memories of him is at the big white house on Dorcherter Ave. in Selkirk. He locked me in his mother's bedroom closet. I can't remember why he did this but it was typical of the prankster in him. And who can forget how he and his buddies almost burned his childhood home to the ground while working on a motorbike just a little too close to the basement furnace. Other childhood memories of Doug include weekends at the Sunset Beach cottage, heated games of Password at Christmas gatherings and frequent visits to my parents' home over the years.A common occurrence during these visits was seeing Doug poking his head around the inside of their refrigerator saying, "Tannis, Garry, what have you got to eat?" One day, in response to this question, my dad decided that it was time for Doug to be on the receiving end of a prank. He proceeded to offer Doug a piece of homemade apple pie, which was really vegetable quiche. The look on Doug's face when he bit into that quiche was absolutely priceless, something I will never forget. Another picture of Doug which stands out in my mind is that of watching him flying wildly down the hill at Falcon Beach while downhill skiing for the first time. When Doug was around, there was never a dull moment. Which brings to mind the time that I had to bribe the ferry operator at Norway House (the location of my first teaching job) to stay open a little bit longer because Doug and my family were late arriving for a visit on the May long weekend. Apparently each time they stopped for gas or a bathroom break on the drive up, Doug would disappear. Did he really think that my family wasn't twigging onto the fact that he was having a smoke? Typical Doug. As we both grew older, new memories emerged, such as watching Obama win the U.S. election or talking about books and movies. The last time that I saw Doug was at a piano concert at the U of W. Recognizing my son's interest in music, he had invited us to come along. Thanks for that Doug. And thanks for all the laughs along the way. You will be dearly missed! Love Lisa, Stan, Nicholas and of course, Sampson
    - Posted by: Lisa Evers (Cousin) on: Aug 22, 2012
  • Doug and I met the summer of 1991, when we both went on our first ever cycletour – all the way to Pilot Mound. It was the start of a friendship that involved cycling, books, foreign films, and all kinds of music. In recent years, we only got together every couple of months, usually for a concert. The last was an evening at Aqua Books where U of M jazz students, teachers and others from the jazz community recorded a live CD. It was a fabulous evening to remember.
    - Posted by: Beth McKechnie (Friend) on: Aug 22, 2012
  • I went to school with both Doug and his younger sister Denise. It's very sad that neither are still with us. My sincere sympathy to Doug's entire family and his many friends.
    - Posted by: Penny Myall (Schoolmate) on: Aug 21, 2012
  • I am saddened and shocked to read of the passing of Doug. I met Doug through membership in the Winnipeg Cycletouring as it was then called)Club. Doug and I served together on the Executive of this club. In his role as president he cared deeply about the purpose and direction of the WCC. He participated on many rides, an active member who made a point of cycling beside various cyclists to chat briefly in a welcoming, inclusive manner. Thank you Doug. I will remember you. Now you can cycle the heavenly highways. Nina Tackaberry
    - Posted by: Nina Tackaberry (Fellow member of the Winnipeg Cycletouring Club) on: Aug 21, 2012
  • I lived a street over from Doug and went to school with him until I got kicked out for good in grade 11. We were troublemakers for sure but nothing criminal just good old shit disturbers !! A couple of years ago I smoked my brother pretty good in a few games of table hockey, he asked how I was so in tune with this game? Well it was in Doug's basement on Dorchester that he and I played endlessly. I'm sure we could have taken on just about anyone. I moved away a few years later to begin my career and of course lost touch with many of my old friends. I'm sad to see Doug pass away so young, he was a good dude !!!. We should have more reunions !! RIP Doug, you won't be forgotten !! Gord Chenkie Edmonton, Alberta
    - Posted by: Gordon Chenkie (Friend) on: Aug 20, 2012
  • When Tannis told me of Doug's passing on the phone this morning, I was shocked and saddened. I had not seen Doug for quite some time, the last being on his bike with his touring club. I remember Doug as a personable and unique personality, very easy to like. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, close friends and to Molly, his canine companion, who after all, is family too.
    - Posted by: Joyce Ward (friend) on: Aug 20, 2012
  • Doug was in school in Selkirk with me. I didn't know him other than at school however back in 1998 he contacted me as part of a search he was doing for a young lady. He will never know how much that simple phone call changed a lot of peoples lives in my family. Thanks to him I have a niece that was given up for adoption and also three great nephews that I might have never met. Thanks Doug. Bless you.
    - Posted by: Teri Walker (former school mate) on: Aug 19, 2012
  • Bon voyage, Dougie. You were a valued member of our family and you will be missed. I think that I speak for my family in saying that we are grateful for the good parts of our shared story, but regretful of the times we could have done better. I listened to the Beatles today, in honour of you, and we reminisced about you tonight; my parents sure have a lot of great stories! Rest in peace, Doug.
    - Posted by: Allison (Cousin / Goddaughter) on: Aug 19, 2012
  • Read on, my dear friend... I owe you a phonecall.
    - Posted by: Nancy Montgomery (friend) on: Aug 19, 2012
  • I was saddened to learn of Doug's passing. We were in the same book club for twelve years. I always appreciated his intelligence and insight. Even though we only saw each other once a month at book club, I considered him a valued friend and always looked forward to seeing him. My sincere condolences to Doug's family and friends.
    - Posted by: Anne Dunlop (Friend) on: Aug 18, 2012
  • Seeing a best friend's picture in Passages is fortunately something I didn't ever contemplate, until now. I met Doug when I was about 12 and enjoyed playing against him in little league football and hockey, and mostly losing to him (loser pays) at our second home, the Selkirk pool halls. Doug's big old house on Dorchester was our other regular hangout, and Doug's mom had immense tolerance to put up with the trouble we caused, including using the basement for our infamous band, "The Cloudy Daze". Doug played guitar in the band and continued to dabble in all sorts of music later in life. As we each grew up and found our way in the world I'm happy that we always stayed great friends. The kind of friend that you can call anytime day or night, and ask absolutely anything of them. It's tough to say goodbye to that kind of friend. Kudos to Doug's family for the great writeup in Passages. It rings true about Doug and brings up many good memories. In past conversations Doug asked me to make sure the dog breeder took Molly back to find a new good home if anything happened to him. The breeder has Molly and his wishes are being carried out. Rest in Peace Doug....and see you in that big bookstore in the sky.....hopefully not too soon.
    - Posted by: Dave Montgomery (friend) on: Aug 18, 2012
  • Although I haven't seen you in a number of years, living on the west coast, you are family and will be missed. My memories are more of your childhood and our growing up in Selkirk. God bless!
    - Posted by: Tannis (Benson) Bateman (Cousin) on: Aug 18, 2012

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