DOUGLAS SHANKS

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DOUGLAS SHANKS November 9, 1924 - February 15, 2016 It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Douglas Shanks on Monday, February 15, 2016 at Deer Lodge Centre, at the age of 91. Doug will be greatly missed by his wife of 68 years, Jean; son David and daughter Susan; grandchildren Marta and Carey; and his sister Eleanor. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Fred and Margaret, and older brother Alfred. Doug was born in Winnipeg and moved with his family to (the old) Pinawa, Manitoba in the early 1930s, where his father was one of the principal operators of the Pinawa hydro-electric power plant. In Pinawa, Doug developed a love of the outdoors and spent many hours hunting and fishing. He also developed a lifelong passion for birding and was considered quite an authority in this field, contributing over the years to several publications on the birds of Manitoba. After graduating from high school, Doug returned to Winnipeg and soon thereafter enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he served for the duration of the Second World War. After his discharge in 1945, he again returned to Winnipeg and commenced employment with the Canadian National Railway. In 1955, he joined Trans Canada Airlines (now Air Canada) where he worked until his retirement in 1983, in both its Winnipeg office and its Montreal head office. As his kids grew up, Doug was always supportive of their various activities and pursuits, and often became actively involved including coaching several hockey and baseball teams at the Silver Heights Community Club, and driving the family dog to many a dog show across the country. Doug had many interests and hobbies. In his younger days, he was an accomplished tennis player. He loved the music of the dance bands of the late 1930s and 1940s; Artie Shaw being a particular favorite. At almost 40 years of age, he decided he would learn Karate, which he diligently pursued for the next two years, as the oldest pupil in his class. He especially enjoyed travelling, and he and the family made many trips over the years to Britain, Europe, Scandinavia, the Caribbean, and the United States. He was an avid reader of primarily non-fiction books, and studied several languages. After retiring, Doug attended the University of Manitoba for several years taking various courses in his areas of interest. Doug will be lovingly remembered for his generosity and unselfishness, his great sense of humour and as a person who lived his life with integrity. The family wishes to thank Dr. Hasdan and the staff of T-5 and T-7 at Deer Lodge Centre for their care of Douglas over the last four years of his life. In compliance with Doug's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held and cremation has taken place. Wojcik's Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 20, 2016