Douglas Randall Anthony

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Douglas Randall Anthony

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Douglas Randall Anthony on October 25, 2025 in Nanaimo, B.C., his home for the past 30 years.

Doug was born to Catherine and Michael Anthony on December 10th, 1950 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up in East Kildonan and River Heights.

His youth was filled with memorable jobs: bowling pin setter, newspaper bundler, crane operator, youth care worker, taxi driver and he was always ready to share a story from his short but highly entertaining time as an undercover Liquor Control Inspector.

After graduating from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology), he spent one year teaching elementary school in Valleyfield, Quebec. Drawn to a field that combined analysis, precision and the satisfaction of building something lasting, he returned to the University of Manitoba to earn his Bachelor of Science in Engineering.

As a Construction Civil Engineer, Doug's work took him across Canada. He contributed his expertise to Bird Construction, VK Mason, ES Fox, Royal Oak Mines, Suncor Energy, Meg Energy and a post-retirement job at Riversdale Mine. Over the course of his career, he served as Project Engineer, Coordinator, Supervisor, Project Manager and more. He was well respected for his steady leadership, technical skills, integrity and unwavering dedication to the work at hand, and he loved what he did.

Beyond his professional life, Doug poured his energy into the people and passions he loved. He enjoyed countless days on the ocean on the "Blue Bomber" sailboat, skiing, entertaining, playing the violin again, and he never passed up a good show, live theatre or concert. He was happiest with a project on the go - tinkering with his old truck with his good friend Michael, fine-tuning his motorcycle, or expanding the cat run. He looked forward to his Friday golf games, singing with the Tidesmen Chorus and volunteering with the Legion. Doug was a proud supporter of Roberta (Bobbi) and the Nanaimo Concert Band, rarely missing a concert, and he enjoyed the camaraderie that followed.

Doug participated in every Terry Fox Run, even at remote work sites, and he gave generously to causes close to his heart, including the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. As a loyal fan of the Blue Bombers and the Jets, with a nod to the New York Islanders, he enjoyed pre- and post-game analyses with his brother Bob.

Doug and Roberta shared many adventures to Europe, Mexico, Cuba, Hawaii, Palm Springs and cruises to San Francisco and the Caribbean. Many summers included visits to Winnipeg, Dauphin, Arnes and Grandview to spend time with family, reminisce about the Buzzards ball hockey days and to visit dear friends. To be Doug's friend was to have a friend for life. Time and distance never diminished his loyalty.

Doug is survived by his beloved Roberta, his stepdaughters Trish (Mark) Cathrine, Robyn (Jackson) Hewer and his treasured grandchildren Weston, Emma and Harper, who will miss seeing their "Gpa" in the hockey stands, on the baseball sidelines, at the bonfires, boat rides, and at every family celebration. He is forever loved and will be forever missed. He was a good, kind and wonderful man.

Also left to mourn are his brother Robert (Sandra) Anthony and family, sister Kimberley, the Weiberg family in Creston, cousins and many dear friends and colleagues across Canada.

If friends so wish, donations to the Terry Fox Foundation or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Doug's memory are gratefully appreciated.

If there ever comes a day we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever. – A.A. Milne

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 19, 2026