DOUGLAS THOMAS MUIRHEAD

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DOUGLAS THOMAS MUIRHEAD On Sunday, September 18, 2005, peacefully and surrounded by family, Dad's soul slipped from its earthly coils to join his wife, Audrey, and his mom and dad, Margaret and Tom. Left to celebrate his memory are his family: Brenda, Larry and Linda (Ryan and Roberta, Lisa and Mike and great grandchildren, Maggie and Aidan), Brian (Christopher and Kate), Tim and Chris (Stephen and Gwen); sister, Heather and brothers, Don (Marj) and Norman. Dad was born in Portage la Prairie on December 19, 1922. He graduated from PCI and served his country during The Second World War. He met Mom and they married in 1945, returning home to settle in Portage. Dad worked hard, along with Mom, to support a family of whom he was very proud. His legacies are his gifts of music and gardening. Dad was an accomplished violinist who played with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra and Portage's own Little Symphony. Later in life he took up fiddling and was the International Senior Men's Fiddling Champion and the Manitoba Open Champion. His real enjoyment came from the social end of fiddling. Dad loved being with and entertaining people. He played with Brooker's Bombshells and later had his own band. Dad's gift for music passed on to his grandchildren. A great memory for him was playing Czardis with Mike at the 1994 PCI Reunion. Dad also taught a number of youngsters the violin and enjoyed a special kinship with them throughout his life. Dad had a special talent for growing flowers and plants. His garden was his joy and he spent countless hours making the world a brighter and more colourful place for passersby to enjoy. Dad taught his children that it was important to give back to your community. He was a founding member of the Portage Kinsmen, Worshipful Grand Master of Assiniboine Lodge #7, member of the Portage Legion, Portage Tennis Club and the Portage Curling Club. The family best remembers him at Happy Hour in the back yard where the friends in our special Queen Avenue neighbourhood gathered to enjoy each other's company and keep memories alive. This was Dad at his best, surrounded by people and laughter, sharing the good times. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 22 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary's la Prairie Anglican Church, 32 2nd Street S., Portage la Prairie with The Venerable Norman Collier officiating. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Doug's memory to Douglas Campbell Lodge Foundation, in care of Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524- 5th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8 or to Portage District Community Foundation, P.O.Box 1153, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3J9. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Doug by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements. 857-4021. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 20, 2005