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DOUGLAS M. LAUCHLAN
Born: Feb 18, 1931
Date of Passing: Feb 15, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDOUGLAS M. LAUCHLAN February 18, 1931 - Pine Falls Manitoba February 15, 2016 - Calgary Alberta Doug Lauchlan, community builder, educator, arts leader, visionary, friend, father and grandfather, died just days short of his 85th birthday on Monday, February 15. Doug's contributions to the city of Calgary are immeasurable. He was president of Mount Royal College, head of the United Way, and General Manager of the Calgary Centre for Performing Arts to name a few. Doug was instrumental in the establishment of both the Esther Honen's International Piano Competition and the Calgary International Organ Festival. He served his community on the boards of numerous large and small organizations, including the Banff Centre, Child Friendly Calgary, Global Fest and the International Avenue Arts and Culture Centre. His greatest gifts were inspiring people, bringing them together in common cause and resolving conflict. He loved people, politics (serving as leader of the Liberal Party of Manitoba), arts and music, and sports. He was a brilliant public speaker, a jazz piano player, and a talented golfer. His enthusiasm for everything that caught his interest was contagious. Doug was born and raised in Pine Falls, Manitoba and graduated in theology from the University of Winnipeg - then called United College. He married fellow theology student Margaret Hanley in 1953 and theirs was a long and happy partnership, ending 58 years later with Marg's death in 2011. Doug was predeceased by his eldest son John in 1982. He is survived by daughter Andrea Marantz (Josh); sons, Michael Lauchlan (Marta) and Scott Lauchlan (Anneisa). He is also survived by six grandchildren, Sarah (Andrew) Szabo, Noah (Lauren) Marantz, Mac , Kate , Natalie and Nigel Lauchlan. He also leaves three dearly loved great-grandchildren, Jack Szabo, Isaac and Sadie Marantz. Doug is also survived by his only brother Ian and his family; and sister-in-law Helen Hanley. The family would like to thank Sonia Yudcovitch for her caring, loyal friendship to Dad in the last years of his life. Doug was a wonderful friend to many and leaves the world a much richer place for his part in it. He was a kind, intelligent man, who loved to laugh and treated every person he met with respect and genuine interest. He was dearly loved and will be dearly missed. Services will be held Saturday, February 20 at 11 a.m. at Central United Church (131 - 7 Avenue SW, Calgary). In keeping with Dad's life long commitment to Philanthropy, please consider a donation to your favourite charity. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.piersons.ca. Arrangements entrusted to Pierson's Funeral Service Ltd. (403)235-3602
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2016
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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I read with sadness the news of Doug's recent passing. He was everything his obituary described and more. Our friendship developed during his time in Winnipeg 1979-82 though we knew each other casually beforehand both being alumni of the University of Winnipeg. When Loyd Axworthy was first appointed minister of employment and immigration he brought Doug to Winnipeg as his senior advisor. Then when Doug decided to run for leader of the Liberal Party in Manitoba, I was privileged to work with Reg Alcock and Joanne Purvis as key operatives on his campaign. He won, of course, but lost the next election so returned to his home in Calgary. I last saw him at Reg Alcock's funeral when he told me of Marg's passing. Winnipeggers so inclined can find a charming little photo album in the library at Molgat Place (Liberal Headquarters) 635 Broadway commemorating Marg and Doug's time here and our farewell to them. His portrait hangs there as well along with all our other leaders provincial and federal. I pretty much lost track of Marg and Doug when they left Winnipeg with only intermittent contact thereafter but always considered them dear friends and still carry the warmest affection for them both. Theirs is a loss not only to family but to many, many friends both near and far. Jim Millar - Posted by: Jim Millar (Friend and political ally) on: Feb 24, 2016