Douglas STEEVES

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STEEVES: Douglas Graham Steeves "The Coach" was born March 5, 1934 to parents Frank (a farmer) and Pearl (a teacher) Steeves. They and younger brother Byron lived in Moncton, New Brunswick. He passed away after a lengthy fight with Parkinson's and Dementia on May 19, 2014. Doug's early schooling took place in Moncton then on to university at Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. While at Springfield he participated in cross-country track and wrestling. He graduated with a Masters degree in Science in 1956 and later an Education Specialist degree from Arizona State. This was the beginning of a long career as an Educator. During his time at Springfield, he met Janet Bair whom he hired to do typing, he liked it so much that he married her in 1957. Doug first taught in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia then on to Hudson, Quebec where he established both wrestling and football programs. Living in Hudson they became parents to Greg, Tracey and Melanie. In 1966 Doug and Janet accepted a position at Brandon University first as an assistant Professor then as Athletic director in 1967 as well as welcoming their fourth child Michael. Doug taught for 28 years at B.U. until his retirement in 1995. While teaching at B.U he found "spare" time to start up football programs at Neelin High School (early 70's), Crocus Plains High School (early 80's) and then Vincent Massey High School (early 90's). Doug liked to coach but he loved to prepare his players for their future. Doug was inducted into the Vincent Massey Hall of Fame, Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame (2005) and the Manitoba Football Hall of Fame (2013). Doug had many "pastimes" but golf, scrabble, socializing and watching sporting events both live and televised were his favourites. If it was fun he would participate. Doug is survived by first wife Janet, son Greg, daughter Melanie (Gene) Guentert, son Michael (Jil) Simmons, nephew Rick Steeves, nieces Diane Bauman and Sharon Alford, Grandchildren; Adam Moore, Megan Moore, Erik Guentert, Georgia Steeves and Sam Steeves, Great Grandchild Nova Moore. Sister-in-law Kay Lacomb and brother-in-law Mike Conway. Doug was predeceased by parents Frank and Pearl, brother Byron, daughter Tracey and second wife Joy (Conway). Special Thank you to the residents and staff at Dinsdale Personal Care Home for making his stay there comfortable and caring. It is 3rd down with 8 yards to go (CFL rules). What would the Coach do? "A Smile is the lighting system of the face, the cooling system of the head and the heating system of the heart". The Ceremony to Celebrate Coach's life was held at Central United Church on Saturday, May 24, 2014 with Funeral Celebrant Lydia Glawson officiating. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to: Doug Steeves High School Football Programs Friends of Education Fund, c\o Brandon School Division 1031-6th St., Brandon Manitoba, R7A 4K5Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 07, 2014