J. DOUGLAS STRANGE

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• I'm so pleased to read these glimpses into peoples' memories of the exceptional person Doug was. There have been a number of cards also, recalling past times. I have heard these stories from Doug over the years, and his enjoyment of your company remained with him. Thank you. LL. - Posted by: Linda Strange (Spouse) on: Sep 13, 2021

• Linda, I was very saddened and shocked to hear of Doug's passing. Please accept my condolences to you and to everyone in your family who loved Doug for your loss. Doug and I spent a lot of time together in our early legal years. Law school, articling together in a small firm, then working together in an expanded firm and finally starting our own law firm very shortly afterwards. Doug was a very good lawyer, intelligent and quick witted. We spent hours talking about law and working on many cases. Doug also had a wonderfully playful part in his personality. He taught me that there was more to life than just being a lawyer. Under his tutelage, he taught me to play billiards on 6x12 tables in the pool hall next door to our office, and than introduced me to the world of horse racing. We spent many early mornings together at the track watching our horses work out, then having breakfast and talking to trainers, jockeys and other owners. One highlight is that we bought a season private box which we used a lot, and especially spent Manitoba Derby Day together. I will always remember our early legal years together. - Posted by: Randie Kushnier (friend and law partner) on: Aug 14, 2021

• I first met Doug Strange in 1986 when I started working in the MPI Legal Department. I was assigned to work for both Doug Strange and Jim Shaw. There could never have been two more different personalities and workstyles than those two (Oscar and Felix come to mind), but thus started the team of Strange, Shaw and Stewart (my maiden name at the time). Mr. Strange, as I was to call him, was quite the character and a brilliant individual. I had learned that he had a nickname, "Doorstep Dougie", which came about from him settling cases practically on the doorsteps of the courthouse right before a trial was to begin. He had a photographic memory, which he would often put to good use whenever I would be looking for a particular document in his office; I called his office organized chaos. I considered him a bit of a rebel. Who else would wear jeans and cowboy boots to the office (before there was such a thing as casual day), put his feet up on his desk, and smoke cigarettes while there was a No Smoking policy in place? Sometimes, these antics would backfire on him, as when the wastepaper basket in his office caught fire from a discarded cigarette. You never saw him run so fast to find water and douse those flames before anyone else would notice and contact the higher-ups. Doug was fun to work with and there was never a dull moment when he was in the office. There are so many memories that I will cherish. But you rest now, Mr. Strange. Court is adjourned. - Posted by: Cheryl Dani (co-worker) on: Jul 23, 2021

• I can't think of an evening spent with Doug and Linda where I didn't enjoy Doug's company and the collective "wisdom" of whomever else was around. Linda, I am glad to have shared a small bit of Doug's life with you, may you find peace at this time knowing Doug brought so much to those around him, Rob Pankhurst - Posted by: Rob Pankhurst (Friend) on: Jul 17, 2021

• It is with deep regret we learned of the passing of Doug our 1970 law class legend. How do you become a law class legend; 1 You're smart enough to graduate law school while playing cards in the basement of law school with another legend David Miles. There were suspicions that neither of these individuals knew where the classrooms were or what their use was. 2 You rescue classmates from physical harm. One night at a late hour at The Airport hotel Allan, Fraser and I found ourselves in an unfortunate disagreement with some individuals who didn't think we were as smart as we thought we were. They chased us to Fraser's car which we got in and locked the doors. Unfortunately the car would not start and this was an era of no cell phones. These misguided individuals started to rock the car violently. Out of nowhere Doug shows up calms the situation down and we escaped thanks to Doug. Doug will be sadly missed but not forgotten. - Posted by: Bill Aaron,Allan Goddard ,Fraser McConnell,Gary Miller and Ron Black (Class of 1970 Law School classmates) on: Jul 14, 2021

• Sad to hear of Doug's passing. I got to know Doug across the hall in the Royal Trust building with MPI in the early 90's along with Linda. He was a dedicated lawyer and he will be missed. My condolences to you Linda on Doug's passing. - Posted by: Kevin Duckett (Co-worker) on: Jul 14, 2021

• I'll miss Doug's sharp humour and good taste! I'm glad he could make my mom happy for so many years! I'll miss the laughs. - Posted by: Yolanna L Yerex (Step-daughter) on: Jul 14, 2021