DOUGLAS HENRY WHITLA (DOUG)

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DOUGLAS HENRY WHITLA

Doug Whitla, much-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend. Doug passed away peacefully on August 10, 2021 at St. Boniface Hospital, at the age of 83 years, following a recent battle with cancer and related illnesses.
Surviving him are Barbara, his wife of 60 years, his two children: Todd (Laurel) and Robb (Jackie), his grandchildren: Madison and Brett (Mom Heather), Shane and Quinn, and his sister Joan (Darrell). Doug was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Eileen Whitla, as well as his parents-in-law, Mollie and Charlie Ives.
Doug was both a good guy and a great man. If the definition of a good guy is somebody who is kind, unassuming, lights up your day with his quiet wit, who gives freely of his time for his family, then Doug was a really good guy. If the definition of a great man means having wisdom, integrity, loyalty, being a husband and father who puts family ahead of himself and someone who is courageous in the face of extended illness, then Doug was a great man. Doug had a wonderful life, full of blessings, and full of things that he enjoyed. He was a man of simple tastes whose greatest joy came from his family and time spent with his wife, sons, and grandchildren. He loved the family cottage at Clearwater Bay, built with the help of his sons which he enjoyed for close to 40 years. The lake was a lifelong passion for Doug, having first built a cottage with his father, affectionately known as Mosquito Island in Deception Bay. Cottage time with his grandchildren was very special to "Gramp"/"Papa", and he inspired a family who continues to love the lake today.
Grandpa always had time to stop and smell the flowers and plant them too. He had a graceful way of showing humility and a sweet and gentle way of showing his love. He also always had time to teach the grandkids the little things, such as how to tell the difference between a red pine and a white. He was so incredibly proud of his grandchildren's accomplishments and never missed a musical recital, birthday, volleyball match or hockey game. He also loved his furry granddogs, quickly bonding with the newest family member, Jaxx. Doug's other passions were golf (endless rounds with Robb and dear friend, Cal Swan) and woodworking, for which he was truly gifted. He would spend hours on end designing, building, sanding and staining, and would never pass up an opportunity to help his grandkids with a project. He always knew the best way to get the job done and shared his time and skills generously in countless building projects with Todd and Robb.
Doug grew up in Winnipeg on Kingston Row, meeting Barb at the tender age of 10. He was an accomplished hockey player in his early days having been drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in his teens. Alas, he determined life on the road was not one for him, choosing a more stable career path at United Grain Growers from which he retired after a successful career of 37 years. While a life of professional sport was not for him, remaining fit and healthy was a lifelong passion of Doug's. He continued to play golf a few times a week until the age of 81.
Our thanks go to the St. Boniface Hospital ER and Family Health Unit doctors and nurses who showed great sensitivity and care for him, and for Barb and the family.
A private family celebration of Doug's life will be held, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Children's Hospital or a charity of choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 21, 2021