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DOUGLAS BOOTH CRAIG Obituary pic

DOUGLAS BOOTH CRAIG

Born: Nov 06, 1940

Date of Passing: Aug 04, 2023

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DOUGLAS BOOTH CRAIG

November 6, 1940 – August 4, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Douglas Craig, on August 4, 2023. Doug was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Carole, and leaves behind his children Shauna, Rob (Jenny) and Lea (Ferguson), and his grandchildren David, Lucas, Liam, Toby, Owyn, James, and Tatum. Doug is also survived by his younger sister Wendy (Ross) Bowser and many nieces and nephews.

Doug was born in Fort Erie, Ontario in 1940 to Clarence (Curly) and Eileen Craig. His family moved several times during his youth, including to Shawinigan, QC and Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. In 1953, they moved to Montreal where Doug stayed for the remainder of his education. Doug attended McGill University and met Carole in the science labs while doing their undergraduate degrees. Married in August 1963, Doug and Carole began their long life together. While in medical school in Montreal, Doug and Carole welcomed Shauna and Rob. After moving to Winnipeg to begin work, Lea was born. Doug pitched Winnipeg as a five-year plan to Carole, but having discovered Winnipeg was a great place to raise kids, they put down roots. Doug and Carole bought a summer cottage at Victoria Beach, which became an important chapter in family life. Doug enjoyed VB time to relax, play golf, spend time with kids and grandkids, and visit with friends.

Doug’s anesthesia training took him, Carole and Shauna to San Fransisco for residency at the University of California from 1967-1968, and he then returned to McGill to complete training and his Masters in Experimental Medicine. The University of Manitoba recruited Doug in 1971 for clinical practice and as Program Director of the Anesthesia Department. This balance of clinical work and administrative leadership was maintained throughout his career. Doug made some long lasting, influential, and positive changes to the Manitoba Anesthesia residency education program and served on the Royal College Accreditation Survey Teams to assess other programs across the country. On his retirement, Doug’s contribution was honored by the establishment of the Anesthesia Resident of the Year Award in his name. Additional accomplishments included Editor of the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society journal, member and Chairman of the International Anesthesia Research Society board, editorial board member of the Journal of Anesthesia and Analgesia and president of the Manitoba Medical College Foundation. Doug also served as Senior Vice-President, Medical of the Health Sciences Centre (HSC), and was Head of the Department of Anesthesia for the University and the HSC for 10 years.

Doug retired in 2010 and decided to return to familiar Montreal to be close to Shauna, David, and Lucas. He fulfilled travel dreams with trips to Australia and the Yukon. His grandkids, however, were the focus of his retirement, as family was his proudest accomplishment. Doug was integrated into David and Lucas’ lives and enjoyed being part of their weekly routine. Once the boys moved away for university, he maintained contact virtually with his iPad. He took several long trips each year to visit Rob, Lea, and their families, ensuring he was an important part of his Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan grandkids’ lives. His absence will be deeply felt by all, especially his seven “little ones”.

A Celebration of Life will take place later this fall in Winnipeg, at FortWhyte Alive; details to come. Please contact Lea at lmcraigmoore@gmail.com if you wish attend.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 12, 2023

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

  • I enjoyed working with Dr. Craig in the operating rooms at HSC. He was an intelligent and kind man with a good sense of humour. It was always a pleasure to work along side with him. So sad to see he has passed away, my sincere condolences to his family. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Marlene Dieter BN RN - Posted by: Marlene Dieter (OR Nurse co-worker ) on: Nov 09, 2023

  • I just saw this today and am saddened to hear of Dr. Craig’s passing. I was DBC’s (the way he would sign his sticky notes for me) secretary in the Senior Vice President Medical Office and followed him to his position as Head of the Anesthesia Department when he asked if I would go with him. In total I worked for him almost 10 years and I have always felt incredibly fortunate for that time and experience. We worked incredibly well together and the skills and insights I gained through Dr. Craig’s guidance have been invaluable to me throughout my healthcare career. Family was incredibly important to Dr. Craig and he spoke of his children and his beloved wife often. He was patient, understanding, funny and compassionate and I will never forget how kind he was to me when my young child fell ill and I needed to leave my position. My sincere condolences to Shauna, Rob and Leah. - Posted by: Shannon Daly (Co-worker) on: Sep 02, 2023

  • So sad to hear of Dr Craig’s passing. I worked as a nurse in the PACU at HSC for several years when he was head of the department. Professional, intelligent and kind are words I would use to describe this academic and physician. It was a mutual admiration society among all the people that worked with Dr Craig. Bon Voyage - Posted by: Sue Gudmundson (Former nurse in PACI) on: Aug 15, 2023

  • I was a PACU nurse for many years and worked with Dr Craig and saw how smart and compassionate he was. He was a true gentleman and will be missed by many. My condolences to his family on the loss of a wonderful father & grandfather. Gail Ullberg, Retired PACU nurse at HSC - Posted by: Gail Ullberg (Co worker ) on: Aug 15, 2023

  • An esteemed colleague! For 32 years, until my retirement from clinical anesthesia in 2003, Doug and I worked closely together. I was often the appreciative beneficiary of his advice in many areas: research, administration and clinically related. A cherished friend! Following Doug's retirement we shared a friendship that grew over the years during which time his beloved wife, Carole, died and Doug moved to Montreal. Distance did not dampen the friendship and despite the distance, my wife Carol and I saw him not infrequently, at least initially, until his declining health and Covid restrictions intervened. We continued to communicate until quite recently. Thank you Doug. You will be greatly missed by Carol and I. Gerry Bristow - Posted by: Gerry K Bristow (friend and colleague) on: Aug 13, 2023

  • I worked with Dr Craig during his Anaesthesia years at HSC. I am a PACU nurse. I have nothing but great, fond memories of him. He was a great Anaesthetist, and a beautiful person. Sorry for your loss. Penelope(Penny) Maloney - Posted by: Penelope Maloney (Worked in the PACU with Dr Craig during his his time at HSC) on: Aug 12, 2023

  • I worked for the department of Anesthesia at HSC for 32 years. Dr. Craig was department head for many of those years. I enjoyed working with him and he was always a fair and understanding man to work for. Please accept my sincere condolences to all the family. - Posted by: Paulette R Morrison (Former employee) on: Aug 12, 2023

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