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DOUGLAS POPIEL
An aggressive, quick battle with cancer took a remarkable, stoic, quick-witted and courageous gentleman from us. Douglas left this earth for his heavenly home the morning of March 30, 2026, his beloved wife and friend of 50 years at his bedside. Gail is mourning the loss of the man she so greatly loved, as are their children, Jack (Jocelyn), John-Andrew, Amber (Barry), Matthew (Kim), as well as the grandchildren who will miss their Poppa dearly; Kaiis, Ila, Avaree, Jazmyn (Nick), Tayler, Grayson, and Calum; brother/foster brother of Gloria, Eddie, Ricky, Tommy (Odie), Denise (Gerry), Adele (Ted), Loretta (Steve), Marianne (Darren), and Jim.
Douglas enjoyed life. He travelled extensively in his early career from Ontario to B.C., Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Melville Island, where while erecting buildings for Panarctic Oils, he met Pierre Trudeau and young son Justin. From steel structural erector, welder, to mechanic, Douglas had a long, illustrious career of many decades as a subcontractor in the housing industry for Qualico, Foxridge, Sterling, and Broadview Homes, as well as Arborlea. A gifted carpenter, he was well known in the building trades for his diverse talents. Many homes in Winnipeg had the Douglas touch. He enjoyed working outdoors in all four seasons and never complained. Doug made friends with the tradesmen and women and he so enjoyed the camaraderie shared with them.
Douglas was predeceased by his mother Georgina, father Andy, foster mom and dad Grace and Vezina (Joe), and stepfather Ed, brothers, Maurice (Evelyn) and Roger (Lorraine).
Douglas’ life will be celebrated as a life well lived. In our faith, we strongly believe that on earth it is a final goodbye, but in heaven it is a forever hello. So we will celebrate with memories, tears and laughter on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., Crossings Funeral Care, 12E-40 North Gate Drive, Steinbach, Manitoba. Doug would say, "Dress casual and be comfortable".
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2026