DOUGLAS STOUT

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DOUGLAS STOUT On September 19, 1999, Douglas Stout said goodbye to his wife, Mila, and his daughter, Lindsay. Doug was born on February 27, 1950, in Winnipeg, the elder twin born to parents Douglas and Margaret Stout. As a boy, Doug loved creating cartoon characters, exploring and making forts with his friends, and performing as a clown. Doug was very close to his twin brother Andy and wherever they were, things were always happening. Full of imagination, they transformed the basement playroom into a television studio, horror house, rocketship and later, the meeting place for their band, the Happy Medium, which regularly played at Winnipeg Community Centres. Doug completed his Advertising Art diploma at Red River College and later his Bachelor of Education at the University of Manitoba. He enjoyed a challenging career as a Graphic Designer in Winnipeg. When asked, Doug accepted a temporary teaching position in Swan River. Unbeknown to him, he would make Swan River his home, developing and teaching his Visual Arts program for 23 years and establishing his family there. Doug married Mila Stehlik in 1988, and they have a daughter, Lindsay, the apple of her fathers eye. Doug adored her and filled her with the fun and excitement he felt for life. At work, Doug was well respected, instilling his students with the enthusiasm and perfectionism with which he approached art. His creativity spread beyond his teaching role, to his involvement with school affairs, and into special projects such as set designs for the school plays, childrens skating competitions, winter carnivals, and more. Doug also maintained an active freelance practice, producing a variety of artwork including illustrating childrens books and important design commissions for the United Nations, for which he received an award for Design Excellence. Doug made many fast friendships from within the school and throughout the community. Doug and Milas home was always a welcome gathering spot for friends, old and new. His many interests varied from philosophy to music to astronomy. The last three summers were spent in Gimli, where Doug and his family fulfilled another of his dreams, learning to sail his boat. Doug loved to play his electric bass, whether at home with friends or in several local bands that he was a part of over the years. Doug approached each new interest with an intense curiosity and conviction to learn all he could with concise objectivity. His energy and unique sense of humor spread to all who knew him. The innovative home he designed is a tribute to his incredible talent and vision. Above all, Doug loved his family. His wife and best friend, Mila, and daughter, Lindsay are left to mourn him. He will be sadly missed by his brother Andy (Lori) and sister Meg (David) nephews, Allan and Mark and niece, Clare. Doug was predeceased by his father in 1970 and mother in 1991. A memorial service will be held at the Legion Hall, Swan River, on Thursday, September 23, at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements with Swan Valley Funeral Services. An informal gathering of family and friends will be held in Winnipeg, at the home of Andy and Lori Stout, 240 Oakdale Drive, on Saturday, October 2, at 4:00 p.m. A scholarship fund has been established in memory of Doug Stout. Donations may be made through Brent Rausch at Swan Valley School Division office, Box 997, Swan River, Manitoba, phone 734-4531. Please indicate Doug Stout Memorial Scholarship Fund.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 23, 1999