H. DOUGLAS (DOUG) HEDLEY

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H. DOUGLAS (DOUG) HEDLEY Doug Hedley passed away peacefully on September 22, 2003 at the Health Sciences Centre after a brief illness. He was 49 years old. Doug was predeceased in 1990 by his father, Don Hedley, from whom he inherited not only his physical strengths and abilities, but also his honesty and gentle nature. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Kaiya and Tawnee, of whom he was very proud. Also mourning his passing are his dear mother Shirley, with whom he had a special bond; as well as his brother Jim (nieces Cara and Anne) and sister Pat (brother-in-law Doug Finkbeiner and nephews, Michael, John and James). Doug was born in Windsor, ON and took his secondary schooling in Montreal and Winnipeg, latterly Kelvin High School. He played sports, particularly hockey and football, in the River Heights area. In 1972 he enrolled at the University of Manitoba. It is fair to say that despite the fact that he was an Honours List student, Dougs main pursuit while at the U. of M. was sports. He was a hockey Bison for five years. In the 1972 - 1973 hockey season, he was co-winner of Rookie of the Year honours. When he was more senior, he served as an Assistant Captain. In 1975 he gave in to the urge to return to football and played for the Football Bisons for two seasons. So, in 1975 - 1976 and 1976 - 1977 he was a two-sport star, being runner up each of those school years to the University of Manitoba Male Athlete of the Year. By the end of his five years of eligibility, he had developed a reputation as a steadfast and sometimes fearsome defenseman and a highly-regarded defensive end. His sports eligibility complete (along with two years of coaching intercollegiate hockey and football) and with a Physical Education degree in hand, he embarked into the restaurant business. Not surprisingly, he took on legendary status in this field as well. Whether it was serving or managing at a Keg Restaurant in Winnipeg or Regina or managing at highly successful restaurant ventures (Carlos & Murphys and Bombay Bicycle Clubs in Winnipeg, Kelseys in Regina and Stevie Tomatos in Florida), Doug distinguished himself as a congenial host and adept businessman. When he was struck down by his fatal illness, he had just purchased Civita Restaurant and Red Cactus Lounge and was on the verge of working his magic yet again on Corydon Avenue. No one worked harder in this business and Doug was proud of his record of great service and warm hospitality. To say that Doug had many friends would be an understatement. He naturally attracted people who valued loyalty as much as he did. His friends were fiercely devoted to him and cared about him. His hospital room seemed always to be occupied with people whom Doug was proud and happy to have shared his life with. There will be many stories told about Doug Hedley, the athlete and the restaurateur. Those stories will be the stuff of legend - part truth, part myth. But his lasting legacy will be that of the loving father of two wonderful daughters. He was as fine a parent as he was a man. There can be no greater legacy. What a good man he was. A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the Assiniboia Christian Centre, 3390 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB with a reception to follow at 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dougs friends are invited, in lieu of flowers or other gifts, to make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba, ON1160 - 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 27, 2003