JOHN DOUGLAS

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JOHN DOUGLAS MacFARLANE 1920 - 2004 On June 28, 2004 Douglas MacFarlane passed quietly away at the age of 83 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Dorothy; son Keith (Nila) daughter Audrey Owens (Thompson) and grandchildren, Laurel and Graham MacFarlane and Kyle and Neil Owens. Doug was predeceased by his son Lorne in 1959. Douglas faced lifes challenges with unwavering integrity, humility, and quiet courage. He was an intensely rational man who enjoyed treating experiences as complex puzzles whether it be a Saturday crossword or a financial prospectus. Doug was assiduous in matters of finance, but generous in spirit. In December 2002 Doug and Dorothy took all three generations of the family to Hawaii, including Nilas mother Bernice Dennis. Doug was a man of simple pleasures: serving on church committees, curling, playing bridge, searching for blueberries in the woods by his cottage, and travelling. He and Dorothy saw much of the world in the years after his retirement. Dougs life was fulfilled by Dorothy. They were companions in life and love. It was because of Dorothys unselfish and sustained care that Doug was able to enjoy quality of life in his last few years. Soft spoken and mild mannered, Doug was a man of uncommon courage. During the war he was wounded while a gun position officer in the Royal Canadian Artillery 2nd Division. Later, as a forward observation officer, he received the Military Cross for courage under fire. In peacetime he became a Chemistry teacher, and later principal of Sisler High School before retiring in 1979. Doug was a magnificent grandfather to Laurel, Graham, Kyle, and Neil. Doug and Dorothy took all four of them to Normandy for the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in 1994. Doug took interest in their activities, pride in their achievements, and often expressed wondrous awe at each of their talents. Above all else, Doug was a good man. His life will provide happy memories and inspiration for his family in the years ahead. A service celebrating Dougs life will be held at Churchill Park United Church, 525 Beresford Ave. on Wednesday, July 7, at 2:00 p.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. Should friends desire, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or a charity of their choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 04, 2004