It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Douglas Edward Lee at the age of 69, on September 8th, 2019. Doug passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by Betty, his loving wife of 48 years. Doug was Betty’s partner, soul mate and her best friend. They met as teenagers and lived a full life together, raising their family. Doug is also survived by his daughters, Tannis (Joe) and Tracy (Kevin); 5 granddaughters, Mackenzie, Cecilia, Mikayla, Sophia and Marissa; his sisters, Shirley and Bonnie (Ray); and his brother, David. Also mourning his passing are numerous extended family members and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Sylvia. He was also predeceased by his mother-in-law Johanna; his father-in-law Fred; as well as brothers-in-law Michael and Freddie; and Doug’s beloved dog, Niki.
Doug was, above all, a family man. He often surprised his daughters when they were little and then his granddaughters with gifts that kept them busy for hours or playing little pranks on them, one of his favorites being to hide raisins or rosebuds under his gift of a stuffed animal. His girls lit up his life. He also loved to give little gifts to his many nieces and nephews just to get a smile.
Doug had a special bond with his mother and spent countless hours visiting, doing puzzles, playing Scrabble or just “hanging around”. He also loved to spend time with his brother, David, talking about cars, working on cars, thinking about cars and tinkering with cars – a passion they both shared. Doug especially loved his first car, his ’56 Chevy. He spent countless hours in his garage doing what he loved – “building something” or just tinkering. He also loved to ride his BSA motorcycle.
When it came to a broken pipe, a leaky faucet, a lawn mower that wouldn’t start or just about anything that needed fixing, his sister, Bonnie would call him since he only lived a couple of blocks away and he always came over to help without a second thought. Shirley, his other sister, was the one he called to come and let him win some money off her playing Yahtzee or Craps. He always enjoyed the competition but he loved winning and most times he did.
Doug also had a special place in his heart for Mrs. Kennedy who so enjoyed his company and always ensured he left with a bag of home-made goodies and buns.
He and Betty enjoyed family gatherings – BBQ’s, the Oasis Beach and many weekends at Uncle Marius’s and Auntie Germaine’s on the pig farm spending hours playing games (Aggravation or Craps) or being any place where family members gathered. He was “Uncle Doug” to many children. He enjoyed children of all ages.
Doug will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. He touched many lives and was loved by all. Rest in peace, Doug.
A service celebrating Doug’s life will be held on Friday, September 20, at 2:00 p.m., at the Worship Centre in Deer Lodge Centre, 2109 Portage Avenue.
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