Douglas "Doug" James Churchill
February 24th, 2016
Douglas James (Doug) Churchill
October 16, 1951 – February 24, 2016
The family of D.J. (Doug) Churchill of Canmore, Alberta, is sad to announce his death on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at the age of 64 years at the Foothills Medical Centre, as the result of injuries sustained in a skiing accident near Golden, BC on February 21, 2016. Doug is lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Sheila; daughters, Hannah (Bob) and Alison (Josh); father, Rae; brothers, Ian (Sandi) of Calgary and Rob (Chris) of Edmonton; mother-in-law, Barbara Davies; brothers-in-law, Ross (Barb) and Brian; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and other extended family. Doug is predeceased by his mother, Pat Churchill and father-in -law, Dr. Fred Davies of Ottawa.
We would like to extend our thanks to the members of the tour group who performed the site rescue and first aid; the helicopter crew who rushed to the accident site and transported the injured skiers; and to STARS air ambulance for taking Doug to Foothills Medical Centre. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the medical team and staff in Intensive Care Unit C at Foothills for their extraordinary efforts, which gave us a few precious extra days with Doug and their kind consideration extended to us during a very difficult time.
A Celebration of Doug’s Life will take place at a future date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Doug’s memory to:
STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society), Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 8M7
or
Calgary Health Trust (Foothills Medical Centre, Intensive Care Unit), #800, 11012 McLeod Trail SE, Calgary, AB, T2J 6A5.
Messages:
I taught Ali in grade two, along with Ali Bush and Kelly McBoom. What a joyful trio! They lit up the room. I have very fond memories of meeting you, Sheila and Doug at parent/teacher nights and revelling in what a beautiful loving family you were. You were so calm, friendly and there was such a peacefulness to your presence. My heart breaks for all of you at your tragic loss. I will remember you in my thoughts and prayers. With love,
Sheila, Hannah and Alison our deepest of condolences in the loss of Doug. Brenda Chambers, Michael and Addison Bignold.
Dear Shiela, Hanna, Ali and family: We were so terribly sorry to hear about Doug. It is such a tragedy. Our hearts break when we think of your loss. Doug was truly such a fine person and friend. We will miss him and always remember him. We hope you find peace and solace. Our kindest and sincerest regards.
Dear Sheila, Very sad to learn of Doug's accident. We send our condolences to you and family with warmest regards.
Dear Sheila, Ali and Hannah, " When someone you love becomes a memory, a memory becomes a treasure. May your fond memories sustain and comfort you,and bring you peace." Our thoughts are with you .
My heart goes out to all the family and friends of Doug. Our relationship was short but I knew that Doug was a good person. He had a wonderful sense of humour. He was a hard working man and I felt like I was part of the family while working with him. So sorry to learn of the tragic news in the Outlook paper. With love and respect. Doug will be missed! Kyle
Sheila and family, I can't begin to express my sadness for your loss. Know that Louise and I have you in our thoughts, and our hearts.
Dear Sheila, I want to send you my love. You and your family are in my thoughts. I know how close you and Doug were. He will be missed. I'm very sorry for your loss. Love, Mary
Our condolences to you Sheila, Hanna and Ali at this time of losing such a gentle Husband, Dad and friend. Time will heal with all your friends and family near to support you.
Sheila, Hannah, Alison and family, my heart goes out to you all. Doug was such a great guy and will also be missed by so many loving old friends. His love of skiing and the great outdoors has influenced many of our lives. We will remember him speeding down the road on his old Husqvarna or his lovely "antique" blue Beetle. Flying down a mountain trail "miles" ahead of the rest of us. Making a perfect fire, in the perfect camp site, listening to all those wonderful wild noises. His ever present camera, those fantastic pictures, so many interests. We loved him! We will cherish our memories and hopefully yours will bring you some comfort as well.
Sheila, I was shocked to hear this news about Doug, but quickly remembered the leadership and friendship developed as our kids grew up ski racing at BAR at Norquay. God bless Doug and your family-
Sheila and girls Doug was a special man with a heart of gold and a smile to match. I was so sad to hear the tragic news. He loved being outside skis or bike. My daughter was in ICU with Doug. Keep all the memories close to your heart and know that you were the loves of his life Take care of yourselves Mary
Simply my condolence to Sheila, daughter Hannah and Alison. Wilf
We can't imagine your loss, but hope the many good years together bring some comfort. Thinking about you. Bruce & Julie
Shelia and family. This is very sad news and my thoughts are with you and your family . Janet from art class and Nova Scotia b
Dear Sheila and family, Bruce and I have been carrying both you and Doug in our hearts from the moment of first radio contact when we were at Vista and we are alongside on these next tentative days. We have so many great memories of those ski days at Vista and the effervescence you both share. We offer words of condolence that do little to assuage the certain grief. Wishing you an ease of healing the physical wounds, the ones that all the world sees. For the deeper loss may there be friends and family and nature's healing days of spring ahead.
We are truly sorry for your loss. No words can ease the pain and sorrow that you feel, but know that we are thinking of you as you move through this difficult time. Sincerely, Paul and Marion Kutzer
Sheila, Hannah, Alison and family We were sad to here about Doug we hope that all the great memories you have will help to get you through this most difficult time. Cindy, Ken and Allisha
Dear Sheila and family, We are so saddened to hear of Doug's death. Chris and I fondly remember our many ski trips with him at Great Northern. Fabulous days on the slopes, great discussions over "beerguaritas" in the sauna and much laughter and joy at the supper table. We feel so lucky to have shared a little piece of all of that with him. Please accept our sincere condolences. Jane Lemaire and Chris Brown
Dear Sheila, Hannah and Ali, There are no words to express how sad we all were to hear of the untimely passing of your love of life, partner and soulmate and most beloved and proud Dad. I know that Doug will forever be with "his girls", you will feel his presence in your heart and soul always. Doug loved the outdoors and all the beauty it offered...whether it was the beautiful lake in Quebec or the powerful mountains of Alberta....he will continue to love them and be there with you always as you love them. I pray that Doug is at peace and that he is reunited with loved ones who have left this world before him. There is a new star up in that big sky and it has the same brightness and twinkle that was in his beautiful smile. Rest in peace Doug, you will be dearly missed by many and never forgotten. Love, Kathy (Davies) and Joe Menchini.
Doug was the salt of the earth man and he will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences to Shelia, Hannah and Alison.
Sheila, Hannah and Ali Our deepest condolences on the passing of Doug. May the Love and care of those around you provide you all with comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. "Death is a heartache no one can heal but Love is a memory no one can steal." Angela Flynn and family
Sheila, I was shocked to hear about your horrible loss but not surprised that you and Doug were still active outdoors people. I don't really know what to say but I do hope you will be ok. Love Marlayne You won't remember but I was your neighbor in Beddington when Hanah was born (and the deck is still standing).
We are so sad to hear of Doug's passing. We hope that you will all be comforted by good memories, supportive friends and the love of your family at this difficult time. We send our love to you all. Ross, Shirley, Hilary and Nigel
I had the privilege of working with Doug for almost four years at Devonian Properties. He was an amazing person; warm and kind, gracious and hilariously funny. I will always think of him fondly and am saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to Sheila and Doug's family.