Lawrence Richard Douslin
December 30th, 2017
DOUSLIN, Lawrence Richard
November 29, 1921 –December 30, 2017
Lawrence was born in Outlook, Saskatchewan. He lived the majority of his long life on the family farm in Milden where he went to school and graduated from Grade 12 in 1941. He joined the Air Force in October 1942, and after basic training was positioned at No.5 Bombing and Gunnery School in Dafoe, Saskatchewan until the end of WWII. Upon discharge he took over the family farm until 1980 when the day to day management passed to his son Ken. He always said he really appreciated this time of his working life as he was able to enjoy the lifestyle of farming without the planning and responsibility.
He married Phyllis Jean Heywood on June 10, 1953 and after a honeymoon in Niagara Falls they settled down to raise their family. Mary Ellen (Don Speers), Richard Douslin (Sharon) and Ken Douslin (Elaine). In the following years they had five grandchildren and 3 greatgrandchildren.
Lawrence was predeceased by Phyllis, great granddaughter, Shaelyn and his sisters, Betty and Joyce. He is survived by brother in law, Steve Spicer of Kamloops B.C. who will celebrate his 102nd birthday next month.
For over 70 years he was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion and a Mason with the Sovereign Masonic Lodge. He was the Superintendent of Milden United Church Sunday School for many years. He coached hockey, curled, golfed and enjoyed fishing. Aviation was always a passion and he took the family to many airshows in Moose Jaw and enjoyed flights of all kinds. A highlight was a ride with Ken and Mary Ellen in a B25-J Mitchell Bomber at the age of 92.
Lawrence approached life with a positive spin and enjoyed simple activities with family and friends. He lived a life of service to others. Some of his fondest memories near the end of his life were about family trips to Waskesiu.
He enriched the lives of all who knew and loved him. He was truly one of the “greats.” Tentatively a Memorial Service and gathering will be held in Milden on June 30, 2018.
Messages:
Mary Ellen, Richard, and Ken: I'm sincerely sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My mother who passed away in 2001 was a Douslin. Heather
I only had the privilege of meeting you a couple of times but I remember so well that warm, kind and gentle soul who was always so welcoming. I know why it is said you were truly one of the "greats".
Mary Ellen, Richard, and Ken - I was so very sorry to hear of your father's passing. He lived a good, long life and the few times I did meet him he was so pleasant, considerate and easy to talk to. Mary Ellen - please contact me.