James Douglas White
November 4th, 2022
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‘Doug’ White died peacefully on November 4, 2022, in West Vancouver, BC after a long battle with congestive heart failure and COPD. Doug was born in the township of Ruakaka Te Aroha, New Zealand on August 30, 1932. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Florence Marianne Lawton and Douglas Hallam White and by his wife, Heather Geneve Stewart. He left behind three daughters, Jennifer (Brian), Susan, and Helen (Ric) as well as nine grandkids and a growing number of great grandchildren. He will also be remembered by his older brother, Syd (Mahala), and many wonderful friends.
Doug and Heather, along with their 3 young children, came to Canada from New Zealand aboard the SS Arcadia in January 1965. They settled on Rose Crescent in West Vancouver and spent many hours swimming in the lovely waters at Sandy Cove Beach. Doug was a Civil Engineer and had a long and successful career in municipal work as well as with the BC Hydro Transmission Dept. He was fortunate to retire early and had many years to enjoy his hobbies of hiking, biking, camping, and entering marathons. He loved the outdoors, especially the tops of mountains!
There is no formal service by his request.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to a charity of your choice in Doug's memory would be appreciated.
Messages:
.....I forgot to add the best thing ever I remember about Doug White. He got up with my Dad and my cousin Andrew and did the Maori Haka for my Dad's 80th Birthday! Was awesome!!
Our family was very fond of Doug. We knew him through our father Ross McCarlie who was also from New Zealand. They were both went to Wellington College in New Zealand, and they were both employed at BC Hydro here in Vancouver. He had such great stories around camping, hiking and when he was young a man growing up in New Zealand, he used to ride his push bike with a rifle on his back to go pig shooting. We always thought how astonishing! He would join our family for BBQ’s, dinners, and parties over the years. Always such a gentle soul and such a gentleman. When my father passed away 2 years ago Doug was often calling and checking in on Mum to make sure she was doing ok even though he was challenged with his own health issues. Doug to us was nothing but kind and caring. A good man. We have been privileged to have known him and will miss him terribly. Rest in peace dear Doug, dear friend. With our love, gratitude and friendship. Lorraine McCarlie, Colin McCarlie, Allison McCarlie and Scott Hughes tena ra e hoa, moe mai ra (farewell, sleep in peace)
Many of my memories of my grandfather were at his previous home on Rose Crescent, and I remember the times our family would explore the gardens there and Sandy Cove Beach. I also remember my grandfather's love for hiking and him showing us his trail gear and camping supplies. Although it was a very long time ago I remember he would bring up adventures he went on and you could tell that he had the time of his life hiking and biking all over BC. You could tell that he was passionate about being outside and exploring what nature had to offer. He will be very missed by all of us
I'm going to miss you very much, Dad. I have so many good memories that I will cherish. A house full of wonderful pets, amazing holiday adventures, fireworks on the big rock, tetherball, the home-made swing you put in your living room for the grandkids, fresh honey from the beehives, and so much more. May you rest in peace.
I was a friend of Doug's. We enjoyed the mountains, especially long distance hikes, and exploring, maintaining and building new trails. I especially remember building the North West Passage trail, from which I came home covered in bruises, bumps and scratches, feeling that I had achieved something. Doug was especially fond of working in his large garden, his cats and fixing anything that needed fixing! He enjoyed his camper van, traveling and always wild camping in remote places. May you rest in peace Doug. Wendy Meakin, West Vancouver