Doug died in the early morning hours of May 20 from complications of diabetes and the resultant 15-year trudge with neurocognitive decline.

Doug was born in Prince Rupert, BC, grew up in Victoria, Mission, and Chilliwack, and studied physics at the University of BC in Vancouver.

He had a passion for mathematics, canoeing, and baseball, and for a decent walk up a mountain. He was a voracious reader of anything science, history, and current affairs (especially books by Stephen Jay Gould) and loved digging around the sale racks at Chapters. He was partial to the Flashman novels, old maps, old cameras, old single malt, and his iconic red ’76 Toyota Landcruiser.

Doug loved animals and the music of Queen. He was a gifted artist, woodworker, and builder. His idea of a Zen experience was tending a burn pile at the back of the acreage in Nanoose Bay while having a few cigarettes.

He relished his 45-year career at BC Hydro from which he retired in 2013 having been most recently Property Services Representative for Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

Thank you to individuals at Stanford Seniors Village in Parksville, to others in the health care system who stepped up for us, and to those who treated Doug and me with kindness and respect through this long walking nightmare. You know who you are.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no service per Doug’s wishes. Hold him in your hearts and look out for others in his circumstances.

Peace.

Posted by his wife, caregiver, and relentless advocate, Pamela Bottomley.