Obituaries

DOUGLAS JOHN WOOLEY
   It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Douglas John Wooley on Monday, September 11, 2017 at the age of 69 years.    Remaining to cherish Doug’s memory are his children, Jennifer (Jason) and Chris (Sarah) and his five grandchildren, Lysander, Merrick, Callin, Annie and Madison. He will also be lovingly remembered by his brother, Gordon (Gwen) and their children Adrienne, Valerie and Blair; his sister, Janice; his stepdaughter Carrie (Dean) Creighton and family, as well as cherished friend, Jean Hodges. He was predeceased by his father Frank and mother Evelyn Wooley (nee Wood).    Born and raised in Winnipeg, Doug attended St. James Collegiate. Following his graduation, he briefly moved to Vancouver and Whitehorse before returning to Winnipeg in the early 1970s and embarking on a fulfilling life in the foodservice industry.    Over the better part of the following 40 years, Doug enjoyed an ownership stake in a variety of restaurants in Manitoba, most notably a span of some two decades as the Chicken Chef franchisee in Stonewall – but it was an opportunity in Vernon, BC in the early 1980’s that provided Doug with the ultimate vision for his later years.    An avid fan of golf and temperate climes, Vernon seemed to be the perfect place for Doug. From the moment he arrived, he knew that he had found his paradise. He eventually left Vernon to return to Manitoba, but always knew he would spend his retirement in the Okanagan.    After settling in Stonewall, Doug immersed himself in the local community, joining the Chamber of Commerce and involving himself in every community initiative or fundraiser that was presented to him. He became a fixture at the Teulon Golf Club, and spent countless hours spoiling long walks playing a game he loved.    A devotee of James Patterson novels, two-dollar cribbage games and Clint Eastwood DVD boxed sets, Doug enjoyed prairie summers and begrudgingly tolerated its winters. Warm weather weekend getaways to Las Vegas or visits to his parents’ Arizona retirement home were a regular winter event for Doug – who, amazingly, always seemed to have a small stash of US currency tucked in the corners of the sock drawer for just such an occurrence.    Upon his retirement, Doug made good on his promise to move back to Vernon, thoroughly enjoying his time spent in the Okanagan – before health concerns prompted his return to Winnipeg.     Doug loathed the idea of a Funeral following his death, but friends and family are invited to gather at the Silver Heights Restaurant, 2169 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. to toast his memory. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.    A special thank you from the family is sent to Bruce (Pat) McBeth for a lifetime of unwavering support and unfaltering friendship. We will be eternally grateful for the compassion, guidance and love you gave to Doug.    In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to make a donation in Doug’s name to Diabetes Canada.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
 
“He poured the perfect caesar and never overcooked a steak in his life. Doug’s cutting wit and his zest for life will be missed by all who knew him.”