It is with great sadness and fond memories that we share the passing of Charles (Chuck) Douglass on Sept.8/21 at the Hillside facility in Kamloops , BC.
Chuck was born on January 9, 1948 in Saint John, NB to Charlie & Alice Douglass. Chuck grew up in the Stanley, Fredericton areas of NB & in Labrador City, Nfld. After high school Chuck moved west via Churchill Falls to work in Edmonton, AB. In the late 60’s he started a 30 year career with CN Rail, in Fox Creek, AB. From there he moved to Vancouver and ultimately to Kamloops. It was here that he met Penny and they married and settled for 45 years. Chuck retired early from CN, at age 50, having moved up to transportation engineering. Chuck was very loyal to CN & enjoyed the many friends he made there, and maintained many of the friendships until his passing. After retiring he moved to working for Brentwood Enterprises – Hytracker for 12 years as their marketing manager. Chuck loved the challenge of sales and really put his knowledge & expertise from 30 yrs. at CN to valuable use. He thoroughly enjoyed making ‘cold calls’ and making new friends! He again, retired, at age 63.
When Chuck moved out West his dream to find light mountain powder snow for downhill skiing-a sport he had learned in Labrador City & apparently put more time into it than school!? Tod Mountain in Kamloops partially fulfilled this dream. Chuck & Penny bought a cabin at Tod Mtn. in 1978 with good friends the Blair’s, a cabin they kept until 2017. Alpine skiing was a passion of Chucks that fed through many heli skiing and CAT skiing trips as well as countless days at Tod -he had a seasons pass until 2016.
Chuck and Penny had two sons: Andrew and Simon. Much of Chuck’s energy and interest centered around activities initially involving the boys. Skiing was a big family activity and many a night were spent at “the mountain”. Many lasting friendships were made at Tod, often through, sharing a glass or two of Chucks wine.
Both boys were active in ski racing. Chuck was very involved with the Kamloops Alpine Ski club and later the Sun Peaks Racers, as a BC Alpine official & race organizer. Chuck loved the challenge and camaraderie of these events. He was also a long time volunteer with Scouts Canada-he maintained volunteer positions long after the kids had moved on. He loved involvement with many committees including StrataK18, the Kamloops Amateur Winemakers, Kamloops United Church and BC Alpine.
Chuck and Penny and the boys enjoyed many active, outdoors adventures including hiking, biking, backpacking, skiing & cycling along with adventures in the truck and camper. These were often with other families, the Genge’s and Cowden’s in particular.
Chuck generally loved and enjoyed people and also loved family. He took his position of “big brother”, to his three sisters, seriously. He kept close contact with them until he was hospitalized in May. He cherished his Maritime roots and kept close contact with several relatives there and visited frequently.
Parkinson’s Disease waved it’s cruel wand over Chuck 24 years ago but he was not going to be defined by it! He maintained a high level of activity as long as he could with activities including fishing, golfing, wine making, cycling, gardening, pool, crib and bridge. With supportive friends Bob & Joan Cowden, he & Penny cycled Hwy. 101 from Lund, BC to the Mexican border in 4 two week trips. Many Chuck stories & memories from those trip,s . P.D. did not prevent him from traveling several times to Australia to visit close friends.
Chuck truly enjoyed his many friendships and appreciated how friends and family supported him as his Parkinson’s advanced. He was admitted to hospital in late May with an infection. His health and mobility steadily declined. Sadly, due to Covid he could not have visitors. He did enjoy the cards, pictures and videos many friends emailed. The iPad was a wonderful mode for him connecting. Penny and Andrew greatly appreciated all the support for Chuck.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 yrs., Penny, son Andrew and his wonderful sisters; Sharon Drefs (Gary) of Parksville, BC, Susen Douglass of Edmonton, AB., Sandra Wynn (Dave) of Orleans, Ont. Along with many cousins and extended family in the Maritimes.
Chuck was pre-deceased by his father Charlie, his mother Alice and son Simon (2013).
Penny and Andrew would like to thank the many medical professionals that guided, treated and respectfully cared for Chuck over many years and most recently, including Dr. Jennifer Takahashi, Dr. , A. Thibeault, Dr. Olubajo, Dr. Barb Prystawa and Christine, the staff on 5 South, and most recently Dr. Carol Ward and the caring staff at Hillside Adult Psychiatric Center. They all helped to guide Chuck’s journey to its peaceful end.
There will be a celebration of Chuck’s life at a later date when Covid restrictions allow. In the meantime raise a glass of red in Chuck’s memory.
In memory of Chuck, please make donations to the Parkinson’s Society of BC.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
12 Tributes
Penny and Andrew, we have lost a very good and valued friend. We have had a 45 year friendship and shall miss him. I’m glad his passing was peaceful. Rest in peace my friend. Love you.
Thoughts and prayers
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Penny and Andrew
Love Dee & Greg
Chuck was a beloved family man with a caring and compassionate heart. Penny and Andrew, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Chuck left us with wonderful stories of a life full of adventures. He was a good guy and we will miss him. Sending love and heartfelt condolences to you both and his sisters.
Such a lovely tribute to Chuck. Penny, Andrew and family we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Tracey Crystal (Anderson)
My sincere condolences to Penny and Andrew. Chuck was a great man who made an impact on all that knew him. I know Gooeytack and Chief will have welcomed him in to the great Leader’s party in the Sky when he arrived.
A life fully and well lived. Condolences to the entire family from Linda and Darryl Knowles (Keith Wynn’s in-laws)
I only met Chuck a few times, when he came to visit his sister in Orleans. Although our encounters were brief, I realized what a wonderful man he was, fun loving, (he loved to dance), and very interesting to talk to. My deepest condolences to his wife and son, and to his extended family members.
Dear Penny,
Our thoughts are with you at this time. I know it has been a difficult journey.
Chuck was a kind, gentle soul and we will seeing him at hockey games snd the ski hill. Ray and Shannon
Chuck was an incredibly positive caring person who never seemed to let life get him down. His smile and helpful ways will always be remembered. Penny and Andrew you were indeed blessed to have shared a life together with such a wonderful man.
Penny and Andrew. We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Chuck was such and inspiration to all of us. His sense of humor and smile will forever make me smile when I think of him. Mike recalls his time as president of the ski club and when Chuck came on as VP. Mike’s words “best thing that could have happened for the club.” He could always count on Chuck to get things done.
Mike and Catherine
I had the pleasure of getting to know Mr.Douglass when I worked downtown Kamloops some years ago. I always looked forward to our brief encounters and enjoyed any few moments I had the pleasure of his presence. I’ll always remember his pleasant smile and quick wit. He always made my day. I’m so very sorry for your loss.