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May 19, 1935 - Dec 22, 2017
Doug Stuart passed away peacefully in his wife's arms at North Island Hospital Comox Valley on December 22, 2017.

Doug was born in Norquay, Saskatchewan to his parents, May and George Stuart. He was a tireless sportsman during his youth including hockey, curling, and A-league baseball. He was drafted to play hockey for a Chicago minor-league team but turned it down to join the Air Force. He later won the MacDonald Provincial Briar for curling in 1965, and was a par-golfer for most of his life. He was also an avid skier and became a ski instructor when he was close to, and throughout, his retirement.

Doug and his wife, June (nee Rempel) had two children, April and James. The family spent many years together moving all over Canada including Comox, BC, and Cold Lake, AB, and were also stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado for a few years. Doug eventually retired back on the west coast in the Comox Valley; James and April reside in Victoria, BC.

Doug was a pilot for most of his career with the Canadian Air Force and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Highlights of his significant military career include ejecting out of a Voodoo fighter plane in 1971, and commanding the British Columbia Search and Rescue Squadron in Comox, BC. He was extremely well respected by his superiors, his peers, and members of his squadron.

He received numerous awards and honours including an award as a NORAD officer of the year, an official thank you from the crew of Air Force One, and an Order of Military Merit from Governor General, Jeanne Sauve, in 1984.

After not seeing each other for over fifty years, Doug was reunited with his Regina Luther College high school sweetheart, Sharon. They were married Valentine's Day, 2014. Doug's strong faith in God became very evident during his final two years of life as he, with Sharon at his side, faced a myriad of medical challenges and procedures. They continued to share their time between BC's Comox Valley and Saskatchewan's Buena Vista.

Doug was a teller of stories, a lover of jokes, a romantic at heart and a loving husband, father, and friend.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Sharon Stuart, his son, James Stuart, his daughter, April Murphy, and his son-in-law, Paul Murphy.

Doug's family appreciates the care, concern, and encouragement that they have received and they know that his memory will remain in the hearts of his countless friends, especially on the Island, in Saskatchewan, and everywhere Doug made his home over the years.

A service in celebration of Doug's life will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at Air Force Association of Canada 888 Komox Wing, 1298 Military Row, Lazo, BC V0R 2K0. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Doug Stuart to The Salvation Army or Courtenay Fellowship Baptist Church.



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