March 14, 1923- June 4, 2015
On June 4, 2015, Doug Paton died the same way he lived, with a minimum of fuss and fanfare. He believed decency, honesty and integrity made for a happy and satisfied life; that doing the right thing was not optional, but was the measure of your character. He lived with these convictions and taught them to his children and many grandchildren. He was a well-liked friend, co-worker, and employer, and a much loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Doug was born to urban life in Kelfield, Saskatchewan on March 14, 1923, but soon showed his love for all things outdoors. As a boy, he hunted, fished and helped out on his cousin’s farm near Buchanan. He turned 18 during WWII and quickly joined the RCAF. After pilot training in Dauphin and Portage, he went overseas and flew the Mosquito, with missions over Holland, Germany & France. He survived two crash landings.
After the war, Doug married Anna and made career choices based on what they thought best for their increasing family. After 2 years studying Aeronautical Engineering at UBC, they moved to Woss Lake, where he began his long logging career. From 1961- 1968, the family moved back to the farm in Saskatchewan, then in 1968, a return to Woss.
Doug was forcibly retired in 1976, after a car accident left him unable to continue as a logger. Retirement slowed him down, but didn’t stop him. His pleasures in life remained constant. As much as he was able, he continued hunting and fishing. He played a little golf, getting a hole-in-one at age 88. He was a formidable opponent in both cribbage and scrabble, and loved the visits from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
We are better for having known him.
Doug is predeceased by wife Anna and son Charles. He is survived by sons, Joel and Robert, daughters, Mary, Jane and Peggy.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Bakshi and Amanda Levicek and her incredible staff, as well as the volunteers in The Views.