MacKean- Douglas Russell of Comox, B.C. passed away suddenly in hospital on May 10, 2003. Doug was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 13, 1934 and spent his childhood there. Doug joined the armed forces as a flight cadet in 1955. He married Beverly Wright on March 29, 1956. Doug’s armed forces career took him and his family to many places across Canada. Doug and Bev retired in Comox in 1990.
Doug was an athlete and avid sportsman all his life. In his youth he excelled in a number of sports including: track and field, baseball, and curling. Doug was the Manitoba high school mile champion in 1952. In recent years he had been actively involved as a coach with the Comox Valley Special Olympics. He was eagerly anticipating a trip to Ireland to watch one of his athletes compete in the World Track and Field Championships.
Doug was predeceased by his wife Beverly, and his sister Lorna. He is survived by his sisters Dorothy Kaye of Melita, Manitoba; Greta Alder (Tom) of Winnipeg; Joyce (Ron) Galbraith of Winnipeg; Diane (Herb) Goebel of Winnipeg; brother Terry (Michelle) of Kitchener; daughters Gail (Bill Brunton) of Calgary, and Lynne (Stephen Simonis) of Victoria; grandchildren Ellen and Samuel Brunton of Calgary, and Carolyn and Jennifer Simonis of Victoria; many dear cousins, including Dave and Jim Ormiston of Winnipeg; and a large extended air force family of close friends acquired throughout his life with the armed forces.
Doug was the devoted friend and husband of Beverly MacKean for 47 years. Beverly passed away suddenly on April 27th of this same year. In light of the recent passing of Doug’s wife, Beverly, a Memorial Service to honour and celebrate Doug’s life will be held at a later date. Donations in Doug’s memory can be made to Comox Valley Special Olympics, 1655 Elm Avenue, Comox, BC V9M 2G9