Obit: DOUGLAS, David Richard "Rick"

Rick (David) Douglas (Died September 9, 2011)
LCDR. (RET'D) David (Rick) Richard Douglas: Family and friends are
invited to attend a celebration of life of the late Rick Douglas, who
passed away Friday evening, September 9, 2011 following a courageous
battle with cancer. Rick was born on April 8, 1949 in Peterborough,
Ontario, where he completed his Elementary and High School education. He
was then accepted into the Royal Military College, in Kingston, Ontario
where he graduated with a BA (History) in 1972. During the annual
Athletic Awards Dinner held that year at R.M.C. Rick received the rare
honour of being presented with both the Tommy Smart Cup, awarded to the
best all-round athlete and the Prince of Wales Cup awarded to the best
all-round Cadet. It was the 2nd time in the past 20 years in which a
R.M.C. Cadet had taken both trophies. Prior to commencing his military
career, Rick competed in the 1972 Canadian National Swimming
Championships, which were the trials for the Canadian Olympic Swimming
Team and the National Water-polo Team. From 1972 until 1980 Rick served
as a Maritime Surface Operations Officer at sea in the Canadian Navy,
with his final posting at sea as Operations Officer of HMCS Assiniboine.
In 1980, Rick was the first Naval Officer assigned to the Canadian
Forces group of Intelligence Officers. This was fascinating work, which
took him and Carolyn across Canada, as well as three year postings in
Washington DC, and London, UK. Upon retirement in 1999, Rick and Carolyn
moved to Amherst, Nova Scotia and built their retirement home. During
the years Rick lived in Amherst, he was Treasurer and then President of
the Amherst Curling Club. He served on the Boards of the Amherst Golf
Club, and the National Association of Federal Retirees Cumberland Branch
FSNA NS #78. Most important to him was his time on the Board of the
Cumberland Health Authority (CHA). This led to his selection as the CHA
representative on the Board of the Health Authority Nova Scotia (HANS).
Rick saw these volunteer activities as his contribution to the community
that was now his home. Rick was also a member of the Clan Douglas
Society of North America and the Royal Military Club of Canada. In
summer Rick enjoyed his weekly golf game with friends, and often helped
at various tournaments, including the annual fundraiser for?our hospital
foundation. In winter you could find him at the curling rink. Rick
enjoyed reading, gardening, and doing research on his family tree. He
especially cherished his workshop at the shore, and spent many hours
working on various projects. He enjoyed helping others, and meeting new
people. Rick will be missed by the organizations where he contributed
his talents and by the many friends he made here and in his travels.
Rick is survived by Carolyn (Kelly), his wife of 35 years; his parents
Marjorie and Donald Douglas, now residents of Amherst; brother Stephen
(Mi-Sook), Toronto, Ontario; Brothers-in-law Robert(Janet) Arseneau and
Harold Arseneau, Springhill, N.S. and Sisters-in-law, Loretta (Griff)
Griffith, Kingston Ont. and Margaret (George) Beaton, Debert, N.S. as
well as his loving Aunts Dorothy Hubbs, Aurora, Ontario; Betty Cyr,
Montreal, Quebec; and Anne (Harold) Taylor, Burlington, Ontario; many
nieces, nephews and cousins. Rick was predeceased by his sister, Barbara
Ann. There will be visitation at Campbell's Funeral Home, 98 Church
St., Amherst (667-9906) on Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.,
September 13, 2011. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 2:00
p.m., September 14, 2011 at the Trinity-St. Stephens United Church. His
ashes are to be scattered in the Northumberland Strait, near his cottage
at a later date. Donations in Rick's memory may be made to the
Cumberland Health Care Foundation or The Cumberland County
Hospice/Palliative Care Society. On-line Condolences may be forwarded to
the family via: www.campbellsamherst.ca
[Tuesday, 13-September-2011 Campbell's Funeral Home, Amherst, NS]
[collected by EMKeys 2011-09-13]


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