Douglas Lunam died peacefully at home July 25, 2023, surrounded by loved ones and buoyed by the well-wishes he received in his last weeks.
Doug had been experiencing the challenging losses that come with Alzheimer’s Disease, and was relieved to have the opportunity to die with medical assistance.
He was grateful to have had 77 years packed with adventure.
Doug felt lucky to have spent his early years in Comox BC with siblings John and Ann, where he had every opportunity to muck about in boats, to ski and to play tennis; his great love of the outdoors and his inclination to seek out new experiences were born there.
He graduated from Shawnigan Lake School and went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering, UBC 1969. He often said that degree was the hardest thing he ever did.
Doug married Margaret that same year and they made their way to Calgary in a snowstorm to begin what would become a love affair with the mountains where they spent every opportunity either on skis or in hiking boots.
The 25 years in Calgary would be a time of great professional accomplishment, but more important to Doug was the beginning of a family and the growth of a wide circle of friends. From there, he orchestrated adventures in boats, chartering in places far-flung and on the west coast, he instigated a plan to form a community in Windermere that put the family in good range for skiing at Panorama and he gathered family and friends to accompany him on these excursions. He was always the guy to get things rolling.
The west coast was always beckoning and in 1994, Doug and Margaret returned to Victoria where Doug embarked on a whole new career as an Investment Advisor. What Doug loved most about that work was the opportunity to meet people and to help them learn about finances; relationships were always paramount for Doug. The boat he had in those years allowed him to share his love of being on the water; he invited anyone who had any interest to join him; it was a magical time.
Doug was a strong and loving partner for Margaret, a proud Dad to Charene and Janna (Jef), a devoted Grandpa to Kennedy, Molly, Isaac, Kaitlin, Carter, Riley and Piper and an enthusiastic petter of Granddogs Kallie and Ocho. His family will remember his generosity, enthusiasm, and love for them.
Service was a core value for Doug and he will be remembered as an appreciated member of his community, of Victoria Downtown Y, of James Bay United Church, and of the Harbourside Rotary Club.
We learned from Doug that:
If you are invited on an adventure, say yes.
When you meet someone new, take time to hear their story.
Never pass up an opportunity to have ice cream.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Doug’s life will be held in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 3:00 pm.
If you wish to honour Doug’s memory, donations could be made to:
Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP)
Harbourside Rotary Club https://www.harboursiderotary.org
Or: James Bay United Church https://www.jamesbayunited.com
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Dale Johnson
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Judy Langford I’d known Marg and Doug from the years I was working at St. Aidan’s and then was happily re-connected with them through the JBUC Thrift Shop. I was so fortunate to share a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos in 2016. A memorable time for so many reasons, but one that is foremost is the ease and grace of their connection with every person they met. A passing conversation became a sincere interaction – not meaningless small talk – but an interest in the life and experience of that person. Doug carried on a conversation with people even when English was not an easy language, and it was clear that his interest was genuine and a lasting impression was made. Doug exemplified that gift of connection at the JBUC Thrift Shop – he was a perfect sales person and his welcoming smile was emblematic of his interest in every shopper. I miss helping him tie up his cash apron – there was always a hug and a smile when it was done. I am so grateful for the friendship we shared. We will all miss him deeply, but remember him so dearly.
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Bill Hrynchyshyn Marg, Charlene, Janna and family,
We are so sad to hear that Doug has left us. But in Doug-like fashion, he chose to do it his way!
We will remember his wit, his laughter, his positivity. We thank him for including us in the Windermere venture, which brought us so much joy.
He was such a great guy and we will truly miss him.
Bill Darlene and Sonia Hrynchyshyn
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Marilyn Shannon Marg, Charene and Janna,
So many wonderful memories that we shared with Janna growing up alongside Rachel, being such a great friend with super parents. Doug was always so welcoming and I fondly remember his love of the water and boating. No matter what he was involved with it was always with an open heart.
Sending my love and support,
Marilyn Shannon
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DON OSMAN My condolences. Doug was easy to befriend. Common sense and a big heart. His leadership in the congregation will not be forgotten.
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Marnie Paterson Marg, Charene and Janna, I Will be with you in spirit on Saturday as you celebrate the amazing life of Doug…unfortunately any travel is limited by my mobility issues.
I am grateful that the service will be online. I shall be with you in that way,
Spending much love to all your family and feeling my appreciation of Doug.
Love, always, Marnie
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Donna& Vern Sundstrom Our condolences to you Marg, Charene& Jenna and family from Vern, Donna, Devin, Perry & Kyle. We all have fond memories of times together at Windemere & kids together at French Immersion school.
Doug was always so happy, positive and fun-loving. Boys remember the pancakes he prepared and served on cabin weekends. Many, many wonderful memories of times together.
Hopefully happy memories will help you get through this difficult time.
Rest in peace , Doug.
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Carol Watson Marg and family,
I was very sorry to hear of Doug’s diagnoses. I am sure it was a trying and devastating time for everyone. May all the wonderful memories you have help you through the difficult times.
I have so many positive memories of our days at Windermere. Doug orchestrated the whole set-up and we had so many fun times there whether it was the work weekends, the potluck dinners or the wine!! It was years of wonderful family time and our children really enjoyed being there.
Doug had great passion for the many things he did and lived his life to the fullest! May he rest in peace.
Carol Watson
Calgary
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Linda Gronert My deepest condolences are sent you, Marg, and your girls. I remember you as such a loving couple and Doug as a wonderfully cheerful soul:) Paul and his other Engineering pals treasured his friendship. We were lucky to have known him; he enriched our lives:)
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Marnie Muir Doug. So very many memories. As toddlers until you went away to school. We grew up on Beaufort Avenue in the small town of Comox. What a wild and free childhood we shared. Our little gang consisted of the Dickinson kids David, Joan and Lynn. The Lunam kids Doug, John and Ann and the Nichol kids Marnie and Pat.
We spent the summers making forts in the “Stewart’s” field and on the beach. We challenged each other to climb the fir hedge bordering the Lunam property and climb from tree to tree without touching the ground. On the warm summer nights I would sleep out on our sun porch and Doug and John would sleep in the tent under a big tree in their front yard. We would agree to meet at midnight ..or there about to go raiding apples…mostly far before they were ripe… and other produce we could find in the neighbourhood. They would bring their black lab and my fox terrier would join me and our group of thieves. These raids always resulted in terrible bouts of diarrhea but well worth the pain.
On one memorable occasion Doug, John and I decided we would take the Lunams little green Morris Minor for a drive around the block. I think we were nine or ten at the time we managed to drive it up to Comox avenue around the Anchor Garage, down the vacant lot between the garage and the Bay Store back down Beaufort and down the drive home. I recall it was a three man effort….unable to recall who did what.
We learned to swim in the mostly cold water that was our “back yard” We learned to row scull and sail our little row boats. We dug out logs on the beach to make a “canoe”. We rowed out well past the wharf and screamed every swear word we knew to test the theory that sound carries more clearly over water than other locations. My dad met us on the beach when we returned to confirm this was true. Doug and I were the only ones involved in that experiment. None of the rest of the gang felt the need to further proof our experiment.
We learned to play tennis at Lewis Park in Courtenay and one summer took art lessons. I can picture the teacher that took us on but can’t recall his name. Turns out there was no future artist among us.
Trick and treating all over Comox and fireworks on the lawn on Halloween Night. Gathering Hazelnuts at the Stubbs farm and skating at Radfords pond. Toboggan rides from the top of church street to the bottom of our yard.
There are far too many tales to tell here so I will close by saying Thank you Doug for being my best buddy during those precious years. Hugs from me to John and Ann and of course his wife Margaret and his girls. I know they will miss him terribly.
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Clarence Gray Marg, I am so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. Such a wonderful man- always happy, always engaged, and always positive. The world lost a special person. I’m so glad I saw you both at church in May and had an opportunity visit with Doug one more time. Cherish your special memories and take care. With much sympathy.
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Eileen Walker A smile that could bring sunshine to a cloudy day. A heart that was large enough to hold an incredible amount of love for his family and yet still have room for every new friend he met. And everyone Doug met was a new friend. I remember when Doug and Marg first came to James Bay United Church, they brought with them a beautiful and loving energy.
Doug will definitely be missed, but he will always be remembered and hold a special place in our hearts. With love, Eileen
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Michael H. Fall On behalf of the Shawnigan Lake Boys School class of 1963 (one year ahead of Doug) I extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Lunam family. Rest assured he will be well remembered by the ’63 SLOBS. We were all astounded by his strength of
character and just loved the ‘straight arm’ he would give anyone who tried to tackle him high on the rugby field. On a personal note, Doug and I were on the cross country team at SLS and because we had similar ability often ran together. I struggled on the hills and Doug always egged me on to the top. A true sportsman!
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Gail & Paul We miss Doug …. so much …. everytime we think of Victoria or New Zealand or the adventures on the boat or your warm and welcoming home. We hold dear to memories of Doug greeting people at the Canmore Christmas Market for TSMD, brushing off 2 feet of snow from the car in our driveway, laughing over silly stuff, eating salmon or pancakes. Doug was a wonderful friend.
I will never!!! forget Dougs generosity, kindness and support. Rest in Peace Doug. We’re all right behind you!!
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Cara Johnson Life is a tough and awesome thing.. where if we are fortunate enough, we get to meet people like Doug that change our lives for the better and leave a lasting imprint on our hearts.
I am so very grateful for the memories and the time we shared. Doug will always be one of the best parts of my childhood.
Marg, Charene, Janna (and the rest of the family), I’m so sorry for your loss. I love you all.
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Helen Maceachern The obituary was beautiful and captured the essence of what we loved about Doug.He and Marg have a special place in my heart.
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Reid James As a former member of Harbourside Rotary, I always looked forward to chatting with Doug, so positive, happy, and engaging.
Our sympathies to Margaret and family.
Rest in peace Doug.
Reid and Anna
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Marleen Morrison Oh Charene. I am so sorry to hear your lovely dad has left you and your family. He was always so ready for adventure and always with a big smile. I know he loved you all very much. Marleen
So many wonderful memories across a freindship of over 50 years with Doug — shared times as families; skiing; hiking; canoeing; cycling; parties; even hanging wallpaper!
Even as Doug was cruelly compromised by Alzheimers, his positivity, initiative and courage shone through and serve as an inspiration.
My love and heartfelt condolences to Marg, Charene and Janna.