Loving husband and proud father to three daughters, Douglas was born in Glasgow to Harry and Agnes Hodgkinson (Gunning). Douglas dedicated his life to music and education. He taught in Lewisporte, NL, and worked with the New Brunswick Ministry of Education, the BC Ministries of Education and Advanced Education, the Council of Ministries of Education Canada, and the Canadian Council on Learning. A gifted musician, Douglas began as a church organist at age 13. His positions included Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton, St. Aidan’s and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian in Victoria as well as interim organist at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria.
Douglas was a life-long learner with many passions ranging from music, art and photography, to science, cars, and astronomy. He was known for his knowledge, quick wit, generosity, and kindness.
Douglas is survived by his wife Amanda; his daughters Beth (Bill), Leslie (Aaron), and Isla (Steve); his grandchildren Finley, Rowan, Lynnia, Hunter, Alora, and Koa; and his sister Susan (Norman). No service planned. Our thanks to the caring staff of St. Charles Manor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Symphony.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
22 Responses
I was so sorry to hear that Douglas had passed he put up a great fight and it was wonderful that you were by his side. I know all his talents will be long remembered by everyone who knew him. My condolences to you and all the family.
Mary and I were saddened to hear the news about Douglas’s passing. It was a privilege to work with Douglas on educational issues that affected all Canadians. In these troubled times,his intelligence and diplomacy are sorely missed. Our best wishes go to Amanda and his family.
Amanda,
I am so sorry to hear about Douglas. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Warmly and with sympathy,
Fiona
Sear Amanda and Family, Carol and I are so sorry to hear that Douglas has passed on. He was great guy and had a good sense of humour. We who sang with him in the choir are grateful for the work he put in to take us to compete in the Royal National Mod in Oban in 2003 and Stornoway in 2005. Our sincere condolences to you and your Family.
Eddie and Carol Spencer.
Dear Amanda. We were very sorry to learn that Douglas had passed away although we were aware that he been in poor health for some time. Douglas was a wonderful asset to our Victoria Gaelic Choir, especially on our trip to the Oban mod where we collected several trophies in spite of strong competition from the Scottish Choirs. Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. Alec and Margaret Provan.
Dear Amanda, I’m so sorry to hear of Douglas’s death. I met you only briefly on the few times I would transport Douglas from the parking lot at the 17 Mile House to the Saltire Society gatherings in town. He was such a lovely fellow. I very much enjoyed our little chats as we wound our way through the Sooke Hills on those dark winter nights – and back again later, to meet you in that parking lot to hand him back for you to take him the rest of his way home. I never did get to hear Douglas play his music. I never knew him long enough for that. But I knew him long enough to know I won’t forget him.
With my condolences and very best wishes to you and your family,
Michael Elcock
Dear Amanda, Beth, Leslie, Isla and families,,
I am so sorry to hear of Douglas’s death. He was such a wonderful man, a great musician and a wonderful Organist for our church at St. Andrew’s. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
All our love
Moira and Roger
Dear Amanda,
I was so sorry to get this news.
When a death occurs in a family, there are never any words to convey the appropriate sense of sympathy and loss, so I will not try. Just know that my thoughts are with you during this time.
This obituary does a wonderful job of explaining who Douglas was as a person. Having read it, I’m just sorry that I never knew him. He sounds like someone I could have spent many hours chatting with.
I was in an Anglican church choir for many years (as a child growing up in Montreal), so I know that you should also pay attention to, and follow the direction of, the organist.
Again, I’m thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry.
Aidan
Dear Amanda
Working with you over the past several years has made me appreciate your insight and steady ways. Since I received news of the passing of your husband, I have been thinking that both of these characteristics will help you through this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and even though words cannot make things better, I hope it helps you to know that many people are thinking of you.
Wanda
Dear Amanda,
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
With sympathy,
Your friends at Statistics Canada
Lynn Barr-Telford & Josee Begin