Douglas CHERRY

CHERRY, Douglas Clifford
September 22, 1932 – Ladner, BC
June 16, 2016 – Calgary, AB
It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Doug, dedicated husband of Marlene Cherry, peacefully passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at the age of 83 years. He is fondly remembered as a wonderful father who cared deeply about his family. Doug was a good friend to many, with a personality and heart larger than life. He lived life to the fullest, always enjoying a good laugh and many practical jokes. His favourite past times included golfing with his best friend Dick Conley; many, many games of canasta; and watching hockey, especially the Stanley Cup playoffs. Doug was born in Ladner, B.C., and after the untimely death of his parents, was raised by his beloved uncle and aunt, Cliff and Leona Wright. He began his military service in the Canadian Armed Forces at age 17, and attained the rank of Sergeant and Tank Crew Commander when he saw action in the Korean War from 1950 – 1953. He married Marlene Clark of the Durness District, Lloydminster, on August 6, 1956. Their married life took them first to military service in Calgary, and then to Windsor, Ontario. In 1961 they came back to the Durness District of Lloydminster, where Doug embarked on his lifelong career as a farmer. During that time, he took an active part in the community, including serving as a Vermilion River County Councillor from 1980 – 1986. In 1986 he was elected as the M.L.A. for the Lloydminster Constituency, and described his years of service (1986 – 1993) as the best years of his life. During his time in office Doug was a driving force behind a number of initiatives benefiting his constituents, such as the Lloydminster Lakeland College Campus, Husky Lloydminster Upgrader and the Bud Miller All Seasons Park. He was a Board Member of the Lloydminster Co-operative Association, President of the Lloydminster Music Festival, Member of both the Lloydminster Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs and President of the Lloydminster Progressive Conservative Association. He has been awarded various Medals of Honour for his Military Service as well as the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005. Doug is survived by his wife, Marlene; children Brenda and her children Paul and Carla; Corinne (Jim) MacLean and their children Laura, Kendra and Jensen; Leanne (Chris Brown) and their children Adam and Ethan; daughter-in-law Lana (Blake deceased) and their children Michael, Mitchell, Katie and Keiler, and many, many good friends. Doug was predeceased by his parents, James and Katie Cherry; his uncle and aunt, Cliff and Leona Wright; his son Blake; and siblings Richard (Dick) Cherry, Winnifred Hubert, Mildred Leach and William (Bill) Cherry. The family would like to thank Dr. James Stone, Dr. Bjorn Larsen, Dr. John Han, his caregiving family at Trinity Lodge and Maison Senior Living, and caregivers Cathy Post and Jennifer Robinson. A Celebration of Doug's Life will be held at St. Peter's Anglican Church (903 - 75th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Doug's honour may be made directly to the Calgary Poppy Fund – Veterans' Food Bank. In living memory of Doug Cherry, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.