DOUG SMYTH

Doug (named James Douglas) was born in Trail, British Columbia, on June 30, 1940, to Samuel and Connie, originally from Northern Ireland. He passed away on January 13, 2025, at the age of 84, of heart failure brought on by advancing melanoma. Sorely missed, Doug was the older brother to Patricia and Stuart (Chris); the proud father of daughter, Jeannie, and son, John (Debbie); former spouse to Nancy; and, for the past 30 years, the very loving partner of Ludmila. Doug was a driven learner and diligent researcher who was recognized for his "considerable writing ability." Stints at the University of British Columbia and Brigham Young University in Utah led him to earn a Masters degree (with honours) in economics and labor and industrial relations from Michigan State University, and to author referenced articles published in professional journals. Doug went on to secure a research position in Washington, DC, with the AFL-CIO Research Department and its groundbreaking Labor Studies Center. Organizing and moderating seminars throughout the US, Doug was lauded by AFL-CIO leader George Meany for his role in labor education. Doug's greatest career legacy was his dedication to improving labour and trade relations in Canada's forestry sector. He returned to Vancouver, British Columbia in late 1973 and became the right-hand-man Research Director for the International Woodworkers Association headed by labour-icon Jack Munro. Doug was at the table with Jack at provincial, national and international industry-union and Canada-US trade negotiations for over a decade, submitting technical papers on forest industry competitive costs, timber supply, stumpage and tenure reform, and softwood countervailing duty cases. He was invited to speak at various industry conferences and was known for his deep, insightful research and his ability to deliver fact-filled presentations at length without notes. When he retired from the IWA Doug went on to consult to industry leaders and published probing studies on timber and wood product trends in the US and Japan, scouring detailed demographic and housing data. He was often quoted, and it's even said that at one point he moved the market price for lumber commodities. Always active as well as hardworking, Doug enjoyed a life of wilderness hiking, camping, lake swimming, sprinting, riding his bike up the steepest hills, and unfailingly walking his dogs in the dank and dark. He pushed himself physically and wasn't afraid to climb roofs and ladders, to handsaw and hammer, or push his hand mower at full speed. Always humble and appreciative, yet not without an opinion, Doug preferred life and its routines close to home. He was a devoted brother and son, rescuing his baby sister from an oncoming train and sharing outdoor adventures with his brother. As a father, he played backyard hockey and didn't mind being a chauffeur. He made a mean lasagna and courted Ludmila with apple pies and salmon sandwiches. He enjoyed his nights at home watching his favourite reruns and news programs. He could also be outgoing and made friends with folks he met in offices, clinics and shops. His greeting cards were always humorous and sincerely worded. There was a caring and spiritual side to him that reflected in his donating what he could to help his family and local charities. While growing debilities plagued his later life, Doug was brave and unswerving in continuing to do his daily tasks. There are many to thank for the medical care they gave him. A family gathering will soon honour his life.