Doug CROWDER

June 15, 1952 - November 05, 2025

Master of Sheds, Lists, and Making Friends
June 15, 1952 – November 5, 2025
Douglas Crowder, known for his integrity, thoughtfulness, and sharp wit, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of service, laughter, and perfectly built sheds.
Doug was best friend and cherished husband to Gail, beloved father to Brian (Caity) and Suzanne (Sebastien), devoted stepdad to Ian (Tove) and Devin (Alexis); and deeply loved silly brother to Patricia (Des), Marilyn (Hingo), and Bob (Debbie). Doug's eight grandchildren - Owen, Evie, Calvin, Alison, Wren, Jay, Elizabeth, and Winter - delighted in their grandpa's silliness and generosity. Doug dearly loved his many extended family members.
Born in Montreal while his father was serving in the Korean War, Doug developed a lifelong obsession with the TV series MASH.* After settling in Ottawa, where he spent most of his life, he became a devoted fan of the Ottawa Redblacks, following them faithfully with his gang of "Good Old Boys".
A proud alumnus of Queen's University's MBA program and the Rotman School of Business, Doug held the prestigious designation of Fellow CPA. He was an avid student of politics and history, kept well informed about current events, and even wrote to Mark Carney in his final year of life with thoughtful suggestions for improving our country.
Doug believed deeply in community and gave generously of his time and expertise to many organizations including, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, the Victoria Police Board, Kosapsum and Songhees Nation, the Dead Boats Society, Silver Threads Service Society, and the Town of Esquimalt. His professionalism, insight, and calm good sense earned him great respect everywhere he served, especially as CFO at the Ralmax Group of Companies in Victoria.
Doug also willingly provided free tax services to friends and family when asked. His love of spreadsheets and paying your fair share enabled many of us to start-up and grow our businesses.
Though a proud "bean counter" at heart, Doug's down time at home included reading, crosswords, digging in the garden and tending to his mason bees. Doug was cautiously adventurous and shared legendary stories of paddling the wild Nahanni River and cycling through the Atlantic provinces, revealing his quiet courage and curiosity about the world.
Never judgmental, Doug listened attentively to anyone speaking with him and inevitably would leave the conversation with a new friend. He offered advice when asked for it and silence and understanding when the situation warranted it. These traits will be sorely missed.
Doug cheerfully admitted he was no cook but an excellent sous chef and cleanup man. Working behind the scenes was his strength, both personally and professionally. He never sought the limelight, yet his quiet competence shone through in everything he did.
A lifelong fan of Monty Python, Doug lived by their cheerful wisdom:
"If life seems jolly rotten, there's something you've forgotten, and that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing. When you're feeling in the dumps, don't be silly, chumps - Just purse your lips and whistle, that's the thing."
Doug built more than sheds; he built community, trust, and friendship. He will be remembered for his honesty, kindness, witty puns, and unwavering sense of what it means to be a good person.
Doug's life will be celebrated at the Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion on February 20, 2026 between 5:30 and 8:00 and again in Ottawa in the spring, followed by interment at Pinecrest Cemetery.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all the doctors, nurses, friends, and family who supported Doug and Gail through the past three difficult years.
Doug would want any donations in his memory to go to a local charity.