Douglas Hetherington

HETHERINGTON Prominent Moose Jaw Business Man, Douglas Alan Hetherington, passed away suddenly on January 16, 2011 at the age of 58. Douglas, born and raised on a Moose Jaw area farm, attended Lindale Elementary School and graduated high school from Vanier Collegiate. Over the years Doug continued to build the Hetherington operation into a large, highly successful agribusiness including interests in grain and oil seed production, livestock transportation, and agricultural trailer sales. He became well known throughout Canada and the United States. Along with his Uncle Dale, he was cofounder of what eventually became the largest livestock trucking company in Canada. He then turned his attention to agricultural trailer marketing and again became the largest Wilson dealer in Canada. He had extensive cattle interests as well, and throughout his career marketed thousands of finished cattle to many North American food processors. Doug had an astute business mind and was often called upon by his peers for advice. He provided all that asked with sound direction. His honesty, integrity and sense of fairness were beyond reproach, making him an outstanding business partner, friend, and confidante. Doug had many passions. He was an avid outdoorsman, guiding many on memorable fishing trips to his fly in camp at Missi Lake and on duck shoots to his secret hunting grounds. He was also an accomplished downhill skier, snow-sledder, and pilot. He enjoyed many hours of flying his Cessna 414 to recreational and business destinations. Doug never forgot his roots, growing up in a difficult Saskatchewan economy that survived on neighbors helping neighbors. He was an extremely generous person, contributing to many charities and public projects, always stipulating it remain anonymous. He gave freely of his time, and was a sitting member on the Moose Jaw Warriors Board of Directors. He was also instrumental in the development of the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa and making the Multiplex Project become a reality. Doug was also a tremendous family man. Family was always first and foremost with Doug. He loved to teach his children, grandchildren, and their friends common sense values, and offer his knowledge through providing new experiences. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather and was extremely proud of all their accomplishments. Doug's dry sense of humour and self-effacing personality enabled him to command an audience on virtually any topic of discussion. Doug was predeceased by his father Clifford Hetherington, father-in-law George Stew Milligan, and loyal canine companion Tar. Doug is survived by his mother Helen Hetherington, loving wife Sherry; two children Mark (Jodie), Kerri (Andy) Hamilton; three grandchildren Jacob, Alyssa, and Lukas Hetherington; four sisters Carol (Ian) MacRae, Barb Herbert, Gail (Darcy) Simon, and Nancy Hetherington; mother-in-law Dorothy Milligan; brother-in-law Stewart (Irene) Milligan; sister-in-law Sandy Milligan; seven nieces and nephews; and many other family members and dear friends. The Memorial Service will be held at the Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place, Moose Jaw on Friday January 21, 2011 at 3:00 pm, with Reverend John Duerksen officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Doug's memory may be made to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, 455 Fairford St.E., Moose Jaw, S6H 1H3 or the Moose Jaw Warriors Education Fund, 422 Main St. N., Moose Jaw, S6H 3K2. In living memory of Doug, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Lew Young Funeral Director W.J.Jones & Son Funeral Home Moose Jaw 1-877-693-4644