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Doug EASTWOOD Obituary
EASTWOOD, J. Douglas, QC
John Douglas (Doug) Eastwood, QC. Born February 3, 1964 in Toronto, Ontario. Passed away suddenly on April 22, 2018 from a heart attack, surrounded by friends. Beloved son of the late John Eastwood and the late Victoria Eastwood-Milne. Survived by his sisters, Janet and Ellen and brother-in-law Brian De Ville. Sadly missed by his extended family, professional colleagues and many friends.
Doug spent his early years in Ottawa, attaining a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from Carleton University in 1986. Moving to Vancouver in 1987, he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of British Columbia in 1990.
His distinguished career as Senior Litigation Counsel for the B.C. Ministry of Attorney General spanned 27 years, leading to his appointment as Queen's Counsel in 2013. During the course of his career, Doug appeared before all levels of the courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada on various occasions. His extremely busy practice covered everything from public injunctions and complex forestry compensation claims to the most challenging cases for children in care. He also served as a Member Designate for the BC Council of Human Rights and a stint as Strategic Advisor to the Deputy Attorney.
Devoted to public service, Doug served with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa as a young man. He joined the Board of Governors of the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) in 2011 and served three years as its Chair, where he was instrumental in the development of the Institute's new strategic direction. He also held high-ranking volunteer positions at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria and the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Passionate about politics from his earliest years, Doug began his political involvement serving as a junior delegate in the 1984 Liberal leadership convention. Through the years, he volunteered his time on many campaigns at all levels of government.
Doug was a proud member of the BC recovery community, serving on the Board of Directors of the Lawyer Assistance Program (Law Society) and The Last Door Recovery Society. He gave generously of his time and energy to anyone seeking recovery support, most notably through The Last Door.
Witty and charismatic, Doug made friends everywhere he went. A world traveller and advocate for the LGBTQ community, his boundless energy made him an accomplished athlete (soccer and hockey), fitness devotee and passionate fan of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Doug also possessed a fierce intellectual curiosity that fed his interest in history, politics and governance.
A celebration of Doug's life will take place on Friday, May 4 at 4:00 p.m. at The Law Courts Inn, 800 Smithe Street, 4th Floor, Vancouver. Reception to follow.
Remembrances may be made to The Last Door Recovery Society (lastdoor.org) or the J. Douglas Eastwood Memorial Fund at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (https://www.support.jibc.ca/SSLPage.aspx?pid=298).
Walkey & Company Funeral Directors 604 738-0006
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
42 Entries
Eduardo Gonzalez
March 15, 2021
It’s been almost 2 years since we lost an amazing person, a great friend. Hope we have more humans like Doug in this life . I keep all good memories: playing soccer, watching whitecaps, concerts, hiking , movie theatre , restaurants, and more. I’ll never forget you mi amigo Doug
Aman Sanghera
October 4, 2018
It's almost been 6 months since Chris, Haneef and I were at St Paul's and we held your hands in those last few minutes & prayed...you were not alone.I miss you terribly Doug.
I listen to your work and home voicemail messages that I'd recorded so I can hear your voice. I often look at your smiling face in the 'photo album' I created and recall the many good & trying times shared in the 15 years I knew you.
You are the kind of man that leaves "an impression for life" and I often think to myself in situations, "What would Doug have said/done?." Your smile was infectious and your guttural laugh unique and heartfelt I am smiling because I can hear it as I type.
I thank God for bringing you in my life and the life lessons we both learned and were able to pass along. I can't begin to imagine the void that Janet, Ellen & Brian must feel...till we meet again my friend with much love.
Sharon Kearney
May 11, 2018
Doug made the world a better place to live. Though gone much too soon, my friend, I am glad you lived your life so very fully. Til we meet again, over the horizon. Sharon x
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Bradley Chisholm
May 6, 2018
Doug has inspired me to live, to be positive, to serve and to conduct myself in a way where people leave an interaction with me feeling stronger, more able, and more hopeful.
David Badanic
May 4, 2018
I never dreamed that morning in the sunshine before the run, that you'd be gone before it was over - we were all so alive. Thank you for innumerable laughs, hugs, memories, and endless inspiration, Mr. Fresh.
Leslea and Bill
May 4, 2018
We didn't know Doug well - but he always made us feel we did. We'll always cherish his big, warm hugs, Doug's passion for his' Whitecaps, His huge, easy smile, his genuine interest in your opinions - and those eyes - Doug's beautiful blue eyes, that said hello', welcome' and spoke to his authentic happy nature & pleasure to connect with you. We'll miss running into him in his hood' & the congratulatory hand slaps at games -we will truly miss you. Rest In Peace, Doug......
Bev Valkenier
May 3, 2018
Doug and I met as a season ticket holder to the Whitecaps in their inaugural year in 2011. We have sat beside each other ever since. We shared many laughs over the last seven years. I have met many of his close friends over the years.
I can't believe you are gone and that I will never sit beside you again. I will miss you forever. You were an awesome person. So full of life and energy. I will never forget you Doug. Rest In Peace!!!
Catherine Skarzenski
May 3, 2018
Dear Janet, Ellen and Brian, disbelief was my first thought! I will always remember the warmth of Doug's smile, his engaging personality and his oh so memorable laugh. My thoughts are with you in the months to come as you learn to live with this void and the memories of the fun times together start flowing back. With affection, Kasia
Kirsten Madsen
May 1, 2018
I met Doug on the first day of law school at UBC and was in the same "homeroom" class. I will remember Doug most as the charming, caring witty, classmate with whom I always enjoyed our noon hour runs and Friday beer ups at UBC. Rest in Peace my friend.
Hunter Gordon
May 1, 2018
Always a refreshing light at the Legal Services Branch. Although we did not work together much in our legal capacities, we did work together interviewing students for articling positions at the Ministry of Attorney General. He was always positive and refreshing (how not with a laugh like his). A loss to the Community on many levels too soon.
Mark O'Neill
May 1, 2018
I attended Carleton University in the 1980's with Doug. We were active young Liberals on campus and in the local community. I distinctly remember Doug as an affable, charming and soothing individual people were instinctively drawn to. I can hear his easy laugh even now. In addition to his prestigious professional career (an eventuality none of us doubted), he will be remembered for his all too uncommon decency and humility.
Samiran Lakshman
April 30, 2018
Doug was really a consummate professional. He was always impeccably dressed, even when casual. More than that, he was always a real gentleman with a quick and ever present smile and kind word. Doug always believed in the work and his colleagues around him. I would often see him walking to and from work, and it was always great to say a quick hello. Like everyone who knew him, I will miss him.
Ellen Anderson
April 30, 2018
Doug stood out from the crowd. He lived every day to its fullest. I am thankful I got to share in some of Doug's experiences and adventures during his 54 years. I will keep those memories close to my heart. I am thinking of you Janet, Ellen and Brian as we all come to grips with this tragic loss.
Louisa Winn
April 30, 2018
I met Doug through a colleague years ago, and we were business neighbours in our Vancouver government building. For years and daily, I would see him at the elevator and he was always such a pleasant, good humoured person and elevator-mate. I will miss his affable and neigbourly presence. Rest in peace.
Carolyn Malek
April 30, 2018
I remember Doug from Colonel By, and am not surprised to learn of his distinguished career, and his kindness. All life is precious, but it seems particularly tragic when someone who gave so much is suddenly taken. My sincere condolences to Janet, Ellen and family. R.I.P. Doug.
Jamie Paez
April 29, 2018
RIP Doug. As a classmate, colleague and friend, I am glad to have known you and I am sorry we didn't get the chance to catch up over coffee as we said we should a few weeks ago...
Jeff Locke
April 29, 2018
I knew Doug primarily as a lawyer and as a professional colleague for whom I had tremendous admiration and respect. The way Doug conducted himself and his practice represented the finest of our profession: gracious and humble, ethical, thoughtful, practical and with a fine legal and strategic mind. I am certain that his legacy will continue through the many young lawyers he mentored an the rest of us who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with him.
Wanda Briggs
April 28, 2018
Doug, i didn't know you very well but I did know you for a very long time through my friends who worked with you. I've always thought the world of you. You were funny, fun, intelligent, a world traveller, outgoing, a mentor, giving and so very handsome. You always brought a smile to my face. This world will not be the same without you. Rest in Peace Doug. Xo
Wanda Briggs
April 28, 2018
Doug, i didn't know you very well but I did know you for a very long time through my friends who worked with you. I've always thought the world of you. You were funny, fun, intelligent, a world traveller, outgoing, a mentor, giving and so very handsome. You always brought a smile to my face. This world will not be the same without you. Rest in Peace Doug. Xo
Grant Burnyeat
April 28, 2018
a great campaigner and a great lawyer - RIP good friend
Amy Berthiaume
April 28, 2018
Thank you Doug for the childhood fun and laughter, I'll always remember you with a smile in my heart. Love to you, Ellen and Janet, and I'm so sorry you're having to go through such pain xo.
Betty & Don white
April 27, 2018
You were here for the short time & not the long time,but you left a community that cannot understand how we could loose such a precious jewel,every one should have a person like you in there lives,we hurt in our hearts & missing you will never end.i will miss our monthly text.your hugs & chats,loving you is easy, missing you endless
Diana Hampson
April 27, 2018
Such fond childhood memories running around the neighbourhood, Elementary school, listening to tunes & going to see American Grafitti at the movies with this incredible lad. Janet - so sorry for your loss. He is a bright star...
Barbara Cleave
April 27, 2018
Ellen, Janet and Brian I am so shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. May your memories comfort you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Germana Rovinelli
April 27, 2018
Prayers for all who love you Doug, may you Rest In Peace
Sunny Chamba
April 27, 2018
You will be dearly missed my friend....
Barry Kerfoot
April 27, 2018
Doug your infectious laugh and zest for life will be sorely missed by both the legal and recovery communities. We have lost a good one far too soon. We loved you. Barry & Karen Kerfoot
Joan Young
April 27, 2018
Doug, You were really one of a kind- big heart and a great laugh-really going to miss seeing you around the courthouse. Glad we had the opportunity to work together on some great cases. Sending my love to your family.
Brian De Ville
April 27, 2018
I am broken. I've lost my brother-in-law far, far too soon. A vast hole has been torn open in our lives through which we now tumble. Doug's razor sharp wit, sarcastic humour, and endless gut-wrenching laughs will be with me always, and will hopefully provide some comfort during this devastating time. You were a beacon, Doug, an inspiration, support and friend to many, and truly loved by all. I hope that wherever you may now be, your spirit is still running free in the sunshine, smiling that big smile and laughing that contagious laugh. I love and miss you terribly, brother xoxo
Ian Forrester
April 27, 2018
He was such a dear friend in high school and so sorry we did not keep in touch. My condolences to both Janet, Ellen and family. RIP my friend.
Mary Mannning
April 27, 2018
Doug gave generously of his time and worked hard to provide his leadership to the Justice Institute and British Columbia. He will be missed.
Maria Constantinescu
April 27, 2018
May your soul rest in peace, Doug.
Meena Khela
April 27, 2018
My wonderful friend Doug. There are no words to express how devastated we all are with losing you and how much we will miss you. You will forever be my friend and have a special place in my heart. Rest in Peace my Dougie D, until we meet again...
April 27, 2018
Another angel taken way too soon. Your contagious laugh will be with me always and it was a pleasure to have worked with you in Civil Litigation xo
Lorraine Johnson
April 27, 2018
Sending love to you and your family, Ellen.
Ron Cross
April 27, 2018
There are no words that could describe the hurt I feel. God's speed my friend...
Ron Cross
Ellen Eastwood
April 27, 2018
I love you, Doug. I can't believe this, and I don't want to believe it.
Ellen Eastwood
April 27, 2018
Doug, I'm gutted. The most alive person I ever knew. I love you.
Todd Wetmore
April 27, 2018
Always a delight, Doug's strength of character was only matched by his sense of humour. His immense talent and zest for life have been taken far, far too early. Doug, you will be missed by many, including me.
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