Douglas STOKES

STOKES, Douglas George, Q.C.
April 4, 1958 - January 22, 2012
Douglas Stokes, beloved husband of Patricia Rowbotham and devoted father to Charlotte, Anne and Michael Stokes, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2012 in Calgary. Doug was born and raised in Saskatoon and attended the University of Saskatchewan where he graduated with a B.SC. (cum laude) 1978 and an LLB 1981. He moved to Calgary to start the practice of law and was called to the Bar of Alberta in 1982. His almost 30 years of legal practice led him to several Calgary firms. He articled at MacLeod Dixon, and practised for several years at Fenerty Robertson Fraser and Hatch (now Fraser Milner Casgrain). There he met Pat and the two young lawyers started on an amazing life together with successful careers in the legal profession, but more importantly a 26 year marriage and three fantastic children. Doug's legal journey took him to Miles Davison LLP, Rooney Prentice, back to Fraser Milner and then in 2009 back to Miles Davison, the firm with which he had the longest relationship and with whom he was associated at the time of his death. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2002. Doug's practice involved primarily the representation of other lawyers. He was the lawyer's lawyer and was so very proud and honoured to represent and assist his fellow members of the Bar. He had a keen legal mind, good common sense and practised law to the highest ethical standards. He was a mentor to junior lawyers and a sounding board for practical and ethical problems for many lawyers at all levels of the Bar. He served on several committees of the Law Society of Alberta. Doug had a sharp intellect, an inquiring mind and a great sense of humour. He loved history, art and Rumpole of the Bailey. He enjoyed cycling and spent many hours on the pathway systems in Calgary. He loved travel, especially Europe and his fondest memories were of family holidays there and at Boucherie Beach on Lake Okanagan. But most of all he loved his family and he whole heartedly supported the endeavours of his wife and children and was incredibly proud of their accomplishments. In addition to his wife and children, Doug is survived by his sister Janice Stokes and her husband Kent Campbell of Regina; sisters and brothers-in-law, Elizabeth Rowbotham and Thomas Funk of Littleton, Colorado and Victoria Rowbotham and Neil Berman of Lions' Bay, BC; his mother-in-law Marie Clarke Rowbotham; nephews and nieces Kevin and Kristen Funk, Jonah and Sacha Berman and Sarah Campbell; cherished member of our family Florenda Sousa; godfather Joe Shaffer, and many relatives in the Stokes, Kist, Rowbotham and Clarke families. Doug was predeceased by his father and mother, George and Charlotte Stokes, and his father-in-law Harry Rowbotham. Prayers and Tributes were held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on Friday, January 27, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Cathedral (219 - 18 Avenue S.W.) today, January 28, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calgary Legal Guidance or to the College of Law, University of Saskatchewan in Doug's memory. In living memory of Douglas Stokes, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.