Obituary for Douglas William Henwood
Douglas Henwood
April 2, 1933 - March 24, 2020
Doug Henwood passed away at the Peter Lougheed Hospital on Tuesday, March 24th at the age of 86. He was born in Springhill, Nova Scotia into a large family of 13 children during the depression. His family was poor and he followed the family tradition of working in the coal mines. He was trapped underground during the 1956 “bump” and didn’t come back up for 3 days. This was a pivotal time for Doug, as he realized he couldn’t go back down into the darkness again. He moved his young family west to Alberta within a short time to make a new start.
Doug found work in a service station and spent many years managing and owning stations around Calgary. About 1980, he changed professions and established himself as one of the very best car salesmen in Canada right up until his retirement. He thoroughly enjoyed the horse races at Stampede Park in Calgary and spent many weekends there indulging his passion. He brought his oldest son Doug along on many occasions and passed the love of horse racing on to him.
The last 5 months were a physical and emotional challenge for Doug with first a stroke, followed by the news of bone cancer and a failing kidney. With his son Tom by his side, Doug was in and out of hospital until the last month of his life when his son Tom along with his wife Stamatina and their daughter Rachel, opened up their home to him and took care of his every need right up until the end when he had to be hospitalized again. It was a great gift to Doug to have some much needed and loved family time during his last month.
Doug leaves to mourn 5 children, Doug (Cindy), Debbie, Linda (Rich), Tom (Stamatina) and John (Denise). He was blessed with 7 grandchildren; Jodi, Jamie, Bobby (Kallie), Tyler (Amber), Rachel, Evan and Brent. He also leaves behind 3 loving sisters, having been pre-deceased by 9 of his siblings. Missing and loving him are Patsy (Pete, pre-deceased), Darlene (Butch) and Judy (Al) along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends. As per Doug’s request there won’t be a funeral or memorial service. He will be cremated and his ashes will be given to his children. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to donate to the Heart and Stroke Fund.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Douglas please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.
April 2, 1933 - March 24, 2020
Doug Henwood passed away at the Peter Lougheed Hospital on Tuesday, March 24th at the age of 86. He was born in Springhill, Nova Scotia into a large family of 13 children during the depression. His family was poor and he followed the family tradition of working in the coal mines. He was trapped underground during the 1956 “bump” and didn’t come back up for 3 days. This was a pivotal time for Doug, as he realized he couldn’t go back down into the darkness again. He moved his young family west to Alberta within a short time to make a new start.
Doug found work in a service station and spent many years managing and owning stations around Calgary. About 1980, he changed professions and established himself as one of the very best car salesmen in Canada right up until his retirement. He thoroughly enjoyed the horse races at Stampede Park in Calgary and spent many weekends there indulging his passion. He brought his oldest son Doug along on many occasions and passed the love of horse racing on to him.
The last 5 months were a physical and emotional challenge for Doug with first a stroke, followed by the news of bone cancer and a failing kidney. With his son Tom by his side, Doug was in and out of hospital until the last month of his life when his son Tom along with his wife Stamatina and their daughter Rachel, opened up their home to him and took care of his every need right up until the end when he had to be hospitalized again. It was a great gift to Doug to have some much needed and loved family time during his last month.
Doug leaves to mourn 5 children, Doug (Cindy), Debbie, Linda (Rich), Tom (Stamatina) and John (Denise). He was blessed with 7 grandchildren; Jodi, Jamie, Bobby (Kallie), Tyler (Amber), Rachel, Evan and Brent. He also leaves behind 3 loving sisters, having been pre-deceased by 9 of his siblings. Missing and loving him are Patsy (Pete, pre-deceased), Darlene (Butch) and Judy (Al) along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends. As per Doug’s request there won’t be a funeral or memorial service. He will be cremated and his ashes will be given to his children. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to donate to the Heart and Stroke Fund.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Douglas please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.