Douglas “Doug” Wayne Butcher

It is with heavy hearts that we say farewell to our dear dad, Douglas Wayne Butcher. Following a three-year battle with a degenerative disease, dad passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 12, 2023, with family at his side, at his residence in Walden Age Care, in Calgary, Alberta. He was 78 years of age.

Doug is survived by his daughters, Deanna Berberich (Jeramy) and Cheryl Butcher (Cody Johnson); five grandsons, Mehkai, Teagan, Cohen, Quaid and Navin; sisters-in-law, Lorna Sigstad (Merv) and Marlene Wallace (Bob); and several nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife, Marion Butcher; parents, Stanley and MaryAnn Butcher; uncle and aunt, Peter and Dorothy Humeniuk; and sister-in-law Donna Crozier.

He was born May 18, 1945, in Toronto, Ontario, to Stanley and MaryAnn Butcher. Shortly after, they moved to Terrace Bay, Ontario, then settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba. All of his schooling took place in Winnipeg. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science degree. Following graduation, Doug worked in Research and Development specific to engineering. From there, he branched out into the insurance industry. This allowed him the opportunity to move to Calgary, Alberta, in the early 1970s. It was here that he met his future wife, Marion. In 1973, they were married. A few years later, their daughters Deanna and Cheryl were born.

Doug enjoyed a challenge, and when an opportunity came along to join the Calgary City Police force, Doug took it. He was with the police for eight years, working patrols, community policing, special units and as an active member of the tactical team. He had the ability to talk with people of all walks of life, and helped them to deal with difficult situations. Doug enjoyed this career and had many great stories about his time on the job. Following policing, Doug spent time working as an independent insurance adjuster, then in the Oil and Gas and Petro-chemical Industries, working in Risk Management. He also spent time working as a Financial Planner and managing stocks as a day-trader.

In the latter part of his life, Doug spent many years working as a catastrophic insurance adjuster – going all over continental North America for long periods of time, to adjust claims for extreme weather events. During this time, he made very close friends. His vast experience in the insurance industry led him to open a business with a partner, where they were public insurance adjusters, standing up against the big insurance companies. In his retirement years, Doug worked as a courtesy driver for local car dealership. He enjoyed visiting with people as he drove them around the city of Calgary.

Doug always summed up life with two big questions: Have you loved? AND What have you learned?

Our dad (and grandpa) will be remembered for his love of family, his faith, enjoying the great outdoors and camping, his devotion to his dog, his incredible work ethic, his example of service to others, his honesty, and his goofy sense of humour. Dad, you have loved deeply, and been loved by many. And because of all the stories you’ve shared with us over the years, we know you have learned much in this life. As a dad, you have taught us well. Thank you for always being there for us.

Your body was tired, and you have been called home. It will be hard here without you, but we’re so grateful you are no longer suffering. We love you so much! Say ‘hi’ to Mini for us. Until we meet again…

A Celebration of Doug’s Life will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – West Stake Center (6560 Silver Springs Crescent NW, Calgary) on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:00a.m. A light lunch will be served, following the service, for those who would like to stay and visit.

For those who are unable to attend in-person you may join the service via the following link.

https://links.tuscanywardnews.ca/doug_butcher