Douglas Scott McKellan of Chilliwack, formerly of Winnipeg, Man., and Edinburgh, Scotland, passed away peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer, February 28, 2003 at Chilliwack General Hospital, at the age of 61.
Doug is survived by his loving wife Freda, of 39 years; two children, Douglas (Carelle) of Abbotsford, and Calum of Chilliwack; granddad’s pride and joy, Kianna; sister Lana (Geoff) Freedman; sister-in-law Agnes McKellan; nephew Iain, all of Scotland; and niece Jane McKellan of Sutton West, Ont.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Ellen; and brother Jackie.
Doug attended Queen Victoria Military School in Dunblane, Scotland, where he learned military discipline, highland dance, and the bagpipes. He then attended the Royal Edinburgh Hospital for his Psychiatric Nurse training. He was the Head Nurse of Acute Care at the Edinburgh Hospital. After that he did his Registered Nurse training at Leith Hospital.
In 1967, Doug (recruited by the Canadian Government) and his family came to Canada, where he worked at Selkirk General Hospital, Man., as an RN. He then joined the Military in 1973 and retired as a Captain. He had various postings, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Cornwallis, and Chilliwack. The last two years of his military service in Chilliwack, he was the editor of the Mountaineer.
After a year of retirement, he decided to work at Medi-Chair in Chilliwack, helping people who required medical equipment.
Doug loved to play and coach soccer. He also like to golf and curl. He was an artist at heart, enjoying calligraphy and marquetry. He faithfully did his crossword puzzles every day. He was also briefly involved in the Mount Cheam Lions Club.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2003 at 2:30 p.m. at Henderson’s Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Robin Ross officiating. A tea reception will be held following the service at the Mount Cheam Lions Hall on Spadina Ave.
A special thank you is extended to the staff of the Chilliwack Hospital for their great care.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society - Volunteer Driver Program - 9369 Mary St., Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 4J9.