In Loving Memory of
DOUGLAS FERAMORE WOOLF
(1919 – 2012)
Today we are saddened with the loss of our dad, grand-dad and great-grand-dad, Douglas Feramore Woolf of Blairmore, Alberta, who passed away on September 2, 2012 at the Crowsnest Pass Hospital, at the age of 92 years. Douglas was a man’s man with a firm handshake and truly paved the way for the rest of us to find our way in the world.
Douglas was the last of the old pioneers. He was a soldier, an underground miner, an oil driller, an entrepreneur and a teacher of the great game of poker, which he taught most of his grand-children and great-grandchildren to play. Douglas was born 16 September 1919 in Cardston, Alberta, to Martin Woolf Jr. and Orpha Elvira Leavitt.
At the age of twelve after the death of his mother, Orpha, he was on his own working on several ranches in southern Alberta horse-wrangling while living with his sister Luene Vensel in Calgary. He was a staunch member of the Calgary Highlanders from 1939 to 1945 and saw action in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, obtaining the rank of Company Sergeant-Major, with an honorable discharge in 1945. Douglas worked in underground coal-mines and then later went to work in the oil fields in Trinidad, Venezuela and Portugal. He returned to Canada where he owned an ice cream shop in Cardston before returning to underground mining where he worked his way up to the position of Pit Boss. During his retirement years, he remained primarily in the Crowsnest Pass. In his twilight years, Douglas resided with his youngest son Russell and Russell’s wife Eileen on their acreage. There he enjoyed outdoor living, sitting in his favorite chair reading, watching the scenery, feeding the horses and spending time with his long-time companion, Jake, his faithful dog.
Douglas was an extremely hardworking, caring, stubborn and proud man; however, he was always a gentleman and carried himself with great dignity. He was highly respected by his family, and by people in the workplace and community due to his work ethic. He enjoyed many things including gardening, reading, the outdoors, animals, birds, and was a collector of knives and firearms. Douglas was a well-read and well-spoken man. He took great pride in his family and was always there “through thick and thin.” If he didn’t like you, there was a reason for it, because he never turned his back on anyone that needed help or a hand in getting it done. Douglas was extremely proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and all of their interests and adventures.
Douglas was a 50-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 7, Blairmore. He enjoyed spending time at the Pass Hotel and the Legion, reminiscing with old friends over a beer on Saturdays. Dad, you lived the life that most of us strived for but could never repeat.
Douglas is survived by his sons: Garth (Velda) Woolf, Ron Woolf and Russell James (Eileen) Woolf; his grandchildren: Kurt (Leanne) Woolf, Mark (Paula) Woolf, Katie (Jade) Bainbridge, Pam Dreeshen, Annette (Mike) Reilly, Vicki Woolf, Alicia (Brad) Large, Natasha (Mike) Lichtenberger, Cody (Alicia) Woolf; his great grandchildren: Carter, Ivy, Brycen, Kameron, Luke, Gwen, Taryen, Tianna, Raegan “the Money Maker”, Rylee, Reese and several nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Martin and Orpha, and six brothers: Martin Rayo Woolf, Sheldon Woolf, Victor Woolf, Garth Pete Woolf, Telford Woolf and Donald Woolf, along with his four sisters: Wanda Cadwell, Luene Vensel, Garda Bateman, and Mabel Dean.
With respect for the family, a private gathering in honor of the late Douglas Woolf will take place at a later date.
Donations in memory of the late Douglas Feramore Woolf may be directed to the S.P.C.A., P.O. Box 725, Blairmore, AB, TOK OEO.
Condolences may be registered at [email protected].
Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements 403-562-8555.