February 22, 1934 - January 21, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of
W. Doug Wakeford on January 21, 2023, at the Oilfields Hospital in
Diamond Valley, Alberta at the age of 88 years old.
Doug is survived by his wife Betty, sadly missed by daughters
Dorothy, Kathy, and beloved granddaughter Chelsy Lenz (James)
of Kelowna, British Columbia. Sisters Winnie Peckham, Melba
Howard, Audrey Cawthorne, brother Dale Wakeford and numerous
nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by brother Faye Wakeford, brothers-in-law
Hugh Hawthorne, Bus Peckham, Don Howard, and son-in-law
Wilf Lenz.
Doug was born in High River, Alberta and went to school in
New Dunbow and Gladys Ridge, travelling by horse and buggy
and later a makeshift school bus. There he started his adventures.
Doug had jobs after leaving school, working for numerous farmers,
lumber companies, Hobb’s construction, Westaway Transport
and Ed’s Transport. Doug was very proud to be able to purchase
Ed’s Transport in 1964 and ran a successful business for 12 years.
Along the way Doug met the love of his life Betty and they were
honored to be married for 69 years as of January 8, 2023. After
selling Ed’s Transport, Doug took a few years off. He and Betty
travelled to the US, seeing the sights in Las Vegas and San Diego to
name their favorites. Doug later went to work for Western Decalta
and Pembina Resources, retiring from there in 1996.
Doug enjoyed gardening, wood working, fishing and even had
an extra hobby train set. Doug was a long-time member of the
Turner Valley Legion, and you could often find him there tipping back
a scotch with his buddies or found on the Friendship trail walking to
Turner Valley for coffee with his friends. One of Doug’s greatest joys
was his beautiful granddaughter Chelsy, taking her on numerous
trips, regaling her with many stories and passing on his countless
words of wisdom.
Doug was always full of mischief, had a great sense of humor and
was “larger than life”!!! Over the years he was a father figure to
many of his daughter’s friends and could always be counted on to
get Dorothy out of trouble or out of the river!!! In recent years, Kathy
was her dad’s right-hand gal ensuring he and Betty were looked after,
always with a smile on her face regardless of her own health.
The family wishes to thank the staff and doctors at Tom Baker Cancer
Centre, High River Cancer Centre, Rockyview General Hospital and
Oilfields Hospital. Special thanks to long time family doctor Gary Ray.
At Doug’s request there will be no funeral. So, the next time you are
at the legion, raise a glass for Doug.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cancer Foundation.
