It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Douglas Rothwell on February 10, 2015 at the age of 88. He passed away peacefully at Rosewood Village with his children by his side.
Dad was born in Trail, BC, on July 5, 1926. He grew up in Fruitvale and went into the army at age 17. He later met Agnes and on September 1, 1950 they married, at which time he built the family home in Montrose. They had a great circle of friends with whom they loved to travel. Dad also enjoyed curling, golfing, and fishing. He even did square dancing. Later in life he enjoyed partaking in the BC Senior Games.
Dad’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and friends at his cabin at Christina Lake.
Dad worked as a machinist at Cominco until his retirement. Dad was a volunteer with the Montrose Fire Dept., the Montrose council, the Trail Hospital Board as well as being a Rotary Member. One of his great achievements was to help establish the Beaver Valley Ambulance Service.
Dad moved in Rosewood Village on December 2, 2008. He loved to joke around with the staff. He loved their interaction, the witty banter, as it kept them all entertained. The family would like to thank the staff for the excellent care dad received and for putting up with us.
And a special thanks to the Veterans Affairs for all of their support.
Dad is lovingly remembered by his son Gordon (Carol) of Calgary, daughters Joan (Pat) Vallier, Tammy (Kelly) Campbell, Sandra (Daniel Sager) Rothwell, of Trail and Colleen (Ed) Ghirardosi of Montrose.
Papa will be missed by his many grandchildren Jarrett (Jo-Dee), Allison (Mike), Stephen (Laura), Vanessa, Shawn, Tiffany (TJ), Austin, Justin, Devin, Tyler as well as his five great-grandchildren, Kailey, Jayce, Kenleigh, Stephen Jr., Tatum and a baby boy on the way.
Doug was predeceased by his loving wife Agnes in 2010. His parents Mary Jean and John Henry Rothwell, his brother Jim, sisters Betty Ross, Barbara Drouin and Norma Green.
A celebration of Doug’s life will be held at the Montrose Hall on Tuesday, February 17 at 2:00 pm. Bill Clark of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Doug’s name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at 4 - 1551 Sutherland Avenue Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9M9 www.heartandstroke.bc.ca or the KBRH Health Foundation at 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC, V1R 4M1 www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca or to the SPCA at 7700 3B Hwy, Trail, BC V1R 4X2 www.spca.bc.ca
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca