Douglas Archibald Buckland

After eight long years of gradual loss with Alzheimer’s disease, Doug is now whole again. Surrounded by the love, laugher and tears of his family and the soft sound of Elvis on the CD player in his room at Perley Health LTC, Doug passed away on February 21, 2023.

He is survived by his best friend and wife of 40 years, Beverlae (Brady), his children Laura (John) Buckland of Ottawa and Greg Buckland of Russell, his stepchildren Bonnie (Greg) Quast of Perth, Andrew (Koren) Cockburn of Perth and Daniel Cockburn of Los Angeles. He was predeceased by Michael Cockburn, 1982.

Doug was a beloved Papa to six grandchildren, Allie (Jonas) Weltan of Oslo, Norway, Cameron Quast of Perth, Mackenzie Quast of Ottawa, Ruby Cockburn of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Stuart Cockburn of Perth and Anthony Arreola of Los Angeles.

He was great Grandpa to Stella Rio Weltan of Oslo, Norway.

Doug was predeceased by two brothers Frank and Ivan and two sisters Marie and Barbara all of B.C. His remaining sister Ruth Harder resides in Mission, B.C.

Doug is survived by six half siblings, Fred of Ascot, B.C., Myron of Clinton, B.C., Bob of Alberta, Larry, Jim and Patsy of Williams Lake, B.C.

He will be greatly missed by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews in Canada and the USA.

Doug was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan but lived most of his younger years in British Columbia. When he was four years old, his mother died in childbirth and because his father was involved in the war effort, Doug and his siblings were placed in foster care.

Though the foster care was devoid of parental affection, Doug learned the value of hard work as a way to receive recognition and gain self-esteem. The value of hard work stayed with him, as well as a knowledge of mechanics, taught to him by his foster father. In later years, his aptitude for all things mechanical earned him the title of “Mr. Fix It.”

At the age of 17, Doug joined the Canadian Air Forces. While in the Air Force, he was posted to Metz, France where he toured many European countries and made lifelong friends in Germany. His love of travel stayed with him all his life.

In 1967, while posted to Montreal, he married Lin (Round) Buckland and two years later their daughter Laura was born. In the same year, while posted to St John’s, NFLD, they adopted their son, Greg.

In 1974, Doug transitioned from the Air Force to the Public Service, National Defense, Communications Security Establishment (CSE.) His role, with CSE in communications technology was the pride of his 30-year career.

For many years, after retirement, Doug hosted an annual “Buckland BBQ” at the farm in Stittsville. Colleagues from CSE would enjoy a cool beer sitting under the shade of the pines, while Doug barbecued burgers. The afternoon always ended with a walk through his garden.

No matter where he lived, Doug’s love of country living was always part of his life. He heated his home with firewood that he cut and stacked himself. Each year, he raised chickens and turkeys to sell. He planted a large, pesticide free, vegetable garden. Much of the garden produce was preserved for winter consumption. Unlike many men of his generation, Doug was comfortable in the kitchen, canning garden produce, making bread-and-butter pickles, pickled beets, strawberry jam, stewed tomatoes and his fabulous tomato sauce for spaghetti.

When he and Bev were invited to parties, he was happy to contribute a big pot of his baked beans that had simmered overnight in the slow cooker. His lasagna was a family favourite at special dinners.

After he retired in 1987, he bought a motorhome and he and Bev with their cockapoo pup, Archie, travelled the length and breadth of Canada and the USA. Doug was never happier than when he was loading the motor home for a trip. In the winter, the destination was southern US and in the summer months, the grandchildren enjoyed annual holidays to the Sandbanks in Picton, Ontario. Even on holidays, the grandchildren knew that Papa insisted on good table manners. Lovingly, they nicknamed him “Mr. Manners.”

When he wasn’t planning a winter holiday, Doug started an indoor garden under grow lights in the basement. With painstaking patience, he nicked perennial hibiscus seeds to start plants to share with family and friends. The beauty of the plants continues to bring joy to everyone who received one. On the Stittsville farm, he had a hedge of perennial hibiscus in every colour.

In 2015, Doug was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and his life, as he knew it, changed forever. With heavy hearts and the help of many generous friends, neighbours and family, he and Bev moved from the farm. It simply was not safe to remain there when Doug no longer understood the use of his treasured power tools or farm equipment.

In 2021, Doug was offered a room at Perley Health LTC where he lived until his passing. The care he received at The Perley was exceptional. There are no words to adequately describe the dedication and selflessness of the RNs, RPNs, PSWs and housekeeping staff who care for residents in the Gatineau wing. They are truly angels on earth. Not surprisingly, Doug was special to them also.

A celebration of Doug’s life will be planned for the spring, his favourite time of year.