ENGLAND, Douglas Mark

Douglas Mark England left this world on Monday, January 5, 2015 at the age of 74 years. With his passing, we lost a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and a faithful fun-loving friend. Doug was born in Prince Albert, SK on October 18, 1940 to Eleanor and Maurice England. He grew up on the family farm in Paddockwood along with his older brother Gerald and younger brother Phillip. Doug attended the Range Line School until grade 7, and completed his high school education at the Paddockwood School. During these years Doug was very active in sports and the Paddockwood 4H Club. Following in his father's footsteps, Doug pursued a career in agriculture. He attended the University of Saskatchewan, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. During his university years, Doug had a variety of summer jobs that took him from the shores of Waskesiu Lake to the depths of a uranium mine in Elliot Lake, Ontario to the smoke-filled skies over northern Saskatchewan where he fought forest fires as a smoke -jumper. Following graduation, Doug began his career as an Ag Rep in Wakaw, SK, and later transferred to Prince Albert. He worked in the Prince Albert area for a number of years, where he was well known and respected for his work with local farmers and 4H groups. In the winter of 1976, while working as the Ag Rep in Prince Albert, Doug attended a course for Extension agrologists and home economists in Tucson, Arizona. There he met his "American girl" Marta and after a whirlwind three week courtship, they became engaged. Doug and Marta were married a few months later in May, 1976 in Portsmouth, Ohio. And so began a wonderful 38 year partnership! In the fall of 1980, Doug and Marta embarked on a two-year posting in Zambia, east Africa, working with local farmers to grow wheat as part of an agricultural project. Their time in Africa presented many adventures, but the biggest one was the birth of their son Matthew James on December 31, 1980. The family returned to Prince Albert to live and work in 1981. On August 17, 1983, Doug and Marta welcomed Megan Eleanor - a beautiful daughter and little sister for Matthew. Being a father to Megan and Matthew was Dougs greatest sense of joy and fulfillment. In 1985, Doug and family moved to Regina to become the Provincial Oilseeds Specialist. In this position he served as a board member for grower groups including the Canola Council and the Canadian Seed Growers Association and had an opportunity to travel to Europe and China as well as across North America. Doug enjoyed so many wonderful times with family, friends and colleagues ñ ski trips, summers at Candle Lake fishing and swimming, hikes in the Big Muddy, hunting and fishing with his agriculture buddies and competing in golfing and curling tournaments across the province. His life was rich and full. Doug was predeceased by his son Matthew; parents Maurice and Eleanor England; Aunt Kathleen Endicott; and cousin David England. Doug will be lovingly remembered by his wife Marta; daughter Megan Fritz (Dieter); grandson Andrew James; brother Phillip England and family (Ann and Blair); brother Gerald England and family (Gail, Brent, Todd and Monica); the extended England family; and his Ohio "in-laws"- Betty Guilkey, Lori and Mike Payne and James Guilkey and family (Joey, Aaron and Henry). He will live on in the memories of his many friends in Regina, Prince Albert and across Saskatchewan. We extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all the many caregivers who have helped Doug through the final journey of his life, including the staff of Pasqua 4B, the wonderful hospitalists there (Dr. Ferguson, Dr. Taylor and Dr. Kielly) and especially the staff of Pioneer Village 3-West who lovingly provided care and support during the past year and a half. A CELEBRATION OF DOUG's LIFE will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, 142 Massey Road, Regina, SK on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. The family also welcomes family, friends and colleagues to a VISITATION at the Regina Funeral Home, Hwy #1 East, Regina, SK on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Doug to the Parkinson Society Saskatchewan P.O. Box 21010 Gardiner Park RPO Regina, SK S4V 1J4. Arrangements entrusted to Regina Funeral Home (306) 789-8850.