Douglas Andrew Caldwell, Q.C.
It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Douglas Caldwell. Doug left the world the way he wanted: passionately engaged in legal work and politics. Doug was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Stephanie (Faye) and James (Jim) Caldwell. He graduated from Royal Military College and College Militaire Royal and served as an officer in the Royal 22nd (Van Doos), reaching the rank of captain. During his service in Germany, he met Charlene “Chuck” Caldwell, from Moncton, New Brunswick, and they married in 1966. After leaving military service, he attended Dalhousie Law School and embarked on a successful career in law. He practiced in Liverpool with (Retired) Justice Gerald Freeman of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal before joining the firm of Patterson Smith Matthews and Grant, now Patterson Law. Doug remained a partner with Patterson Law until December 31, 2010 and at that time began a new relationship associated with the firm. He planned to practice until he was 75 years old. Doug was the consummate litigator and specialized in commercial litigation. He appeared before all levels of courts in Nova Scotia and several other provinces. He appeared on a number of occasions before the Supreme Court of Canada. Doug was listed among the top lawyers in Canada. From 1996-2001, he served as the Chief Commissioner for the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission. In addition, he served as a Director for the Colchester-East Hants Education Fund. Doug loved politics and worked tirelessly as the campaign manager for many Liberal candidates, federally and provincially, in the Truro area. Doug remained physically active throughout his life and enjoyed many sports, including from soccer, hockey, football, judo, and squash, to skiing and golfing. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be missed very much. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Charlene "Chuck"; daughter, Stephanie, and her husband Andrew; son, Andrew, and his wife Heidi; brother, Rob; sister, Bonnie; and his grandchildren: Ben, Matthew, Kate, William, and Sebastian. Doug was predeceased by daughter, Vicki. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 31st from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow Street, Truro with funeral service on April 1st at 2:00 pm in First Baptist Church, 759 Prince Street, Truro, with Rev. Andrew Crowell officiating. Interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Doug Caldwell QC Memorial Legal Scholarship Fund c/o Patterson Law, 1068 Church Street, Truro, NS B2N 5B9 or a charity of choice. On-line condolences may be made at www.colchestercommunity.com