Doug DEEKS (1928-2012)
We sadly announce that Doug Deeks died on August 2, at the Lion’s Gate Hospital after a spirited battle with cancer. A beloved husband, father, uncle and friend, Doug was formerly married to the late Nadia (Bahry) and is survived by his wife Joan (Proudman), his two children Tanya and Doug, his nephew Ken, his niece Heather and his sister-in-law Christine Deeks. Doug was born and educated in Montreal and spent his professional life working as a Chartered Accountant and management consultant. He completed his career as an Assistant Auditor General of Canada.
In 1990, Doug moved to Whistler to pursue his love of our wonderful mountains. He took immense pleasure in skiing, ski racing and hiking. Doug firmly believed in giving-back to the community and involved himself in a wide-range of volunteer programs and activities. He was a long-time Board member of the Rotary Club of Whistler. He served with the Garibaldi Volunteer Fire Department; he helped found the Whistler Senior Ski Team; he was a Weasel Worker, an executive member of the Mature Action Committee, a Village Host, volunteer worker at the Olympic alpine events and, member of the Whistler Fisheries Stewardship Group and the Whistler 2020 and 2010 Task Forces.
Doug took a special interest in assisting the children of the Head of the Lake School in the Skatin First Nation community. With his fellow Rotarians, he initiated many projects to provide books, laptops, teaching aids and sports equipment as well as, machines and supplies for the school’s sewing program. A major Rotary project was construction of the school playground. In May 2012, Doug's contribution was recognized with the award of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
In respect of Doug’s wishes, an informal gathering of his friends and colleagues will be organized in the near future. The family would like to recognize and thank the many health professionals who assisted us over these difficult months. Special thanks to Dr Zeglinski, Dr Aller and Community Health Nurses Molly and Francesca in Whistler and, Dr Smiljanic at LGH. Donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the Lion’s Gate Hospital Foundation or the Whistler Health Care Foundation.