James Douglas (“Doug”) McFarlane passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on February 23 rd , 2026, in the care at Peter Lougheed Hospital in Calgary, Alberta. Doug, while approaching his 86 th birthday, is survived by his devoted and loving wife Barbara (Bobby), his two daughters, Patricia (Cobie, Molly & Riley), Teresa (Dennis, Kayta, Dexter & Rufus), son Geoffrey (Janet & Leo), granddaughter Lauren, and grandson Luke.
Hailing from Chesley Ontario, Doug is also survived by his sisters Shiela (Dominic, Susan, Michael, Nicole & David), Isabelle (John & Lisa) plus an enormous extended family. With roots in Kitchener Ontario backstopped by a lengthy career with Schneiders Meats which eventually led to a family move to Strathmore, Alberta, Doug began his life as an established “Easterner” that shaped his profound pride in becoming a gritty, stern- faced “Westerner” characterized by a curiosity to explore.
While many will say they know Doug, the hidden truth behind a man who assessed everything from a lens of either right or wrong, his tender make up was amplified with his unwavering support for his wife & family, his unique love for animals, the simple rays of sunshine felt on a porch deck to the poetic dance of pond reeds in sloughs off a country road.
Doug was a spirit. He was uniquely intelligent and captured the attention of any willing debate partner wise enough to challenge the status quo. Doug was no stranger to a spiritual and philosophical conversation as he regularly demonstrated his deep and often, well researched views on life.
An avid fan of sports, especially that of his grandchildren, Doug saw the beauty in competition and the life lessons that resulted from being on the team. On February 23 rd , 2026, we all lost a husband, a father, a GG, a brother, an uncle, and a friend. Heaven however, held his seat behind home plate for his long-awaited chant “let’s play some ball.”
Doug, you will always be with us!
8 Comments
To my Dad, you were a fiercely practical man who always saw the good in life. From a very young age, you taught me to be fair and to respect the world we live in. From fishing trips in Scone with Gramps, to the countless innings of ball you watched along the first base line (your favorite spot), you always found a way to be present. It was truly an honour for me that you got to see my graduate from High School, University, MBA School and support my professional progression. I was so proud for you to see me get married to Janet, witness the birth of Luke and instantly embrace Lauren as your granddaughter. Leo always has a howl for you! You were always there for Teresa and Patricia but most importantly, you were Mom’s rock! You honestly made us all better and for me, you loved the Stampede so I will carry your flag as a parade marshal for your life. You always said to me, be tough and be a man. I guess, what you were telling me was be like you. Love, your son
Family in Strathmore
Hi Dad it’s your “Tinkleberry” here. I am not sure how that came about but it was how you fondly addressed me even in to my adult years. As I reflect on the many memories and the many lessons taught, you have truly shaped who I am today. You were never an extravagant person but you enjoyed the good things in life. An open road , good food (sometimes questionable), a BBQ in -40, a cold beer, a bucket of KFC and a good family get together. You worked hard all your life and made sure your family was always taken care of. Your always wanted the best for your kids. From Kitchener, to Strathmore to Calgary you have had a journey and left a mark with everyone you touched along the way. I will miss our spirited conversations but most of all miss just sitting with you and enjoying a glass of wine talking and seeing you smile. I know you are here with us and watching over Mom. Don’t worry we will look out for her Dad. Thank you for all you have done for me. You lived your life as you wanted to live it and I will always respect that. You always had a special connection with my “boys” Cobie and Riley and you quickly bonded with our Bobby. We love you Dad, I will always treasure the special person you are and the impact you had on my life and the person I am today. Love your Patricia
James Dougla McFarlane Country Hills Crematorium
Dad, I have always admired you. You have guided me through the years and taught me to be modest. You never pushed me to go into university or college as you knew I wasn’t into school and then gave me a job at Schneiders.
That was the best job I ever had for 20 years. Now the same building Dennis manages.
I remember our first pets. We already had a dog Trixie but you thought it would be good for us to each have our own pet to take care of to teach us responsibility. Geoff’s guinea pig Tiny, Trish guinea pig Blacky and my guinea pig Fluffy. I remember our prayers we would say at bed time I will say it to you now to say good night.
Gentle Jesus meak and mild look upon a little child, suffer me to come to thee. Amen.
I love you dad!
James Dougla McFarlane Bridal
‘Unca ‘ Doug , as he fondly referred to himself when signing notes, texts or emails , had a sharp wit and a good sense of humour.
I was very lucky to have had a chance to visit with my uncle and aunt, and my cousins this past September , while I was in town for a wedding- we had a wonderful lunch with some favourite dishes ordered in to celebrate Barb & Doug’s wedding anniversary – we shared stories of the days back in Kitchener when our families would get together regularly before the McFarlanes moved out to Strathmore; we talked about visits to our grandparents in Chelsey, and we shared stories about family visits to Toronto and Beaver Valley- and we did laugh at all of the goings on at these events. –
Unca Doug will be missed.
Sending love,
Cousin Sue xo
Barb and Doug’s Anniversary lunch
‘Unca ‘ Doug , as he fondly referred to himself when signing notes, texts or emails , had a sharp wit and a good sense of humour.
I was very lucky to have had a chance to visit with my uncle and aunt, and my cousins this past September , while I was in town for a wedding- we had a wonderful lunch with some favourite dishes ordered in to celebrate Barb & Doug’s wedding anniversary – we shared stories of the days back in Kitchener when our families would get together regularly before the McFarlanes moved out to Strathmore; we talked about visits to our grandparents in Chelsey, and we shared stories about family visits to Toronto and Beaver Valley- and we did laugh at all of the goings on at these events. –
Unca Doug will be missed.
Sending love,
Cousin Sue xo
As his sister and brother in law, it was always fun and educational to travel with Doug. Once he picked us up at the airport in Sask. and we drove to Strathmore, on the way he showed us where the digs were in the Badlands.
In Strathmore, he gave us tours of the Bow River where he showed us groups of pelicans. On another trip to Banff, we saw bears along the road plus giant mountain goats higher up.
On trips to Nevada and Arizona, he knew the history and geography of the area pointing out many things we would not have seen; for example, the Hoover Dam, the unusual town of Oatman Arizona , where donkeys roamed free throughout the streets, plus we hiked all around the Grand Canyon. This was made all the interesting with Doug’s narrative of the area.
Doug remains a big part of our lives!
Barb, Geoff, Trish, Teresa and Families.
I only just heard today that Doug had passed. Sincere condolences to you all. Doug and Barb were wonderful neighbors and I often wished that we were still living on Thornbriar Green.
RIP Doug.