Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 12:00 a.m.
Douglas Madill
1950 – 2024
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Doug enjoyed the opportunity to relocate throughout his career and live in a number of communities across this beautiful country. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s (U of T) Environmental Science program, he went on to obtain a graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management (U of T), Diploma in Petroleum Land Management (Mount Royal University). His focus was always on the people and their relationship to the surrounding environment. From the designing of the community of Tumbler Ridge B.C., to working with the Metis Nation of Alberta (#1990) establishing Life Skills Training programs for young men and women wanting to break into new careers, Doug always wanted to help others in a positive way. Doug was made an Honourary Metis in a special ceremony in 1995. In recognition of his work and commitment he was presented with the Metis Sash and Metis ID Card.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Doug enjoyed the opportunity to relocate throughout his career and live in a number of communities across this beautiful country. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s (U of T) Environmental Science program, he went on to obtain a graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management (U of T), Diploma in Petroleum Land Management (Mount Royal University). His focus was always on the people and their relationship to the surrounding environment. From the designing of the community of Tumbler Ridge B.C., to working with the Metis Nation of Alberta (#1990) establishing Life Skills Training programs for young men and women wanting to break into new careers, Doug always wanted to help others in a positive way. Doug was made an Honourary Metis in a special ceremony in 1995. In recognition of his work and commitment he was presented with the Metis Sash and Metis ID Card.
Following his work with the Metis, he started his own consulting company which allowed him to combine his love of writing with his love of the land. Doug produced the Travel and Tourism Visitor Guides for Northwest Alberta (Grande Prairie, Peace River, etc.). With input from the communities, such as Falher, he wrote and published the first bilingual Travel Alberta Travel and Tourism Visitor Guide. Doug also had the opportunity to develop and establish the first Travel Alberta Visitor Information Centre that is in place today in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
Volunteering was a significant part of his life — whether as Scout Leader and Scout Master, as a researcher and writer for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), or hauling coffee and snacks from stores donating treats to support the Walk for Parkinson’s — Doug was there, laughing and joking with everyone.
A lifelong Maple Leafs fan, from the time of watching the games on his grandpa’s knee to later arm chair coaching — nothing could compete with his love for the team.
Doug had determination to meet adversity head-on, a willingness to help anyone, a love of the environment and a wish to share it with others, and desire to make the world a better place.
His positive spirit and brave fight with cancer for decades was an inspiration to others struggling. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a man with a generous spirit and an infectious laugh who made others laugh (sometimes just for laughing at his own jokes). Doug will be greatly missed.
Go Leafs, go!
As per Douglas’s wishes, there will be no formal service held.
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Doug's visits to the U of L were always welcome - his strong interest in research, his thoughts on effective writing, and his love of the Leafs all made for good conversation, and he and Jean joking together kept us laughing and learning on multiple occasions.
Our friend Doug will be missed, good conversations, good encouragement, good love and care exchanged. Jean and family, our sincere condolences. Doug was one of a kind!