DOUGLAS FRANK CROOKES

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• I had the privilege of working with Doug for 8 years when I first started with the RCMP Radio Shop. As a young guy, I was quite intimidated by the organization. That all melted away when I sat at my new desk, right beside Doug. I was instantly assigned the nickname "Nicky" ,which would have been unacceptable if anyone other than Doug called me that. :) Over time, I found myself beginning to speak his language. I still use his sayings to this day like, "Perfect, but It'll do". We regularly went on road trips together, and Doug had so many stories that we'd drive to Thompson with the radio off, and there wouldn't be a minute of silence. Many people here in the RCMP remember Doug's friendliness fondly. If we all treated people with kindness the way Doug did, the world would be a better place. - Posted by: Nicholas Kolisnyk (Co-Worker) on: Oct 04, 2019

• I am yet another "Soester" from the 58-61 era who was privileged to call Crooksie my friend. It has been 60 years but I am one of the fortunate who has been in relatively close (although intermittent) contact with him during the past few decades. I am now RCMP retired but met Crooksie a few times during our service and we met and talked many a time in the years after as we lived in adjacent sub-divisions in Winnipeg. I have lost a dear friend and a piece of wonderful special "Soester" memory from those great days in Germany. Marie, Susan and children, please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss and rest assured there are many of "us" who grieve the loss of a true and wonderful friend. PS CROOKSIE. . . it's been 60 years and I never really got around to thanking you properly for lending me your moped one day in July 1959. Thanks !! (even if the throttle cable was broken and I had to drive it with one hand on the handlebars and hunched over pulling on the cable under the seat with the other).. Love ya Crooksie! Stu Wilson - Posted by: Stu Wilson (Friend from Soest) on: Jul 19, 2019

• I lived next door to Doug for many years in Thompson. I will always remember the 1991 Grey Cup in Winnipeg that we attended with Eric and Doug’s dad. It was the coldest Grey Cup ever in history. I am still thawing out. We also had a good road trip to Carman when Eric and I were on the same bowling team for the Manitoba Games. We also played a lot of board games and cards at each other’s house. Rest In Peace Doug. Condolences to Marie, Eric and his wife and Susan. - Posted by: Jim Mair (Friend) on: Jul 16, 2019

• My deepest and sincere condolences to Anne Marie, children Eric and Susan and sister Doug's sister Susan. Croolsie and I spent some personal time together. He was backseat, passenger's side and I was backseat, driver's side. We were exploring Europe in Bob Hanna's old '49 Opel Olympia during the summer of 1960. Bob drove and Harvey McLeod was ensconced in the front passenger seat. Superstition kept us in our places; as long as nothing went wrong we'd remain static. We remained in those positions for the entirety of our travels. So Doug and I shared the cramped back seat. The space was likely 5 feet by 18 inches. Our back windows didn't go down. Of course no air conditioning; stifling. You get to know a guy when you're sharing a space like that. We were teenagers living a dream. Doug and I felt like royalty. That backseat was like heaven to us. So I guess, Crooksie got an early glimpse of where he now resides. But now, I'm sure, he has more space, it's cooler and it likely smells better. Doug was, like most of us, a marginal student; he was quiet and at times introspective. He would surprise you with a verbal retort that was usually funny but true. Insightful in his youth; he would scrunch up his glasses on his nose when he was thinking; he thought before he spoke. He was a wisp of a guy that could run like the wind for 100yds; but further than that and his smoking habit retarded his efforts. He called me "old man" because we were born in the same year but I was born a day earlier than he was (13 vs his 14 of July). It was a moniker I enjoyed. For some reason, from him, it was special. We are about to celebrate the days of our birth!! Time took us in different directions and I have not spoken to Crooksie in more than sixty years and now I will not have the opportunity. I am much the poorer for that and saddened by his passing. I relish the joyful times we shared and I shall remember him always. He was a special guy to me...... So long Crooksie!!!!! With love, Jim Plaunt - Posted by: Jim Plaunt (Friend) on: Jul 09, 2019

• I worked as the Senior Supervisor at the Thompson RCMP from May 1981 to March 2003. I don't remember exactly when Doug started working there but it seems he was around most of the time I worked there. Doug had a great sense of humor and was friendly with everyone. I don't know when he and the family moved to Winnipeg but we moved to Morden in Aug. 2011. Very sorry to hear of Doug's passing. I know the family and close friends will really miss him. RIP Doug. - Posted by: Lorraine Henderson (Friend and co-worker in Thompson, MB) on: Jul 08, 2019

• Soest, Germany: During 1957-60, approximately sixty high school students were relocated to Germany. They arrived from all regions of Canada, moving in and out on a rotational basis. These students attended a high school operated under Ontario standards, although not all came from Ontario. The group integrated, studied and grew into adults within a gated community environment. They filled their long days and night without the benefits of ‘Canada’s cottage country lakes and streams, telephones, television or popular teen shows. They primarily occupied themselves with school work, sports and travel. Social life was centered around a teen club, known as ‘The Hut’ which they managed and operated themselves. They ran Friday night Rock ‘n Roll’ dances and Saturdays were filled with endless games of darts, cards and ping pong games. Other activities included skating parties, bowling, movie nights and many walks into the, medieval city of Soest, 3 km away, surrounded by a moat, where they integrated with German people and took in local amenities. A crew of a teens living within a community of this size for two years grew to know each other intimately. There were few secrets and they looked out for one another, felt each other’s pain and reveled in their successes. Everyone contributed, was accepted and took their turn managing the teen club, leading school committees and organizing our social lives. They probably didn’t realize it then but, ‘They were family’. Doug, (Crooksie to all), being in the senior grade, was one who led and participated to the fullest. He was renowned for his happy attitude and was always a joy to be with - whether sharing a hand of bridge, smashing a ping pong ball, quaffing a German lager or watching him leave the others behind in the dust at a track meet. Many of the students have remained in contact over a half century. Upon learning of Doug’s failing health they have felt the pain, knowing ‘Crooksie’ was not his old self. Fellow Soesters have thought of him often with concern and affection. They will always remember the good times and Doug’s jovial manner and congenial attitude. To Anne Marie Eric and Susan and sister Susan we send our heartfelt prayers and want you all to know your husband, father and brother made our lives brighter and fuller. He will remain in our hearts will never be forgotten when tales of “Good old days ‘over there’ are told”. Doug Milne for the 57 -60 Soest Brats. - Posted by: Douglas Milne (Friend and classmate) on: Jul 07, 2019

• I wish to send my condolences to Doug’s wife and family members. If I am filled with sadness having not seen him for over 30 years, I know how hard this is for you. When the shock has passed, I know you will be able to comfort yourselves in the fact that you were greatly loved. - Posted by: Pamela Strump (Friend from Soest) on: Jul 07, 2019