DOUGLAS WAYNE COTTRELL

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DOUGLAS WAYNE COTTRELL

It is with heavy hearts the family announces the unexpected passing of Douglas Wayne Cottrell on Friday, March 29, 2024.

Doug was born in Winnipeg on October 21, 1956, and as a child lived in Winnipeg, Goose Bay, and Fort William (now Thunder Bay). After graduating with a Master’s Degree from the University of Manitoba he moved to Austria with his wife Rhona. They stayed for eight months then settled in Ottawa (Barrhaven, Kanata) where he worked for BNR (Bell Northern Research) which amalgamated into Nortel. In early 1992 Doug spent about four months on a Contract in Melbourne, Australia. Rhona and their daughter Amelia travelled down to Australia and New Zealand to visit with him for a month. Doug was later self-employed for a number of years. Following a change in family circumstances and illness he returned to Winnipeg.

Doug loved adventure; travelling, meeting new people and trying new foods. This was quite the change from when he was a boy who separated the food on his plate and sat at the table for an hour after everyone left as he wasn’t allowed to leave until he finished his peas. He mastered the computer, using it both for work and pleasure. As a proud parent/grandparent, he beamed as he shared photos of his daughters, Amelia and Patricia and his granddaughters, Alexis and Kayleigh. Doug was active with various Churches over the years. His nieces remember their uncle as a gentle giant with a love of animals, music and a beautiful singing voice. He played a number of instruments, sang in Barber Shop Groups and many choirs throughout his years, most recently the Church Choir at Prairie Spirit United Church.

Doug is survived by his daughters, Amelia and Patricia (Jon), his granddaughters, Alexis and Kayleigh; his father William Cottrell, sister Lynda (Ben Kitzan), brothers, Terry, Les (Lori), Warren (Teresa); nieces, nephews and their children: Kyla (Mike, Julia, Kaelyn, Allie), Aleisha (Duane, Mya, Luca, Eli, Ty), Jason, Morgan (Emily, Cory, Nicholas), Ian (Antigoni, Lillian ), Bryce, Erin (Ethan) and David, also cousins, his former wife Rhona Gavin and her brothers, Hamish and Graham. He was predeceased by his mother Olga “Ollie” Cottrell.

A Celebration of Life was held July 19 at Prairie Spirit United Church. The family would like to thank: all who attended from both in and out of town and for sharing their stories with us, the Church for assisting with the luncheon and Rev. Scott Macauley for performing the Service and his insightful message. At Doug’s request his ashes were scattered, in Winnipeg and in Ottawa.

In Doug’s memory, if friends so desire, donations can be made to the Mental Health Association, Siloam Mission and/or the Cancer Society in honour of his mother, Ollie.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 29, 2025