Douglas CRAMPAIN

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CRAMPAIN: Douglas Clare Crampain passed away suddenly at his residence in Arden, MB January 14, 2010 at the age of 62. Doug was born and raised at his residence in Griswold, MB January 2, 1948. He was employed in 1965 with Dept. of Highways and in 1989 served as the grader operator in Souris, MB until retiring in 2003. Doug was blessed with a daughter, Stacey, in 1970 and married Colleen Buchanan in 1988 and lived in Souris from 1989 to 2006. Doug spent many years working on the small and big steam engine along side, with the late Gerry Bilton, at the Austin Reunions. Doug was a member of the Souris Legion for many years and was always up for the challenger of shuffleboard games with members and friends. Doug and Colleen then moved to Arden where he enjoyed his retirement. Doug not being one to ever sit still, took on the job of mowing at the Lansdowne Centennial Park for the last three years; not only the grass but 3 coats, a pair of overalls, his wallet, numerous t-shirts and countless caps. He spent countless hours driving the old tractor and enjoying the heat of the sun, one of his friends, here in Arden, started calling him his little Mexican friend. He enjoyed meeting family and friends for coffee times and keeping in touch with them on the phone. Doug had the ability of memorizing many phone numbers after hearing the number once. Doug also enjoyed his time at the cabin in Oak Lake in which he spent doing many projects with his twin brother Don and later excited about camping in new surroundings with family and friends. He was proud of teaching his grandchildren how to fish. Doug grew up playing hockey and baseball and loved watching his family enjoy the sports as he did. Doug enjoyed fixing small motors and doing many renovations with his wife Colleen. He was known as the handiest handyman but was often fooled with the measuring tape. Doug loved to share his stories of his mishaps, like screwing a nut on his finger with a impact wrench and having to go to the doctors office to get it off; and not letting the doctor go home to get his camera so he could have a picture of it, falling off roof tops, getting jolts of electricity and his inventive ideas like moving dirt with a snowblower. Colleen often said there’s never been a dull moment, I could write a book! Doug also loved to share his stories of the mischief he and his brothers and sisters would get into as children; like Bob, Donnie and Doug hanging little Norma on a coat hook; leaving her to dangle there, and canning 100 live chickens; thinking he was helping Mom out. He loved to help his family and friends and playing jokes and pranks was a great pastime for him. He also loved animals and his many pets and enjoyed music and learning to dance the polka, in which he called the highlanders two-step. Doug enjoyed meeting new people and often became their friend. Although Doug was not a large man, he had the strength of protecting the ones he loved and was strong in his beliefs of right and wrong; and for that we will never forget him and always hold our love for him in our hearts. Doug was predeceased by two infant sisters, Lorraine and Sharon, brother Garry, father Raymond, mother Doris, and nephew David. Left to mourn are his wife, Colleen, daughter Stacey (Pogie Ann) her husband Boyd and two grandchildren Courtney (Corky) and Kyle (Boomer), brothers Ivan (Nora), Terry (Debbie), Bob (Judy), Don (Leona), sisters Darlene (Bill), Norma (Vic), many nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held on January 20, 2010 in Arden Community Center with Rev. Alan Armstrong officiating. Interment followed in Arden Cemetery. Everyone considered as honorary pallbearers. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 29, 2010