Douglas MEADOWS

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MEADOWS: It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Douglas Norman Meadows on Sunday September 19, 2010 at home and surrounded by his loving family. Doug was born on June 23, 1927 in Minnedosa, Manitoba to Reginald and Florence Meadows. He was one of 10 children and was raised on a farm in the Odanah Municipality. He attended Roseneath School and along with his family were active members of St. Saviour’s Church. Although Doug left the farm in 1954, no one could ever question the love he had for agriculture. He joined the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba 52 years prior, chaired and was actively involved in several of the events such as the Fiddler’s Contest and the Western Breakfast. Throughout those years Doug received several awards such as the Jim Figol Memorial Award, the Lieutenant Governor’s ‘Make a Difference Community Award’, which was presented to Doug in 2006 by the Honorable John Harvard, Lieutenant Governor and in February 2010 he was presented with an Honorary Directors Award for the 52 years of dedication to the Provincial Exhibition. Another love of Doug’s was the Kiwanis Club of Brandon of which he was a devoted member for 40 years attending not only the weekly meetings but also assisting with the annual Kar Derby and Bike Auction as well as organizing the annual Hands Across the Border Peace Garden Dinner. Doug began his police career of 38 years on June 1, 1954. To many he was known as the “Motorcycle Cop” and took great pride in the Harley Davidson where he had the honor and privilege to escort PM John Diefenbaker, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, Princess Anne as well as many other dignitaries. On September 1, 1958 he was promoted to Corporal of Traffic and in April 1, 1963 he was promoted to Sergeant IC of Traffic, hence the handle he became known and respected as “Sarge”. Along with fellow officers Doug started the Brandon City Police Mounted Patrol where he and his horse Nicki attended many parades throughout Manitoba representing the force and bringing community awareness to the City of Brandon. Sergeant Meadows was also a name many remember as being responsible for the Brandon School Program where he spent countless hours speaking with children about traffic safety. Doug retired with great pride from the Brandon City Police Force on April 16, 1992. Doug’s biggest passion and devotion in life was his family. One of Wanda’s main attractions to him was his love of children. This love and respect was a mutual feeling his family held for him. No family could be more proud to call him, a husband, a dad, a brother, a grandfather, a great grandfather, or an uncle. As Doug’s health failed his most recent hobby was latch hooking where he has left a legacy to each of his family members. Doug is survived by Wanda, his loving wife of 61 years, son Garry Meadows (Maxine), Carol Snow (Jim), Sherri Black (Doug); grandchildren Marcie, Angela, Ryan, Scott, Brady, as well as 7 great grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn his passing his sisters, Devona, Marjorie and Muriel and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, brothers Reginald, Arthur and infant brother Clifford, sisters Olive, Florence, infant sister Evelyn and grandson Gregory Grant Snow. A service to celebrate and honor Doug’s life was held with Rt. Rev. James Njegovan officiating on September 25, 2010 at St. Matthew’s Cathedral. Memorable tributes were shared by Insp. Ian Grant of BPS, Neil Thomson of Provincial Ex. and Peter Lonstrup of the Kiwanis Club of Brandon, with the heart-warming eulogy given by Sherri Black daughter of Doug and Wanda. The interment followed in the Cathedral Columbarium with a ten member Brandon Police Service Honor Guard in attendance and grandson Scott Snow as urn bearer. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Doug to the St. Matthew’s Cathedral, 403-13th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4P9, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, #3-824-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5B7, or to a charity of one’s choice.I’m FreeDon’t grieve for me, for now I’m free;I’m following the path God laid for me.I took His hand when I heard Him call,I turned my back and I left it all.I could not stay another dayTo laugh, to love, to work or play.Tasks left undone must stay that way.I found that place at the mid of day.If my parting has left a void,Then fill it with remembered joy.A friendship shared, a laugh, a kissAh yes, these things, I too, will miss.Be not burdened with times of sorrow;I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.My life’s been full; I savored muchGood friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.Lift up your heart and share with meGod wanted me now; He set me free.Author Unknown

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 09, 2010