George Douglas Markland

MISSOULA – On Thursday, March 7, 2013, Douglas Markland passed away in his home from natural causes while in the arms of his daughter, Merilee, and with his wife by his side. Doug was 92 years young. As a husband, father, and friend, he was a steady presence and rock for all to count on. We will miss him dearly.

Douglas was the youngest of three children born to Maude and George Markland of Tantallon, Saskatchewan. Growing up "Bud," his well-known nickname, he was active in sports such as baseball and hockey. He also worked for his uncles on their farms during his adolescence. Bud had to grow up fast, becoming the man of the house at 13 when his father died. Upon entering adulthood, Doug left home and became a second lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces. He also graduated from the University of Saskatchewan as a geological engineer. This is where he met a pretty nursing student named Elaine Marshall, who was to become his wife. They were married in 1946 at Grace Chappell Church and honeymooned in Banff.

Together, Doug and Elaine had five children, 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. When the Lord said to go forth and multiply, he took it literally. Doug was a traveler and adventurer, and his work was the perfect venue for such a personality. He packed up his bride, along with their growing family, and moved all over the United States and Canada. Doug worked as a mine and exploration geologist. His final position, as a senior mining engineer, was with the Energy Resource Board of Calgary. He lived places like Britannia Beach, Elliot Lake, Capreol, Missoula, Labrador City and Buck Lake, Calgary, before finally retiring in 1984 to Christina Lake and Grand Forks, British Columbia. There they lived a blessed life and wonderful retirement.

Doug always enjoyed gardening, fixing things and "tromping through the bush" looking at geological formations and minerals. His lifelong activities were curling, skating, skiing, tobogganing, tennis, golf, fishing, river floats, camping, dancing, singing and cards. He loved parties, which made for an active social life. Loved by the friends he made through the years, Doug was first and foremost a family man. Summer vacations on the lake were filled with relatives. Grandkids packed into temporary bedrooms and he always made room for his numerous family members to fit at the dining room table.

Doug, or "Poppa" as he was better known, supplied endless fun and traditions that he had made with his own children, and passed them along to another generation. There was always something going on at his house, activities like horseshoes, lawn bowling, beanbag toss, river floats, water activities and cards. To say that canasta was taken seriously at the Markland household was an understatement!

He was a man who loved the simple things in life: his chance to enjoy retirement, traveling, a beer before lunch, napping, his doggie Kueling and let's never forget dessert! He was a better man because of his wife, Elaine, the love of his life. He was nothing short of devoted to her and it was so sweet how he took care of her, especially after Elaine suffered from a terrible accident. Through 66 years of marriage, she remained his number one priority. Doug and Elaine spent most of the past six years of his life residing at The Springs in Missoula so that they could be closer to family. He made many wonderful friends there, and saw one, if not more, of his children daily. The Springs staff has the heartfelt thanks of Doug's family for the excellent care they helped to provide.

He was an outstanding husband to his wife, Elaine; and father to his children and their spouses, Jordy (Cheryl) Markland, Graydon Markland, Merilee (Dave) Burch, Ron (Chris) Markland, and Laurie (Mike) Larson. He was Grand-Pie'rre to grandchildren, George Markland, Bruce (Jen) and Elijah and Julian Markland; Sherry (Greg) and Sierra and McKensie Littlefield; Poppa to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Glade Markland and Justine Phillipi; Shyralee (Jeremiah) and Bransun, Liam, Mikai, and Kellan Mitchell; Echoe (Chad) and Anthony, Asher, Eliana and Jasmyn Paul; Noelle Markland; Alisha (Nick) and Linden and Alina Lee; Destin Markland; Brooke (Lisa) and Amery, Darian, Kelden, Kayden and Keegen Peterson-Burch; Shea Peterson-Burch; Misti (Adam) Craven; Devon (Kelly) Burch; Brittany (Jared) Wolf, Elanna and Miranda Markland; Michaella, Lindsey and Blayne Larson.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Margaret Millham and Helen Bjornson; his oldest son, Jordy Markland; and Jordy's sons, George and Bruce Markland.

Thank you for your love and guidance to our family. Rest in peace, Pops. We love you!

Celebration of life will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, at The Springs 3710 American Way, in Missoula.

Read George Markland's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.