Doreen I OOSTERHUIS

Heaven bound, Doreen took on the role of Angel full time effective September 19. She is dearly missed by her husband of 32 years, Doug Marteinson, their kids Ben and Lyla, their grandson Hunter, Doreen’s sister Ann, and many friends and relatives. Doreen loved living life. From her birth in Amsterdam, to teenage years on the beaches of Vancouver, to months on a sailboat in the middle of Pacific Ocean doldrums and running the family travel business in her 20’s and 30’s, to marriage and raising kids in her 30’s and 40’s, to experiencing Fernie’s winter wonderland in her 40’s and 50’s, and to soaking up the Granthams Landing oceanfront in her 50’s and 60’s. Doreen had a magnetic smile anyone could see, and those who knew her would be quick to identify her heart of gold. Doug was so lucky to have her by his side. Doreen had rhythm in her bones and a very quick wit. She could make any dance partner look good. She combined her beautifully pure singing voice with the ability to play guitar, mandolin and piano by ear (e.g., a 1978 home recording, https://soundcloud.com/user-882577619/sailing-trip-song). Most recently, she co-created, produced and directed musical comedies which only the people of Fernie have been blessed to see (so far). People knew Doreen as non-judgemental, compassionate, caring, giving, strong-minded, patient and somewhat mischievous. Some might say that her thinking was “out-of-the-box”; others would say there never was a box limiting Doreen’s imagination. She touched all who knew her. We would like to give thanks for the care and support of the Sunshine Coast Palliative Care Nursing team, Ambulatory Care Unit team, and doctors Wadge and Mundy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sunshine Coast Hospice Society or the Ruby Slipper Fund. Doreen’s celebration of life will be held in May 2018.