Douglas Christopher Atkinson Reid

Douglas Christopher Atkinson Reid
March 11, 1968 to September 22, 2020

The story of Douglas C A Reid,

Born in North Vancouver, B.C. in 1968 to Robert and Annie Reid, big brother Steven was 10 years of age when newborn baby Douglas brought lots of attention to their family. Douglas was a quiet child who was happy to play on his own. Douglas tried sports when he was in school, but it was never his thing.  Electronics and computers were more interesting to him. After graduating high school Douglas attended an Accounting program in college. His memories of college were carefree, time with friends, as well as going for long bike rides throughout North Vancouver/Vancouver. During these times he would often camp at Alice Lake on the weekend with friends, always hunting for a Squamish girl. Douglas started working at RBC in the late 80's, in 1991 he met a co-worker who he would later spend the rest of his days with.  In 1992 Douglas and Anita married and had three children, one (Mark) a clone of himself. The marriage ended after five years but together Anita and Douglas ensured their issues did not impact the children who are beautiful people today, Kevin, 27, Jennifer, 25 and Mark, 22.

RBC seemed to transfer Douglas’ love interest to wherever he worked. For the third time, the love of his life walked into the RBC office in front of him, it wasn’t a coincidence; the universe was trying to show them the path to take.  

Once Susan and Douglas realized they could no longer remain just friends, he started stuffing his belongings into her basement suite apartment in North Vancouver and this is when the love blossomed even further. After living together for four years and thinking they did not need to be “married” they changed their minds and eloped on Galiano Island May 28, 2002. It was the least expensive wedding of all time.

Douglas had many passions throughout his life. It began with collecting as a child; coins, postage stamps, hockey cards, comic books among other items. He taught himself the art of stained glass and made a “tiffany” lamp which his wife treasures today.

In 2006 Douglas and Susan moved to Susan’s hometown of beautiful Squamish. Douglas was a Squamish Lions Club member for many years and enjoyed the volunteer work with “the boys”, at the time there weren’t any females involved, however that has changed now. Douglas joined Mount Garibaldi Lodge in 2009 where he Entered Apprentice on January 9, 2009, a Fellowcraft on February 27, 2009 and a Master Mason on March 27, 2009. Douglas was proud to be a Freemason.

As a 5-year-old Douglas asked his father to walk him to the post office so he could mail an entry to 7up for a contest he wanted to win. To his surprise, he won, a record album, which was great as he usually taped his songs from the radio on his cassette tape. This win started a lifelong hobby of getting stuff for free!! Countless wins! Trips to Panama, Boston, Toronto, Costa Rica, PEI. Two Harley Davidsons, cash, computers, BBQs, cell phones, bikes, jackets, boots, professional cooking classes and the list goes on and on.

Susan and the children dearly enjoyed Douglas’ passion for baking and cooking. It was always made with meticulous precision and a lot of love. His famous chocolate chip cookies and Susan’s ultimate favourite, Doug’s deep-fried won tons.

In late 2010 Douglas experienced Heart Failure which changed his life significantly as he could no longer be a Banker, forced to be on disability to avoid stress. St. Paul’s Hospital took care of his health and in February 2011 inserted a pacemaker/defibrillator. Douglas was able to fill his day by doing acts of kindness for his love, Susan. He puttered around home continuing to enter contests so he could provide wonderful prizes to his love. A few years ago, Douglas decided he would take that one cardboard box full of comic books that he had moved from place to place and renew his passion for comic book collecting, and oh was it ever a passion. With this came a whole new world of friends, “nerds”, just like him. He developed some great friendships which kept him going.

We can not forget about the other love of Doug’s life, his dog Happy. Douglas often told Susan about his childhood dog Tasha, how she would only eat chips with dip on them- no dip, no thanks! Tasha always got the last bite of whatever he was eating. Dr. Malherbe recommended at some point that Doug get a dog, and Happy was his boy! They were together nearly 24/7. Happy was right by Douglas’ side when he passed peacefully in his bed the morning of September 22.

Douglas Christopher Atkinson Reid, husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and all-around kind man. One of his nieces said it so well “The thing I’ve always loved about Doug is that he was just quietly and unassumingly "good". He would do the right thing, help someone out, offer support, and just be loving with no fanfare or expectation of reward.”

Susan’s heart is broken, so when you see her and you think of Douglas just give her a “wink”, that way she will feel your love and know your heart goes out to her.

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