It is with great sadness and love that we announce the passing of Mr. Douglas Ralph ‘Doug’ Kumm of Red Deer, Alberta, due to health complications from heart failure while waiting for a stem cell transplant, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at the age of 52 years. Doug was born on August 12, 1968 in Red Deer, Alberta, the youngest child of Ernest and Grace Kumm. He had four brothers and two sisters. Doug was raised in Red Deer and lived here most of his life. He attended Central Elementary School and Central Junior High School, grades one to seven and then completed his High School at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. Doug was not a big fan of language arts and social studies; however, he excelled at math and other science courses. He attended the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and completed his Post-Secondary Diploma in Electronics Engineering Technology. He also attended NAIT in 1994, with his brother and received his Diploma in 4th Class Power Engineering Technology. Doug believed in lifelong learning; and also completed his Apprenticeship in Heavy Duty Mechanics. Doug was active in the Boy Scouts starting in Wolf Cubs. He progressed through Boy Scouts and Venturers, taking part in many camps with the Boy Scouts. The crowning glory of his Boy Scout activities was attending a Jamboree in Great Britain. He also stayed for a week after the Jamboree, billeted out with a family, and was shown some of the local sites and attractions. It was also his first opportunity going to a Pub. Doug worked at numerous jobs and even tried his hand as part owner of a landscape company. He was always good with his hands and had a strong mechanical aptitude. Doug eventually went to work for Proform Concrete; where he worked his way up from laborer to supervisory roles. He enjoyed learning about concrete work, as much as possible. He ran a crew placing curb and gutter, sidewalks and concrete paving, of runways and roads. Doug took courses at what he called Gomaco University, on concrete paving machines and paving techniques. Proform also offered him the opportunity, while working there, to pursue the Heavy Duty Mechanic Trade; and he worked in the shop overhauling equipment during the winter months. He loved to spend time with his family, and it bothered him greatly when he had to miss a family function for any reason. Doug was good with anything mechanical and when called on, he was always willing to help family with vehicle problems; including help for his brother, with some tasks on his 1936 Chev Pickup restoration. He loved the outdoors; so camping, fishing and other outdoor activities were a big part of his life. Doug married the love of his life, Shelly Nelson on June 9, 2012 and together they built their dream home in Red Deer. He was a great cook and they made sure the kitchen in the new house was up to Doug’s standards. As far as he was concerned, he was the boss of the kitchen and you didn’t want to infringe on that turf. Shelly shared an interest in camping and they bought a Diesel 4 x 4 and Fifth Wheel Trailer which turned their camping into glamping. He liked to travel, when he could fit it into his life. Doug and Shelly honeymooned in Jamaica; and also made a trip to Hawaii in 2020, before Covid. They loved it there. Doug will be loved and missed by everyone whose life he touched. Doug will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Shelly Nelson-Kumm; his stepson, Brandon Nelson and his stepdaughter, Kyla Nelson. He will also be sadly missed by his sisters, Pat (Bob) Jackson and Linda (Don) Strong Watson; his brothers, Bruce (Alice) Kumm, Terry (Nancy) Kumm, Bob (Lauri) Kumm and Greg (Lyuda) Kumm; his mother-in-law, Eileen Simpson; his father-in-law, Delmer Bodie; his brothers-in-law, Douglas E. (Pamela) Simpson, Shaun Simpson and his sister-in-law, Angela Simpson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, family members and dear friends. Doug was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Grace Kumm and a nephew, Justin Kumm. A Private Family Celebration of Doug’s Life will be held. For those wishing to view his Life Celebration please visit www.parklandfuneralhome.com on Friday, March 5, 2021. Please click on the Live Stream button just prior to 1:00 p.m. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. If desired, Memorial Donations in Doug’s honor may be made directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, Prairies/Territories Region at www.llscanada.org. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements in care of:

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer),

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER.

• Date : 2021-03-10
• Location : www.ParklandFuneralHome.com - Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville