On July 31, 2022, Douglas “Doug” Bruce Lester passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years Connie Lester; son Shane Lester (Lisa); daughter Tracy Wirtanen (Kent); grandchildren Hannah & Carmen Wirtanen, Brooke & Ava Lester; father Mel Lester; brothers Ed Lester (Val), Joe Lester (Diane), Ken Lester (Tracy): sisters Jane McKee (Cliff), Edna Harris (Mike); nieces, nephews and many friends. Doug was predeceased by his mother Agnes “Dorothy” Lester, and brother Robert Lester.

Doug was born in Drumheller in 1952. As the second eldest of seven siblings, he had a wonderful childhood growing up in the small rural community of Rosebud. In 1969, he met the love of his life, Connie. The happy, young couple were married in 1971 in Drumheller. Doug and Connie settled down in Red Deer and their son Shane was born in 1972. Two years later, their family was complete with the arrival of their daughter, Tracy.

Doug started his lifelong career as a truck driver in 1973, retiring from this in 2019. Known for his knowledge, skill, and incredible work ethic, he was highly respected in the field. Through his work, Doug travelled across Canada and the US, making countless friends and memories along the way.

Doug loved spending time with his family and friends above all else. Connie, his wife, was truly his best friend, while his kids and his grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy. He never missed the opportunity to brag about them if someone was willing to listen. Doug also loved to connect with his parents, siblings, in-laws and friends any chance he could get.

Doug lived life to the fullest. Along with Connie, he was constantly on the go, with a new adventure always on the horizon. Doug loved to travel, camp, quad, kayak, hike, ski, and go for long drives. Doug and Connie travelled the world with trips to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Mediterranean, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, Mexico, and all over Canada and the USA. Earlier this summer, Doug and Connie made their way north to fulfill Doug’s lifelong dream of travelling to the Yukon and Alaska.

Doug was known for his kind heart, his generous nature, and his great sense of humour. He had a charismatic charm that filled every room he entered with a feeling of genuine love. He will be dearly missed.

A celebration of Doug’s life will be held on Monday, August 8th, at the Red Deer Funeral Home (6150 67th St., Red Deer, AB). There will be a visitation at 1 pm, with the service beginning at 2 pm.

The family is sincerely grateful to the Red Deer Regional Hospital staff from the ICU and Unit 22 for their care in Doug’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to STARS or the MS Society of Canada.

 

• Date : 2022-07-31
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home