Douglas Neil (Doug) Barber

Douglas Neil (Doug) Barber

With family by his side, Doug Barber, husband of Beverley of 57 years, passed away the morning of August 22, 2016 at the age of 80.

Survived by his wife Beverley Joan Barber, daughter Nicole Barber, grandsons Justin and Dylan, daughter Noelle, son-in-law Ian Cunningham, granddaughters Kennedy and Kassidy and Doug’s brothers: Donny (Marion) Barber and Dallas (Bev) Barber along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and sister-in-law Donna Barber.  Doug was predeceased by his parents Bob and Anne Barber, and brothers Harold (Joyce), Roy (21) and Barry as well as in-laws Walter and Thelma Kelly.

 Doug was born September 5, 1935 on the family farm in Katrime, Manitoba. He grew up with five brothers, attending elementary school at Katrime and High School in MacGregor. At the young age of 16 he started his long, loyal career with the Manitoba Telephone System stopping only once to complete his GED. He began as a Groundsman in Gladstone in 1953. Soon becoming a cable splicer for the next 20 years, which took him all over Manitoba. This position landed him in Steinbach to start his family with Bev. He then received the Construction Manager position for MTS in Portage la Prairie in 1973 and worked for 18 more years with a stint as Manager of Placement of Trans Canada Fibre Optics cable from the Ontario border to Morris, Manitoba in 1988. He retired at the age of 55 in 1991.

Doug was committed to bettering the community and encouraged participation in all sports which lead to his participation on many committees. He served on the City of Portage la Prairie Parks and Recreation Commission for many years.  He also served on the executive of Portage Minor Softball Association and then the Central Manitoba Minor Girls Softball Association and was on the executive of the Portage Figure Skating Club. Doug was a member of the Canadian Foresters and served as Chairman of Special Projects where a lot of the funding was derived for the development of the Republic of Manitoba Park and headed up the construction of the Foresters Building at the park.

Doug loved the game of softball. He has always played and coached - first mens teams and then coached his daughters teams, teaching many girls the art of sportsmanship while promoting the game. He received his umpiring certification while he was coaching and was Umpire and Chief for Central Region for many, many years. In the winter you could find him on the ice at the curling rink.

Doug enjoyed all outdoor sports and activities especially archery, hunting and fishing which he pursued for many years with his brothers, friends and later his son-in-law Ian.  If he wasn’t telling you a hunting story, he would be regaling you about a play made in a softball game.

In Doug’s’ retirement years he enjoyed caring for his grandchildren, teaching them and playing sports with them.   Rarely did he miss their games.

Doug led a life rich in meaningful relationships.  He will be missed by all.  

Memorial Service will be held Monday, August 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity United Church, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Interment will follow at Beaver Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

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