Obituary of Gerald Alexander Douglas

Gerald was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan to Kenneth James Douglas and Nanny Saaby Douglas (nee Nielsen), and raised on the Thaxted family homestead. He was the oldest of 3 children. He graduated from Melfort Composite Collegiate Institute and continued his education at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating in 1964 with a degree in Agriculture.

After graduation, Gerald worked in Winnipeg with the Co-op; then his adventurous spirit led him to spend a year touring Europe via scooter and tent. There, he was able to meet and visit many aunts, uncles, and cousins in Denmark. As winter set in, he worked at the Royal Albert Museum in London. We still have many of the precious letters and postcards that he wrote and mailed home.

Gerald returned to Saskatchewan and began his farming career on the Thaxted family farm. He was always eager to expand the farming operations, gardening, raising hogs, and travelling to other farms to do ultrasound examinations.

One of Gerald’s great talents and interests was in technology. He built his first computer (the KIM) in 1977, and over the years built many computers, even soldering and programming the chips himself. This kept him busy as he was always working to integrate technology into his life and the farm. Gerald’s ability to improvise or redesign was that of a natural talented engineer including mechanical, hydraulics, electrical, electronics, and programming.

Gerald understood the connections between soil, lightning, rain, microbes, and nutrients. We always knew we could drop by for coffee, ask his advice and guidance, and even dig a few vegetables out of his amazing garden. His connection to the farm made so many of us feel grounded and he made it a place of retreat that we could all count on.

Gerald provided care and support to his parents, Ken and Nan, so that they could live out their years on the farm they loved. Gerald’s heart and soul was in farming, and on the family farm. Family was always important to Gerald and he took great joy in connecting with friends and family across North America and Denmark. He shared a special bond in farming his with brother Ted, and his cousins Ron and Murray. When not pouring into his life’s passion of farming, he made time to travel whenever possible to visit friends and family, and often sought scenic detours to see places of interest along the way.

Community was pivotal in Gerald’s life. He was an avid Amateur Radio Advanced Operator (Ham) [VE5GAD | VE5YD | VE5NEP | VE5MPK], an integral part of the Melfort Agricultural Society, and many other organizations around the Melfort community. Gerald fostered and valued his friendships throughout all aspects of his life.

He is survived by his sister Marilyn (James ‘Jim’), and brother Edward ‘Ted’; his niece and nephews - James ‘Jay’ (Jackie), Kent (Winnie), and Dayn (Lara), Alexandria, and Nick; his great nieces and nephew - Bryanne, Wyatt, Kaitlyn, and Lucy; numerous cousins in Canada and Denmark; and many friends.

Gerald’s last days were surrounded by family in the wonderful care of the CCU of the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. He was a comfort to all of us, as he continued to advise and arrange harvest from his hospital bed. Gerald’s legacy will live on in all the memories of those who knew and loved him.

Gerald’s absence will create a great void in our lives and he will be remembered for his warm smile, clever innovations, quick wit, wonderful laugh, and his love of family and friends. There will be many times we will continue to think “oh, we should just ask Gerald about that” knowing he would probably have the answer

Memorial Contributions in memory of Gerald Alexander Douglas maybe directed to a Charity of One's Choice and/or to the North East S.P.C.A. Box 189 Melfort, Saskatchewan. S0E 1A0