It is with great sadness that his family announces the passing of Doug Stoutley. The former Port Alberni resident and teacher, 78, died on August 21, 2022 at Saanich Peninsula Hospital with his family by his side. Doug was born in Moncton, NB, in 1944 and he grew up in Vancouver, BC and Winnipeg, MB. He attended UBC where he obtained his teaching degree in 1967, followed by a 33-year career as dedicated secondary school teacher, mentor, and coach at Alberni District Secondary School.
From his early thirties, Doug was visually impaired and his refusal to let this limit him in any way was an inspiration to many. He was passionate about golf and was a member of the Alberni Golf Club for many years; he also travelled the world as blind golfer through BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association – Japan, Australia, England, and Scotland were just a few of the places where Doug competed. Always an avid volunteer, Doug lent his time to BC Blind Sports, the Lion’s Club, Sport BC, and many other charitable causes. As a coach of numerous school and recreational sports teams including soccer, baseball, volleyball, and basketball, Doug was encouraging, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. For students, athletes, family, friends, and loved ones, Doug was always in your corner rooting for you and believing in your potential. He was a gifted teacher who especially connected with students who struggled with math and science. He never gave up and lived by the mantra that everyone deserves another chance. As much as he loved sports and his students, his true passion was his family; he was a devoted father, a loving husband, and a wonderful brother, son, uncle, and friend.
During his battle with cancer, Doug fought like a warrior exceeding the expectations of all of his doctors. His family loved and supported him to his final days, especially his son Mike and daughter-in-law Holli with whom he lived in North Saanich for his last few years of life. During this time, he enjoyed volunteering with the Lion’s Club, golfing, walking the dogs, and getting up to hijinks with his granddaughters. His family wish to extend heartfelt thanks to all of the medical professionals who helped Doug along on his journey, especially Dr. Michael J.H. Smith of Sidney.
Throughout his life, he showed kindness, generosity, determination, and a love for fun and humor. He had a twinkle in his eye, a joke at the ready, and a deep sense of gratitude for those he loved and the life he lived.
Doug leaves behind his children Mike (Holli) Stoutley and Jaime (Russ) Malcolm; four granddaughters; siblings Ron (Deb) Stoutley and Kathryn (Kim) Sihota; and a number of close nieces, nephews, and friends.
His death was preceded by his beloved wife of 30 years, Gerry Stoutley, parents Lillian (Bell) and Earle Stoutley, brother Bob Stoutley and nephew Doug Stoutley.
At Doug’s request, a celebration of life will be held at the Alberni Golf Club on Sunday, September 18, 2022 from 1:00 – 4:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to British Columbia Blind Sports and Recreation Association at https://bcblindsports.bc.ca/support-us/
Doug lived a meaningful life and will be deeply missed by many.