December 22, 1967 ~ August 20, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Douglas Paul Billey, on August 20, 2024 at the age of 56 years, after a very recent and quick battle with cancer.
Doug will forever be remembered by his mother Frances; sister Linda (David); sister in-law Patricia; partner Donna; nephews Craig, Brett, Trent, and Kurt; nieces Candace and Crystal; as well as several great nephews and nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. He is predeceased by his father Paul (2007) and brother Dwayne (2019).
Doug was loved by so many, and he also had many loves and passions. Outdoors, he enjoyed everything from quadding and snowmobiling, to camping and fishing. He had an adventurous side, but also a prideful and meticulous side—ensuring the lawn at home was always cut perfectly and his truck was always washed and clean. On weekends, he watched Nascar amongst his collection of race car memorabilia. And who could forget his musical side—he cherished the many years he spent playing drums and travelling around with The Northern Kings band, including many trips to the Northwest Territories. He lit up the stage with his smile.
In his short 56 years, Doug touched the lives of many and wore a multitude of hats. To his mom, he was her chauffeur, her doctor/caregiver, her eyes and mobility (when hers started to decline), and her security. With Doug by her side, she didn’t need to worry about anything because Doug was the most phenomenal son and caregiver anyone could ask for.
To his siblings, he was a built-in friend who they created endless memories with. His importance to the family grew after the passing of their dad, and even more so with the more recent passing of Dwayne. To Linda, he became the rock that she relied on to ensure mom was taken care of—there was zero doubt for Linda of how well he did that.
To his nieces and nephews (and even his great nieces and nephews), he was more than just an uncle, he was a friend and a comedian. Whether he was cracking jokes, flexing his muscles (and showing them where the beach was), or making animal noises, Uncle Doug always had the ability to evoke the deepest of belly laughs.
To his employers he was hardworking and friendly. Whether it was at the grain elevators in Fort Saskatchewan, working as a farmhand near Gibbons, being on a maintenance crew at the U of A, or most recently, several years at the rental department of Bobcat, Doug had the privilege of working with some truly amazing people and developed several friendships which he valued so greatly.
Doug had several incredible traits—he was loyal, kind, caring, compassionate, patient, polite, and funny. He had a heart of gold. Everything he was is everything we will miss, and we will certainly miss you kiddo.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”–Thomas Campbell
A ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Doug to the Cross Cancer Institute.
