Obituary of Doug Empson

Hello, as many of you know I am the daughter of Doug. It is suggested that a eulogy is a final gift to a loved one...So Dad this one is for you. Doug was born on December 7, 1945, in Altona, MB. One of six brothers and two sisters. He was raised in Letellier, MB., and attended school in Letellier and St. Jean.

Dad/Doug travelled a lot in his younger years working many different jobs, custom combining in the states, trucking on ice roads up North, Inco mine in Thompson, and working for his uncle in B.C.

Dad/Doug met Mom at a dance and in December 1969 they were married in the Greenridge Church with a reception at the Woodmore Hall. Shortly after they moved to Boisevain with son Grant, born in 1970 and in 1971 daughter Teressa was born.

After spending a few years west, they moved to St. Mary's road working for Richardson Stock farms.... when in 1974 they were flooded out made their way to Grunthal...working for Medoland Dairies, Andrews Movers, Green Valley Feed, Green Valley Milk Transfer, hauling cattle and doing chores for Pete Froese. He started in the gravel business working for Henry Toews and then Nelson River Construction where he worked for over 25 years.

It was in Grunthal that they lived for over 37 years, raising their children, working on the yard gardening (a trait he picked up from his dad) and planting over 500 trees. The place soon became a hobby farm and Dad’s/Doug’s love of horses became apparent. They made many wonderful friends and many special memories were made there, including Christmas celebrations, Grunthal fair days, and many special occasions.

As a family we spent many summers with Dad/Doug's cousin Mike and Tanys and boys camping and fishing in Sioux Narrows....these were special times for all of us.

In 2011, it was time to downsize, and the move to Roseau River was evident. This was a difficult move for Doug, but the saving grace, he was a hop skip and jump to the river to fish. He spent many hours on his quad touring the area and hitting the hot fishing spots. Here Doug again spent hours working on the yard; getting it to where he wanted. His last project being putting a roof on the back patio because Rosemary wanted it covered. Doug's greatest treasure on the yard was his mancave...spending many hours with a Busch beer watching his beloved Blue Jays baseball and watching the many birds he fed.

Camping in Lancaster became a weekend getaway, where many new wonderful friends were made, here quadding, happy hours and golfing became the norm. It was here that camping friends encouraged them to go to Texas. It did not take long before a trailer was bought and for 16 years some winter months were spent there.

Doug/Dad coached and played baseball and hockey. He often took his grandchildren fishing, and ice fishing, spending nights on the lake, and quadding. He even took them to the scale shack when he worked for Nelson River. Dad/Doug developed more patience once the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along; often asking when they were coming to visit. He would also just like to go for drives listening and whistling to his country music.

Doug/Dad leaves to mourn his wife Rosemary of 51 years, son Grant (Amanda) children Brityn, Gage and Bobby; step-children Olivia, Jay, Brooke and Dallas; daughter Teressa (Darcy) children Allissa (Trevor) and children Dixie and Lucy; son Dean (Dez) children Eli, Owen, Emerson and Shilo; and son Noah; as well as one sister Diane Breckon; three brothers: Ron (Maxine), Wally (Marlyn), Kelvin and their families. He is also survived by his father-in-law Jack Rettaler, brother-in-law Larry Rettaler and family, sister-in-law Shirley Dreger (Bert) and families, sister-in-law Patsy Gregoire and family.

He was predeceased by his parents Kelvin and Lillian Empson, sister Joann, brothers Jim and Rick, mother-in-law Linda Rettaler and brother-in-law Clyde Gregoire.

In 2008, Doug/Dad was diagnosed with skin cancer, surgery and follow up radiation brought him positive results. Then in November 2019, he was diagnosed with Myelo displastic syndrome, a bone disorder, with blood transfusions and a year of chemo, things were looking positive, however, the outcome was not to be. He passed on Monday, January 25, 2021, at the De Salaberry Hospital. Dad/Doug lived life to the beat of his own drum, believing when" it’s your turn it’s your turn".... you will be missed by many. We love you .... Rest in Peace.

Loved, never forgotten. always in our hearts...We all must cherish our memories.

Donations in memory of Doug may be made to Southern Health – Sante Sud – in memo line, please designate CancerCare Steinbach.