Christina Douglas

Christina Douglas, late of Weyburn, SK passed away August 13, 2013, at the age of 96 years. 

Chrissie was predeceased by her husband, Albert Douglas; parents, William and Jessie MacDonald; sisters, Nina Patterson, Rhoda Forseth; brother William MacDonald.

Chrissie is survived by her sons: Ross, Bruce (Carol-Lee Eckhardt), Owen (Donalda), Eric (Linda); sister Alice Miller; brother-in-law Murray Douglas, sisters- in-law Yvonne and Fran Douglas, 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and 24 nieces and nephews.

Throughout her life Chrissie involved herself in many community activities. She served on 4H Club booth committees, McTaggart Hall committees, Prairie View Community Club, Queen Elizabeth Home & School, president, historian and catering committees for the Knox Presbyterian Church Women.

She was a member of the Sir Frederick Haultain Chapter of the IODE, ECHO Magazine secretary, and served on the IODE's Provincial Executive for five years. Sir Frederick's hat is in the IODE section of the Weyburn Museum.

She took a Floral Design course in Olds, Alberta in 1971 and worked in the Floral Arts Shop on 3rd St. in Weyburn.

She served on the Weyburn Arts Council, Canada Week Discovery Train committee, Weyburn Diamond 73 committee, and compiled Weyburn City's 75-Year History Book.

Chrissie's personal interests have included painting, ceramics, brush & ink artwork, calligraphy, horticulture, and of course her award winning back yard flower and perennial garden.

For most of her life she sewed all her own clothes and was a member of the Priscilla Club, a Weyburn women's sewing group.

At various times in her life she enjoyed skating, curling, bowling, cross country skiing, and most of all, dancing.

Chrissie also had a brief encounter with the Canadian Political Scene. Her husband Albert (Ab) was the MP for Assiniboia from 1968 until his untimely death in 1971. This was the beginning of the Trudeau era. Albert and Chrissie hosted a Trudeau visit to their farm north of McTaggart.

Chrissie was also well traveled having returned to Scotland to visit relatives six times; attended the silver broom in Switzerland; a farm & ranch tour of Fiji, Australia, NZ Hawaii, Tahiti; and a Holy Land tour that covered Germany, Rome, Palestine, Jerusalem Holy Land including Oberammergau. She also spent several winters in Arizona where she became friends with Gertie Minor Roger, author of 'Lady Rancher' and composer of the poem below:

Don’t grieve for me -

For I have shared the happiness that life can bring
Like picking the first flower in early spring
And walking through a field of golden grain,
The touch of sun on cheek, and summer rain.

Don’t grieve for me -

For I have seen the sunset glow, and early dawn.
I’ve heard the meadow lark’s and robin’s song
The honking of geese as they fly by
The brilliance of the stars in a summer sky.

Don’t grieve for me -

For I have known the joy of holding a new baby close to me.
The love of husband, friend and family
The privilege of watching grandchildren grow
And this is just a part of what I’ve cherished so.

Don’t grieve for me -

For now the time has come to say goodbye,
And we will meet again, so don’t you cry.
I am relieved to leave this tired body and its pain
For now, my soul is free at last to live again.

For family and friends so wishing, donations in memory of Chrissie may be made to Knox Presbyterian Church - Property Fund, 136 2nd Street NE, Weyburn, SK  S4H 0T8, or a Charity of Choice.

I'm here today to speak on behalf of my family, in celebration of Chrissie's life. Chris was our friend. We can't remember when we didn't know her. Growing up Chris and Ab figured prominently in our lives, not only were they neighbours, but they were great friends of our parents.  Whenever there was a need, Chris was there for us. She was present in our lives at our weddings, showers and other celebrations, and always willing to lend a hand when the need arose. 

She was a strong and independent woman. Her talents and accomplishments were many, and included sewing, flower arranging, calligraphy, homemaking and baking.(her butter tarts and shortbread were delicious). Her green thumb showed in her African Violets and her prize-winning flower garden. She kept up with the news, politics, and current events. She was computer literate and had her own Facebook account that she used to keep up with family and friends. She was a reader and was reading the best-seller Wheat Belly at the time of her passing. She was a life-time member of Knox Presbyterian Church and served in many capacities there including historian.

Chris lost her husband Ab in 1971 (42 years ago), but she didn't complain or wallow in self- pity. She picked up the pieces and kept going, she socialized, traveled and lived life to the fullest. 

We had a great deal of respect for Chris, she was always kind, gracious, forthright, stylish and dignified. We marvelled at her good looks, great hair and fashion sense as she aged, and we envied her ability to read without glasses at the age of 96!

We enjoyed our lunches with her at the Welsh Kitchen and Friday night suppers at the Legion. In our conversations Chris always amused us with her 'economy of words' ...she said what she meant, meant what she said, and did what she said she was going to do. ( Barbara Coloroso )

Although she loved her beautiful home she gracefully accepted the decision to move into Bison Manor. Her organizational skills were evident to us when she still had the original boxes for her small appliances and household items and even better, she knew where they were!

Over the last couple of years Chris made it known that she was ready to leave this life on Earth, and on Tuesday, August 13th, her wish was granted. She lived a long, full life and was an inspiration to us all. Now she has gone to join those who have gone before her, but we will all miss her.

Chrissie was:

• a daughter
• a wife
• a mother
• a sister
• an aunt
• a grandmother
• a great grandmother
• a loyal friend


and will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

The tide recedes, but leaves behind bright sea shells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrain.
For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.

.....thanks Arvella