Doug, “the Bamboo Man”, passed away on September 29, three weeks after cancer surgery. He was 88 and he and his wife, Merle, had just celebrated 64 years of marriage on September 9.
Doug grew up in Saskatoon but moved his family to Dawson Creek in 1966 where he worked for BC Hydro. Eventually the family made its way to Salt Spring and arrived here in 1976. Doug worked for many years as a lineman /foreman for BC Hydro but retired at age 59. He worked with a carpenter to build his home on an acreage on Thomas Road where he and Merle started their plant nursery business.
Doug’s passion was propagating and growing plants. He became fascinated with bamboo, and he grew and sold specimens from his property, the Bamboo Ranch, for twenty years. He knew the latin names and characteristics of the dozens of varieties he grew, and he enjoyed talking about them to his customers.
Doug was a life long learner. He taught himself silver smithing and woodworking, and gifted his family with many beautiful bowls turned on his wood lathe. He studied Spanish for many years after he and Merle backpacked around Mexico in their fifties. He played the banjo and loved bluegrass music.
Doug was a calm quiet man who could surprise us with a comment that brought laughter as we recognized his quirky sense of humour. Doug’s family surrounded him with stories that brought tears and laughter in his final days. He was much loved by those he leaves behind: Merle, his wife, son Brian Box and wife Maxine Olynyk, daughter Ellen Box, son Denny Box and partner Christina Chan, daughter Susan Box, grandson Jute Wilson Box, granddaughter Eve Bennett and husband Riley Bennett, grandsons Benjamin and Marlow Box. He was close to his brother Len Box and wife Arlene, his sister Yvonne McGuire, his sister Lucille Bonner and husband Paul Bonner. Doug was looking forward to welcoming his first great grandchild in December. He will be missed by extended family members and many close friends.
The family is planning a celebration of Doug’s life for mid-November.