Obituary of Douglas Pegg

Doug was born in Oxbow, the ninth and last surviving child of Harry Wellington Pegg, the local veterinarian, and Alice Cary Staples. In 1947, Doug was hired by the Saskatchewan Department of Natural Resources and was sent to Forestry School in Prince Albert. Upon graduation, he embarked on a number of short-term assignments throughout the north. In 1951 he took up a position in Loon Lake as the Conservation Officer. It was here that he met his future wife, Marie Healey, the local nurse, recently arrived from Simcoe, Ontario. It was also here that his two daughters were born. Subsequent assignments took him to Tisdale, Holbein, North Battleford, Moose Jaw and finally Nipawin in 1972, where he purchased a house established roots and eventually retired. Doug enjoyed exploring, travelling to a number of exciting locations. He had an eclectic curiosity which he satisfied to the fullest extent. He had a great love for art, being an active member of the Nipawin Art Club and creating a number of notable works. He was a Nature Saskatchewan Honourary Steward involved in the upkeep of the Maurice Street Wildlife Sanctuary. Doug loved to sing and over time was an active member of the Nipawin Choral Bells, the Harmonaires, the Hillbillies, the Singing Pines and the United Church choir. Having been too young to serve in WW II, but having brothers who served, Doug had an avid interest in Canadian military history. One of his highlights was visiting Dunkerque and Juno Beach in 1995 and returning with containers of sand. Doug was very proud of his garden and the many birds it attracted. In 2019, over 150 friends and family gathered in Nipawin to help him celebrate his 90th birthday. Doug was a “people person” who was always more concerned about those around him and remained very active in the community right up to the end. He was extremely fortunate to have had friends and neighbours who looked out for him over the years. He enjoyed a tremendous support network. The family would like to thank everyone who cared for Doug. True to his personality, Doug left us on his terms. He had accomplished everything he had on his bucket list. We knew that he wanted to have his 90th birthday party – which he helped to organize - (check). He later said that he really wanted time to get to know his new great granddaughter (check) and he wanted to attend his grandson’s wedding (check). The family was fortunate to have been able to spend some real, quality time with him this summer. While Doug will be missed by his family and friends, we take great comfort in knowing that he led a full, interesting and, at times, exciting life. His time with us is worth celebrating. He was predeceased by his wife, Marie, in 1997. Doug is survived by his daughters Donna Schwartzburg (John) of Ottawa and Susan Pegg-Countway (Barry) of Saskatoon; his grandchildren Calum Countway (Chauna) and his great granddaughter, Rowyn, of Saskatoon; and Amy Countway (Jared Hretsina) also of Saskatoon. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date to be determined. Donations in Doug’s memory can be made to: Nature Saskatchewan, Room 206, 1860 Lorne Ave, Regina, SK S4P 2L7 http://www.naturesask.ca OR Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, 9 Lancaster Rd, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 1M8 http://www.swf.sk.ca