Obituary of Sgt Gregory Dougal Nabess

   Gregory also known as “Doug” was born in The Pas, MB to his parents Louis and Ethel (Mckenzie) Nabess.

   As a family, they lived along the Bigstone Stone River, their family lived a traditional land-based lifestyle, carrying on the practices of trapping, hunting, fishing and berry picking in Cumberland House, SK.

   In his younger years, Doug attended Charlebois Community School before moving to Nipawin to complete Grades 10 through 12 at L.P. Miller High School, where he graduated.

   At the age of eighteen, Doug enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces, beginning a distinguished military career with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). Doug dedicated himself to his country, his fellow soldiers, and the values of honour, courage, and commitment. During his military career, Doug served overseas in Cyprus. Over the years, he proudly served in several roles and attained several ranks and appointments, including Lieutenant; Cadet Instructor List Sargeant; Master Corporal with 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry; Private with the Canadian Airborne Regiment and Royal Canadian Regiment.

   While living in Alberta he met Raye St. Denys and together they were blessed with their daughter Kandace.

   Doug’s years of military service were a testament to his dedication, strength, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving others. His service was an important part of his life and a legacy of which his family and community can be proud. He retired from the Canadian Armed Forces after twenty-five years of honourable service.

   After his return home to Cumberland House, he met Emily and from this union they were blessed with four children, Toni, Cody, Chelsea & Melanie.

   Doug was a man who was never one to sit still for very long. Throughout his life, he held many important roles within his community, including working with New Careers, C.H.D.C, serving as Fire Chief and N.V.C.H Councillor, and working as Water Treatment Operator. He was always willing to lend a hand, take on any responsibility, and do his part for the community he loved.

   When Doug officially retired at the age of 65, his family should have known better than to think he would stay retired. He lasted about a year before deciding that retirement was simply not for him. He returned to part-time work as a Water Treatment Operator and became a part-time transportation driver for Pharmasave. During his time there, Doug built meaningful relationships with the staff, who came to consider him part of the Pharmasave family.

   When he wasn’t working, Doug knew how to enjoy the simple things in life. He loved fishing and playing bingo two things that gave him plenty of stories, laughs, and friendly competition. Doug had a reputation for being lucky in bingo, he was the bingo king. He even named one of his two cats Bingo, the other is Jr.

   Many mornings, Doug headed out to the Ferry Crossing with his brother Tomix, Dennis, his cousin Donald, and his friends Big John and Edward. Rain or shine, they were ready to fish and visit, making phone calls throughout their time telling people how many they caught or who caught the biggest fish. He loved family gatherings and always supported his grandchildren whether it was sports, snacks or simply giving them a bill.

   Those fishing trips, bingo games and everyday moments may have seemed ordinary at the time, but they became some of the memories his family and friends will cherish most. Doug had a way of bringing people together—with a good story, a little teasing, and always a laugh. His humour and kindness will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

   Doug is pre-deceased by his parents: Louis & Ethel Nabess; his brothers: Richard (Rose), Edward, Daniel, and Carl; his sister: Ida Charles; his father and mother-in-law: Etienne and Ellen Chaboyer; his brother-in-law: Daniel Dussion; his grandchildren: Kagen Ogilvie, Daniel Flett and Richard Boyd Nabess; his niece: Lorraine Dussion and his nephew: Larry Shaw.

   Doug leaves his loving memory with his children, grandchildren and chapans.  Kandace (Sean): Cheyenne (Brandon) and Kogan Ogilvie. Chapans: Hunter and Jasper Bonville.  Toni: Ashan, Kayden, Luca, Jax and Rocco.  Cody (Aileen): Anderson and Ameira and Chapans: Presley and Hannah.  Chelsea (Eric): Andrew, Annabelle, Eric Jr., Daisy and Pisim.  Melanie (John): Bentley, Avayah and Grayson.  Siblings and families – Jared (Judy), Rose Dussion, Elizabeth ‘Daisy’ (Zac) Carriere, Janeen (Gilbert) Crane, Donald ‘Tomix’ (Matilda), John (Susan), Kevin (Loretta), Patricia ‘Clara’ Wiens.  Adopted Siblings: Patricia (Steven) Laliberte, Jodie (Angus) Carriere.