Obituary of DOUGLAS WILLIAM GEORGE NEUFELD

It is with heavy hearts and an overwhelming sense of loss that we are announcing the passing of our most beloved Grumpa, father, husband, brother, friend, coach, neighbor, fixer-of-all things and always the absolute life of the party Douglas William George Neufeld aged 65 (April 27, 1958 - April 4, 2024).

Papa Bear peacefully took his last breath in the afternoon of April 4th surrounded by those he loved, cherished and would do anything in this world for. Besides his precious wife of ten wonderful years Maggie (with whom he absolutely adored, worshiped, and never stop talking about), Douglas is survived by his sons Michael (Haley Neufeld) and Matthew (Jessica Albrechtson); four grandchildren Sophia, Dawson, Liam and Lukas; bonus children Tyler Makodanski, and Caitlin (Tyler Strong), four bonus grandchildren Lincoln, Mackenzie, Mia, and Ryker; sisters Donna (Al Schirmacher), Diane (Chuck Sawyer), and Darlene (Andy Joanisse); Nephews Jared, David, Kyle and Bryan, and nieces Carleigh and Cyarra; his beloved dog “Whiskey”and many, many more “friends,” or “additional loved ones” that he would always consider to be immediate family anyway. He is predeceased by his parents Olga (Olive/Nana), and William John Neufeld.

To say our Dougie was a “character” is a major understatement. He was ALWAYS the first to lend a helping hand, could and would fix absolutely anything that either himself or a loved one needed fixing, (regardless of how involved a project was), and you could always count on Dougie for a “Rum-atussin” or two if by some awful chance your throat happened to be sore…

Doug had a passion for coaching that started early in his life. He loved kids, and always made time for anyone that had an interest in learning, or would lend their ear for some classic and often legendary Dougie advice.

Doug absolutely adored his boys Mikey and Matty, and would attend any and all functions relating to them. He never missed a sporting event, gig, or market, and was always proudly boasting about “his boys” to anyone who would listen.

Doug would always excel at whatever he set his mind to. Whether is was graduating “with honors” from Red River College, being rated the “Top Salesperson in Western Canada,” being “the bell ringing champion” in Sturgis 2016, or winning every “shoot and holler” contest at any chili cook-off he partook in, our Dougie would dominate at literally anything.

Cooking and gift giving were certainly his love languages, and he always took great pride in cooking a “steak-zilla” to perfection for his loved ones. He was also a co-founding member of the legendary “Holy-Guacamole” chili cookoff team with his beloved mother Olive (nana), whom he absolutely adored and would’ve done anything for.

Dougie was also known for his hilarious one-liners, sayings, expressions, mannerisms, and also for occasionally being “avocado’d” when he was having a little too much fun. “Don’t poke the bear,” “boys, be careful,” and “I had fun” are a few classic “Dougie-isms” that will forever be remembered.

Doug will be missed beyond words, and the impact, wisdom, and life-lessons he shared, will certainly be passed down for generations. He always lived his own way, by his own rules, and even in passing, decided to go when the time was right for him.

There will forever be an empty space in the hearts of everyone that had the absolute pleasure of knowing him. Maybe we can also take a little comfort, shake our heads and smile,  knowing how he’s already enjoying a Corelejo, dart, and coffee that he somehow snuck into heaven, while fixing the pearly gates, podium, or whatever else up he happened to notice needed to be worked on. Heaven obviously needed a Big Dougie, just like the rest of us needed a Big Dougie. You are forever loved and will be cherished, celebrated, and missed beyond words or measure.

We would like to thank St. Boniface Hospital and staff for their care over the past four months, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Cancer Care MB or the Children’s Cancer Foundation. A celebration of life for Douglas will be at Cropo Funeral Chapel (1442 Main St Winnipeg MB, R2W-3V7) Monday, April 22nd @10am, and is an open invite for any and all to pay their final respects to Doug.