June 15, 1946 - October 9, 2021
In loving memory ~
If ever a man overcame challenges to live a full and adventuresome life, it was Doug Varley. After a long and tenacious - indeed heroic - battle with multiple health issues, Doug passed away on October 9.
Straight out school, Doug joined Burns Bros., a Toronto Investment Firm, as a "chalk boy," eventually moving up to the trading desk. When offered a position in their Vancouver office, he and his wife Sandi moved out west. Recognized as a gifted negotiator, he remained in the investment business until his retirement as a Senior VP at Canaccord.
Blessed with two daughters, Doug expanded their worlds through sports and travel by coaching their T-ball teams, skiing at Whistler, and making memories on family vacations to Hawaii and Palm Springs.
Doug believed in living life to the fullest. As a teen, he played hockey and football, later taking up racquetball, skiing and golf. His passions were many, among them driving fast cars, music, wine, foreign travel (especially Italy), and savoring dinners with family and friends. He touched and shaped those he knew, as well as countless individuals whom he mentored - business owners, artists, and struggling young people. Doug focused on potential and was a master at identifying each person's strengths to bring them - and keep them - on a path toward success.
Doug was a devout Christian and along with his wife Wendi, was a generous yet understated philanthropist. His hands-on presence and substantial gifts supported numerous charities and established a strong community legacy.
After Doug retired, he and Wendi moved to Predator Ridge where they spent their summers. Winters were in sunny LaQuinta, California. Between these two cherished and favorite homes, they forged many special friendships, enjoyed visits with family, and played countless rounds of golf!
When sidelined with a stroke 15 years ago, Doug prevailed over disability, choosing the golf course over a wheelchair. With Wendi as his coach, he challenged himself, adapted his lifestyle and amazed his friends with his energy, optimism, contagious sense of humor and kindness.
Doug was pre-deceased by his parents, Rudy and Marie; and younger brother, Skip (Nancy). Besides Wendi, he is survived by his sister, Donna Earl; daughters Erin (Noel) and Jen (Darren); ex-wife Sandi; and granddaughters Ella, Simone, Margaret and Vivian- who lovingly knew him as 'Pops'.
The Varley family plans a private memorial in California in December.