Douglas Connery

Doug Connery

With profound sadness and heavy hearts we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Douglas James Connery on Thursday, December 15, 2011.

Doug is survived by his life partner and wife of 31 years Paulette; son Jarrett (Susie); daughter Sheri (Dusty); grandchildren Austin, Arlo, and Liam; parents Ed and Bev Connery; sister Jackie (Ron); brothers Jeff (Beth), and Tim; mother-in-law Alice Nadon; sister-in-law Aldene Moroz (Barry); brother-in-law Brad Nadon; and many nieces and nephews.

Born on April 20, 1955 Doug was raised in Portage la Prairie and attended Arthur Meighen High School. During his youth Doug worked on the family farm, gaining the experience to eventually run the business operations of Connery Riverdale Farms and becoming a leader amongst vegetable growers and producers in Canada.

Doug was a Director of Peak of the Market; Past President of the Vegetable Growers Association of Manitoba; Past President of the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC); and Human Resources Chair of the CHC. He was named Manitoba's Young Farmer of the Year in 1990.

Doug enjoyed traveling and through his work frequently visited Mexico, Jamaica and many other Caribbean countries. Finland was also a destination to see Sheri when she had been away on Rotary Exchange.

Doug was a member of the Portage Golf Club and enjoyed playing in the Men's League and the Friday night group of friends. He also enjoyed golfing during annual vacations to Palm Springs. One of his fondest memories of his holidays was when he and Paulette were on the Queen Mary.

Cottage living and the health of Manitoba lakes was a passion with Doug. He served as President of the Delta Beach Association and was a Director of the Association of Lake Manitoba Stakeholders.

Doug was a member of Trinity United Church and a former member of the Portage Rotary Club where he was an amicable host to many Youth Exchange Program students from around the world.

Doug was a strong supporter of the Portage Terriers, attending as many games as he could, and sponsoring at their golf tournament.

Visitation will take place at McKenzie's Portage Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Memorial service to celebrate Doug's life will be held at the Portage Credit Union (PCU) Centre on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.

The urn bearers will be Darryl Patterson and Deane Harkness. The family also acknowledges many of Doug's close friends as Honouary Pallbearers: Glenn & Wendy Fempel, Doug & Monique Holmes, Bob & Gail Patterson, Jim & Brenda Moorhouse, Lou & Deborah Antonissen, Don & Cindy Clarkson, Randy & Judy Matthies, Harry & Dorothy Funk, Rick & Sheila Henderson, Ward Hinch, Scott & Rhonda Moorhouse, Ryan & Robyn Driedger, and Rebecca (Becca) Blake.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Doug's memory to the Portage Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1153, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3J9, or to the PCU Centre, City of Portage la Prairie, 97 Sask. Ave. E, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N OL8.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com