Douglas Richard Dezeng

After a long illness, we sadly announce the passing of Douglas “Doug” Dezeng.  Doug Passed away with family by his side on May 9, 2023 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 67 years.

Left to cherish Doug’s memory are his loving wife Debbie Dezeng of 48 years and his two sons Scott and Rick Dezeng.  Doug is also survived by his siblings Roy (Myrna) Dezeng of Portage, Catherine McLaren of Saskatchewan, Debbie Dezeng (Darren) of Calgary and Billy Dezeng of Portage, sister-in-law Kathy Lilley of Portage; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  He was predeceased by his parents George and Dorothy Dezeng, brother Jim (Elizabeth) Garrow, sister Isla (Gordon) Shepherd, brother Dennis Dezeng and sister Dorothy Beaven.

Doug was born in Portage la Prairie on June 1, 1955.  Doug worked at several different jobs starting at the young at of 16.  He worked for Bernard Farms along with his lifelong friend Merle Gladue.  He then moved on to Soukes Feed Mill for some time.  In 1974 Doug started his career at Campbell’s Soup and then after it changed to K & G Mushrooms, he worked there for 30 years and became the assistant manager.  While working there, Doug furthered his education by completing his secondary education and achieving several engineer tickets. Doug also went on to work for Parmalot Dairy in St. Claude, then venturing to the Portage District General Hospital, where he worked for 15 years and retired in 2021.  He was a hard-working man his whole life.  Doug enjoyed spending lots of time with family and friends, around the dining table, with of course a nice beverage in hand.  There was always a lot of storytelling, music and laughs when Doug was present.  There was never a dull moment.  He enjoyed helping others with projects, using his great carpentry and electrical skills along the way.  If anyone needed advice on any project, Doug was the man to call.  He was always reliable and willing to help.  Doug was a avid social guy, in his younger years, you would usually see him after work sitting at the Portage Hotel with his friends. 

Doug will definitely be sadly missed by many, from his funny sense of humour to his hard work and helping hand.  Doug will always be remembered and missed dearly.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.  A reception and celebration of Doug’s life will follow in the Trimble Room at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Doug’s memory to Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), 121 12^th St. NE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 4A2.

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