Obituary of Douglas Aston

Douglas Harold Aston Douglas Harold Aston passed away at home in Lloydminster on Monday, July 28, 2008 at the age of 77 years. Born February 8, 1931 in Lloydminster, Doug was raised here until attending the University of Alberta, graduating in 1957 from the College of Pharmacy. He returned to Lloydminster and joined his father and Bob Baynton at Medical Hall Drugs, continuing the Aston pharmacy tradition which lasted 80 years until Doug sold the business in 1989. He was best known for his presence behind the prescription or camera counter at Medical Hall Drugs and in recent years at Charles Lamb Photography. Everyone knew that his love and knowledge of photography and cameras made him the expert whom they wanted to consult and while on his own vacations, he often taught people how to operate their camera equipment. During major community events, Doug's photography skills helped to chronicle and preserve memories. While raising a family and running a successful business, Doug was extremely active in the community. He was an ardent Jaycee in his younger years and a proud Rotarian for 40 years. More recently, Doug's pride in Lloydminster's history lead him to become an active member and volunteer at the Lloydminster Archives. He also volunteered at the Vic Juba Theater and was an involved member of the Grace United Church, serving on many committees. His altruism and presence will be missed by all who knew and worked with him. Doug is survived by: his loving wife Shirley (Butters) Aston; children: Randy (Penny) Aston of Lloydminster; Nancy Aston (Darwin) of Kitscoty and her sons: Jordan and Brandon Kiss; Cory (Brenda) Aston of Sherwood Park and their daughters: Amethyst and Dominique Aston; one sister Beryl (Chuck) Hopkins of Kelowna; one brother Lorne (Valerie) Aston of Kelowna; three sisters-in-law: Lorraine Boyle and Isabelle Butters of Weyburn, Wilma (Al) Oliver of Winnipeg, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Doug was predeceased by his parents Wyla (1989) and Harold (1995) Aston. The Celebration of Life for Doug Aston was conducted from the Grace United Church, Lloydminster, Alberta on Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Sue Hertell officiating. A beautiful tribute was delivered by Reverend Harold Martin, a close family friend and neighbour. Harold related many happy and humorous stories that family members had shared, revolving around what a wonderful husband, father and grandfather Doug had been. Many of Harold's remarks centered around golf, one of Doug's major hobbies/obsessions and he ended with this poem: "Doug's Life Told in Poetic Golf Style" Lord, from whom all good things flow, Keep my score low and my temper in tow. Make my drives straight and fine, No hooks, nor slices spoiling their line. May I blast with my clubs and never my tongue. May my prayers be many and my curses none. May my irons be true and my life too, With my putts and dubs ever so few. Hitting from tee to fairway to green From a good life below to joy yet unseen. Make my life above par, and my golf game below. Honest Lord! I do want to be -- your Pro! Shirley and her family would like to extend thanks to many for their support and care during the unexpected loss of Doug. The E.M.T.'s of the Lloyd Ambulance and the staff and Dr. Combrink at the Lloydminster Hospital provided care and compassion during a difficult time. Thank you to Dr. Tom Cavanagh and Dr. Ray Rogers for helping to care for and keep Doug with us for an extra 19 years after his first heart attack. Special thanks to the Grace United Church, Reverend Sue Hertell, Reverend Harold Martin, the Grace United Church Choir, Brenda Ellison, Irene Knowlson, and Lois Sonnega for a wonderful celebration of Doug's life in song, music, and words. Thank you to the beautiful Legacy Center and Colleen's Catering for the opportunity to honor and reminisce about Doug during a wonderful lunch. Thank you to the Allan Darby Unit of the U.C.W. for providing supper for the family. Thank you to Glenn and Dale McCaw and staff for their care and professionalism during the planning and implementation of Doug's Celebration of Life. Thanks also to the Musgrave Family for their help with parking. Finally, the entire family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of cards, donations, flowers, phone calls, e-mails, visits, and food from friends and the community as a whole. Thank you to all who helped during this difficult time. Words cannot express the gratitude that we all feel. The Aston Family Donations in memory of Doug may be made to a Charity of the Donor's Choice.