In Passing: Douglas Allen Lane

It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Douglas Allen Lane on January 6, 2016. Born in Calgary on July 29, 1951, Doug graduated in 1969 from Ernest Manning High School and went on to obtain his Bachelor of Architecture from Montana State University in 1976. He resided briefly in Christchurch, New Zealand before moving to Kelowna in 1977.

Doug was a project architect with well-known firm, Woodworth, Ulrich, & Frie Architects, and spent four years designing boats for Three Buoys Houseboats – even attending the Westlawn School of Architecture Design in Connecticut. He opened his own architecture practice, Water Street Architecture, in 1993 specializing in health care, commercial, industrial and multi-residential design.

Among the projects Water Street Architecture was responsible for over those 22 years were: the Regency Retirement Resorts which include Sandalwood, Missionwood, Westwood, Northwood and Southwood; The Landmark Centre, built by Stober Construction; Trapper’s Crossing at Big White; The Cannery Lofts by The Webster Group, and the BC Gas offices in Kelowna, Penticton and Kamloops. He won an Urban Development Institute Award of Excellence for the Kamloops BC Gas in 1996; and Thompson Okanagan Housing Awards for Sandalwood and Trapper’s Crossing.

Doug was a gifted artist and took an old-school approach to architecture for the duration of his career. He designed each original building concept meticulously by hand, employing AutoCad technicians to digitize his visions. It was not uncommon for Doug to sketch beautiful renderings on cocktail napkins or scrap pieces of paper before his clients’ eyes – often during meetings at Sturgeon Hall, which was next door to his first office and served as his “secondary office.”

Doug was a member of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia and the Royal Architectural Institute. He admired the work of famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright and had a passion for Arts and Crafts and West Coast design.

While Doug worked hard, he also played hard. He was an athlete and his sport of choice was rugby. He played for the Kelowna Crows and was a member of the Central Okanagan Rugby Enthusiasts (CORE) until his death. Doug loved to travel. He enjoyed taking road trips, fishing excursions and getaways to Las Vegas, Mexico and the Caribbean. He had dreams of retiring to a tropical beach. Doug played the drums since high school and his Ludwig kit was a source of entertainment and relaxation. Doug loved vintage cars and was especially proud of his 1957 MGA.

Doug was compassionate, generous, tender hearted and genuine. And in his death, he gave the ultimate gift. He had a sudden a cardiac arrest on January 2 and never regained consciousness, but he was able to become an organ donor for five recipients with his kidneys, corneas and liver.

Doug leaves behind two bright and beautiful children, Caitlin and Brendan, whom he guided and watched develop into amazing, happy young adults who share his tender-hearted spirit. He became their friend as well as their parent and he was extremely proud of them both. He was predeceased in 2007 by his son Chad, whom he needed to continue parenting. He wasn’t done yet.

Doug is deeply missed by his life partner Julianna Masson (Jules), who is grateful for the 13 wonderful years they spent together. He is mourned by his father Harry; sister Val (John); brothers Tom (Darrelanne) and Rick (Cynthia); mother of his children Catherine Norris; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends.

He was predeceased by his warm and sociable mother Lorraine in 2011.

A celebration of Doug’s life will take place on Sunday, January 31, at Roses Waterfront Pub from noon to 4 pm. Rose Sexsmith was a life-long friend since elementary school. All are welcome to attend and share memories and “Dougisms.” It will be an informal drop-in affair with no set agenda – Doug always made it clear he just wanted his friends and loved ones to raise a glass (or two) in his honour when he was gone.

Dr. Seuss said it best. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

In lieu of flowers, Doug would appreciate donations on his behalf to the Canadian Diabetes Association.