DOOLAEGE
Mr. Camiel Doolaege passed away in Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the age of 90 years.
Camiel was born on April 9, 1925 in Oostburg, Holland. He took seven years of schooling and one year of Agriculture College. While there he learned the English language as well. From the age of 14 he wanted to come to Canada. It was compulsory that he serve in the army first and so, off Camiel went to basic training and served in the army in Indonesia from 1946 to 1950.
In 1943 he had met a girl that would become his fancy, Margriet. He wrote her letters on a weekly basis, he was puzzled and disappointed she never wrote him back. Her mother was destroying these letters so Margariet never knew about them. It was her mother's hope that Margariet would forget about Camiel because she did not want him taking her daughter off to Canada. That did not happen and they continued to be the loves of each other's lives.
Camiel came to Canada in February of 1951. It took 9 days to cross the Atlantic and another 5 days by train before settling down in Spirit River, Alberta. He worked relentlessly for a few farmers in the area and in August of 1951 was finally joined again with his fiancé Margriet. It was not long till they were married on August 28th, 1951. They then moved to the Castor district and began their journey. He had a passion for raising cattle and excelled at it. Camiel started out raising Black Angus and then made the move to Charolais. Camiel and family also found success with their cattle in the show arena amassing many grand championships and sale toppers. Camiel garnered a lot of respect for his tireless work ethic and his eye for quality, functional cattle from fellow cattlemen throughout the community.
Their farm continued to grow over the years and so did their family. The Spruceville Cattle Company and the Doolaege Farming Ltd were now being run by the boys. On February 22, 1985 they made the move into Castor and began a new phase in their lives. You can take the man away from the farm but not the farm away from the man………..for that Camiel proved correct as he was still a driving force and hard worker, day in and day out on the farm. They did though enjoy and take advantage of some winter travel and summer holidays, seeing much of Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Panama Canal and the United States.
On March 23, 2015 Camiel suffered the loss of his beloved wife Margriet. This devastated him but once again he rose above his grief and provided love and leadership for his family. On April 9, 2015 he celebrated another milestone with his 90th birthday. With the help of his family Camiel was ready to embark on his journey alone without his loving wife. He even talked about buying a new car. It was his strong Christian faith that had led him this far and would carry him again. Then on May 2, 2015 Camiel passed away peacefully while in the Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital. What a blessed journey…… and they are now rejoined again in heaven.
Camiel is survived by his loving family: daughter Maria Corley (Ken Lamb), granddaughter Tessa Corley-Rae (Mathieu Rae), great-grandchildren Lukas and Zoëlie, grandson Bryson Corley (Shelley), great-grandchildren Mackenzie and James, son Willy Doolaege (Anastasia), grandchildren Derek, Natalia, Alexis, and Mark, great-grandchild Dysen, daughter Annie Stewart deceased 2011 (Doug Stewart), grandchildren Phillip (Trish), Sarah, Jessica, Melanie, great grandchild Marley, daughter Lucie Doolaege (Alvin Harter), son Francis Doolaege (Shari-Anne), grandchildren Sharise, Dakota, son Robert Doolaege deceased 2014 (Annelise), grandchildren Cache, Rayelle, Blair, son Anthony Doolaege deceased 1992, son Paul Doolaege (Paula), grandchildren Cody (Sonia), Matthew, Benjamin, Kallista, son Gerald Doolaege (Susan Markus), grandchildren Rikayla, Cassandra, Spencer, Kelton, daughter Leana Hunter (Grant Hunter), grandchildren Quinn and Kyle, son Joseph Doolaege deceased 1966; sister Angela (Mathys) deJong. Camiel was predeceased by his wife Margriet; children: Joseph, Anthony, Annie, Robert; parents Petrus and Emelie; and his many sisters and brothers.
A prayer vigil was held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday May 8, 2015 in Our Lady of Grace Parish followed by Mass on May 9 at 1:00 p.m. celebrated by Father Don Ihekwoaba. The interment took place in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery where he was laid to rest beside his loving wife Margriet and sons Joseph, Anthony and Robert. Family and friends then gathered in the community hall for a luncheon and time of sharing prepared by the Our Lady of Grace CWL.
Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Foundation or to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.
Sympathies may be forwarded to the family by signing the guestbook at www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com
PARKVIEW FUNERAL CHAPELS & CREMATORIUM, 403-882-3141,
entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.