Most of the 2018 crop in the ground

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas (Doug) Craig Rookes at the age of 90. He passed suddenly at Virden Hospital due to complications after a battle with cancer in the early morning of June 5, 2021.

Doug was born March 12, 1931 to Bob and Mayme Rookes on his grandparents’ farm south of Welwyn. When the family moved north of Welwyn in the early 1940’s, Doug attended Ferndale School (which stands to this day) before finishing his education in Welwyn. The family then moved to their farm in the RM of Ellice/Archie which to this day remains in the family.

In 1948, he met his loving wife to be, Ethel Byers, and after a few years of dating she convinced Doug that he couldn’t live without her. They married in December of 1953.

In 1956, after working for a local farmer in McAuley and on oil field construction/hauling to Cromer, an uncle convinced Doug and Ethel to move to northern Ontario to work for Steep Rock Iron Mines where he worked as a heavy equipment operator in the hard rock mine. While living in Atikokan, Ontario they welcomed their two sons, Allan Douglas (January 15, 1959), and Ian Leslie (July 5, 1960). After the company gave layoff notices in the summer of 1960, Doug and Ethel decided to return to the family farm as his parents were retiring and moving to Brandon, Manitoba.

In 1972, Doug began his career in the Fort La Bosse School Division as a trustee for Ward #1. This term lasted 14 ½ years and then in March of 1987 he moved into the role of Supervisor of Transportation for the school division and moved off the family farm to reside in Virden, Manitoba. He would work for the school division until his retirement on July 31, 1995.

Once retired Doug found himself busier than ever, and could be found tending his immaculate lawn, his bountiful gardens and assisting in any way he could at his second home, Virden Well View Golf Club. Golf was truly his passion and he never missed an opportunity to boast about how great the course looked. He also volunteered within the community, sang in the church choir, tore up any dance floor he and Ethel could set their feet on and rushed from event to event to watch his grandchildren, and then great-grandchildren, participate in their many sports or activities. He truly was their #1 fan. He also loved his Toronto Maple Leafs, Blue Jays and Saskatchewan Roughriders, never missing the opportunity to talk about them and how they were playing.

He truly loved, enjoyed and valued every moment with his family and lived life to its fullest. He will be missed immensely, but his values and love of life (and Ford vehicles) will carry on through his loved ones.
Doug is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Ethel (Byers), his sister Maxine Bryan, his sons Allan (Judy, Dana, Amanda, Richard and Samantha) and Ian (Darlyn, Johnny and Jennifer) as well as their spouses and his many great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at a later date once gathering restrictions have been lifted. Interment will be in Welwyn Cemetery.

For those who so desire, memorial tributes in memory of Doug may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, ON109–675 McDermot Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or to Well View Golf Club, P.O. Box 392 Virden, MB R0M 2C0.

Email messages of condolence to www.carscaddenfuneralchapel.com.
Carscadden Funeral Chapels Ltd., Virden in care of arrangements.

Douglas Craig Rookes

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