Douglas Earle Large

Douglas Earle Large, 91, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2014, at the Veterans Memorial Building. He was born to G. Cleveland and Luella Catherine Large in Halifax on March 11, 1923.

Douglas grew up on Waegwoltic Avenue. He attended the Halifax Academy and, upon graduation, was the recipient of the Jack Cornwall Prize. Douglas spent his life in service to his country, community, and family. He served as a member of the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force), piloting aircraft in England during WWII, and then worked in the City of Halifax finance department for forty-three years. After retirement, he became a well-respected and often sought advisor for city pensioners, tirelessly advocating for their rights and attending to their needs (he would, as a small example, deliver a bouquet of flowers to each pensioner on his or her 100th birthday). He was also one of the original founders and builders of the former St. Philip’s Church, now known as the Anglican Church of the Apostles and served as its treasurer for more than fifty years.

Douglas enjoyed his life. His love of flying was reignited in the early 1970s, when he purchased a small plane, which provided many adventures for him and his family. His competitive spirit was apparent in many sports such as badminton, golf, and swimming. He was an avid golfer and longtime member of Brightwood Golf Course, often being the first to tee off in the morning. He was known to spend every lunch hour in winter swimming laps at the Halifax Centennial Pool, and in the summer, swimming at the Waegwoltic Club and along the beaches of PEI and the Northumberland Strait. Douglas also loved to read, consuming numerous books each week. And he spent many happy hours tending his garden, of which he was most proud.

Douglas married Shirley Leahan in 1948, and during their forty-eight year marriage, they became parents to seven children. Douglas is predeceased by his beloved wife, Shirley; his daughter, Heather; his father, Cleve; mother, Luella; sister, Vida; and brother, Gordon.

He is survived by his children Bob (Gail), Cathy, Esther (Tony), Peter (Deborah), David, and Nancy; and eight grandchildren, Craig, Adam, Fiona (Derrick), Graham, Heather, Ian (Kristy), Christine, and Adelle; and two great grandchildren, Moira and Carmen.

Douglas was a gentle man and a gentleman, with a kind and generous spirit. His family members feel blessed to have had him in their lives.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 24, from 2-4 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. at the Anglican Church of the Apostles, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 25, at 11a.m. Reverend Mark Marshal will officiate. Cremation has taken place and burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.