John Maxwell Douglas

John Maxwell Douglas was born on February 24, 1953, in Campbell River, BC, to Frank and Win Douglas. He joined his older brother and sister, Martyn and Rowena, just two years after the family emigrated from England. Attending Campbell River High School (CARIHI) - with a year at Vancouver College - until graduation in 1971, when he moved to Vancouver. He enrolled at BCIT to learn the food industry and spent time as a chef in England and France.

On his return, John qualified and served as a lifeguard in the Vancouver Parks system and worked as a sous-chef in several restaurants, including the English Bay Café and Hy's Steak House.

On a trip to Hawaii to visit his mom, John purposely packed his expensive chef's knives in his carry-on luggage to avoid damage by luggage handlers. Those were the days of Cuban air-hijackings and visual inspection of carry-on luggage. After vigorous questioning and checking his luggage, he was allowed to board. His impractical packing became a reoccurring theme throughout the years.

John expanded his interest in photography to a professional level, with several photo series published in tourism media. He worked closely with entry-level rock bands, producing publicity still photographs and album cover art. Lots of free tickets but not much money. He attended many iconic concerts including his first time seeing "the best rock and roll band in the world" The Rolling Stones.

In 1989 John was appointed as a paramedic and worked across Vancouver for 16 years.

In the late 90's John welcomed two daughters, Charlie and Georgia. He shared with them many of the beautiful sights of the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island that he loved so dearly.

Johns treasured Land Cruiser, "Swamp Dog," provided many fun experiences and always kept the family entertained when there was a new mechanical hurdle.

Camping trips to Klein Lake, raft building at Goose Spit, and his almost nightly guitar renditions of "Froggy Went a Courtin'" were highlights of their early childhood.

In 2004 John transferred to Port Alberni and worked for seven more years before retirement. It was here that he met his future wife Donna and shared the next 20 years together.

John devoted his life to the betterment of Port Alberni and left an indelible impact on all who crossed his path. Serving as City Councillor from 2008 to 2011, Mayor from 2011 to 2014, and returning as Councillor in 2022, John's commitment to public service was unwavering. His collaborative work with First Nations in tourism management and economic development, paired with his focus on social planning, mental health, addictions, food distribution, and housing solutions for the Alberni Valley, showcased his unwavering dedication to uplifting the community. Known for his boundless generosity and tireless volunteerism, John strived to enhance the lives of all and championed those struggling with addiction with unmatched passion and empathy.

John was an avid reader and collected every book he could find on the Alberni Valley, Sproat Lake and the history of Logging. He researched and studied in the same manner for every place he travelled to across the globe. Throughout his trips he loved most of all connecting to the people and learning about their culture.

John enjoyed swimming at echo pool and Sproat lake, hiking the trails of the Alberni Valley, camping, paddle boarding, kayaking, riding his e-bike, skiing, and meeting with his morning coffee groups, but above all he loved his summers of fishing with friends and boating down the canal with family.

John was a proud billet dad alongside Donna for our Bulldogs Hockey team, welcoming 8 players into their home from across North America over the last two years.

John had infinite love and dedication to his family. John was pre-deceased by his parents Frank and Win Douglas, mother and father in law Irene and Bill Andrews, and stepson Bryan Mason. John is survived by his wife Donna, daughters Charlie and Georgia, stepson Brad, brother Marty Douglas (Lauren), sister Rowena Rathlef (Rob), brother in law David Andrews, sister in law Mary Douglas, cousin Rod Jones (Pat) from the UK, and nieces and nephews Janine (Jeff), David (Jessica), Sarah (Brandon) and great nieces and nephews Tegan, Kaden, Charlie, Parker, Rebecca, Autumn and Heidi.

Johns legacy will continue to touch and inspire everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, any donations friends wish to make, the West Coast General Hospital Foundation would be a good choice in memory of John. A celebration of life will be held at Canal Waterfront Park at 6pm on Tuesday, August 6th.