t is with the saddest of hearts, that we announce the passing of Douglas Honour. Doug passed away at his Quesnel home. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 52 years, Kay Honour and three children, Debbie Roch (Wayne), Clint Honour (Jenni) and Brent Honour (Brenda), eight grandchildren, Ryan, Randal, Jared, Austin, Brayden, Tavis, Alex, and Natalie. He is also survived by two sister’s who he loved dearly, Becky Hill (Jerry) and Terry Cunningham, nephews and nieces.
He was born August 23,1939, in Denver, Colorado to Henry and Esther Honour. This year marked the beginning of World War II. His lifelong sense of patriotism for the United States was forged early on in life with as much fervour for Canada that he came to know and love. In 1958 immediately after graduating from high school, Doug joined the 101st Airborne Division in the USA Army. He often joked it was easy to jump out of a plane since he didn’t like flying in the first place. While in the service, he also was on their professional boxing team.
Doug and Kay were married March 2, 1961. Even though he was born and raised a city boy, Kay quickly understood Doug’s great love and passion for horses, land, and boats. They purchased an irrigated farm near Denver, Colorado where Doug started his “ranching apprenticeship”. He loved farming the land, setting irrigation lines, putting up hay, and horses. After receiving bad cheques for hay sales, he said, “hell if I‘m going to lose money that way, I might as well try my hand at raising cows”. In 1971 Doug and Kay purchased a ranch in the Quesnel area, known as the Lone Tree Ranch. After a yearlong process, they completed their immigration and moved to Canada in 1972.
In addition to ranching, Doug loved football, fishing, and guitar music. As his children grew older, he became involved with Quesnel Minor Football where he was both coach and referee for several years. He introduced many young men to the sport who otherwise would have not had the opportunity to participate. Although his coaching style was firm and fair, the players did not challenge his expectations.
Over the years Doug demonstrated love and compassion for young people. Doug and Kay’s home was filled regularly with young people.
A celebration of life was held on August 3, 2013. Doug had a heart for the wounded soldiers. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Doug’s memory may do so to
Honour the Fallen - Help the Living
Wounded Warriors Canada
310 Bryron Street South, Suite 4, Whitby, ON, L1N 4P8 or at www.woundedwarriors.ca