Tribute

CASSELMAN, Douglas Clayton

May 7 1942 – January 27 2025

Doug passed away unexpectantly yet peacefully in Nanaimo, where he had been living for the last few years. Born in Vancouver BC to Emmett and Beryl Casselman, he is pre-deceased by his loving wife Irene Casselman (2019), both parents and his older sister Norma Barrett. He is survived by his Son, Alf Casselman, daughter, Janelle Feenan, and grandchildren; Tanya, Ian, Rachael and Benjamin.

He is greatly missed by his family and many friends from the Cowichan Valley to Nanaimo and beyond.

Doug will always be remembered for his antics and sense of humour. His loyalty and generous personality were reflected in his willingness to drop whatever he was doing to help anyone who asked. He was known to make agreements on a handshake alone.

Always the wanderer he would often strike out on adventures of his own making friends wherever he went, particularly if they had a dog.

Doug made a living and provided for his family working with his hands. He became an extremely knowledgeable and skilled master mechanic, by trade. He mentored and instructed his craft to many up-and-coming mechanics and hobbyists alike. Through his life, he worked at car dealerships, as engineer on marine vessels, and with Atlas Copco construction and mining for the last 20 plus years before he retired.  He was a proud member of IUOE 115.

Motorsports were more than just a hobby; from building and repairing high performance cars, driving them, to attending or faithfully watching NASCAR, NHRA, Indy car or anything else that had an engine. He enjoyed weekends on his boat before selling his beloved Tollycraft.

In recent years, “Legion Doug” became a member and fixture at Royal Canadian Legion, Mount Benson, Branch 256.

He became a regular, known to attend almost every event or just made up a reason to be there. Here, he made some great friends and was heard to say, he,” was lucky to have them.”

The family wish to thank the doctors, nurses and medical team that cared for Doug up to his last moments.

Doug had an impact on the lives of many people. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.

A toast to Doug, amongst friends and family, will be held on his birthday, 7 May 2025 at RCL, Mount Benson Branch 256, 1630 E Wellington Rd. Nanaimo, BC.