Doug Shibata
DOUGLAS T. SHIBATA
May 15, 1955 – September 17, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Doug on September 17, 2024, at home, at the age of 69. His death is an enormous loss to all who knew him.
Doug will be dearly remembered by his siblings, Gary (Karen), Karen (Tom), and Sandra; and will also be missed by his nieces and nephews, Jerad (Kandice), Kara (Jaime), Mark, Steve (Chantal), Jessica (Jake), Mike (Amanda), and Matt; and his great-nieces and nephews, Chloe, Kayden, Branden, Madisen, Sofia, Mia, and Hudson. Doug is predeceased by Mom (Kikue) and Dad (Takanori), whom he cared for in their later years.
Family was important to Doug and he rarely missed a family get-together or birthday, and always brought his sweet and sour meatballs. Although he was a man of few words, he always listened to what everyone had to say, and soaked up all the activity and news. Uncle Dougy especially enjoyed seeing his nieces and nephews, and now great-nieces and great-nephews, grow up in front of him.
Doug was born in Winnipeg and graduated from DMCI, the U of M and RRC with a commerce degree and Computer Analyst diploma. He was smart and worked for many years in the printing industry at RW Packaging, Transcontinental Printing and Kromar Printing.
Jesssica Lake was where Doug would relax and enjoy the tranquility of the lake. Although he didn’t enjoy fishing like our Dad, he did like tending to the family cottage and seeing the enjoyment his nieces and nephews had at the lake. It was a time when family got together and where we shared many a meal around the kitchen table.
Music was a love of Doug’s and he amassed quite a collection of vinyl over the years, alongside the latest stereo equipment. His favourite band was The Police and he enjoyed attending concerts. We remember attending U2, Fleetwood Mac, P!nk, and Lady Gaga concerts with him.
Watching sports was one of Doug’s favourite things to do and was a die-hard Green Bay Packer fan. He rarely missed watching a Winnipeg Jets or Winnipeg Blue Bomber game, and oftentimes he would say he couldn’t talk now as he was watching the game.
Doug loved to curl and curled in various clubs over the years. He spent many a night at the Civic Cal Curling Club. Looking through his “stuff” at home, we found many trophies for his curling ability, including all-star Skip. Doug was very involved with the formation of the Orient Express Curling Club at the Valour Road Curling Club and our Manitoba Japanese Curling bonspiel, of which he was our draw master since 2003. We remember going to Lethbridge and BC, where we competed in their Japanese Canadian bonspiels. They thought we were ringers coming from Manitoba. He transitioned to stick curling later in life, and we are thankful to Dan for getting Doug out on the ice.
A memorable trip we all took together was our family reunion in Vegas, where our cousins and family on the Sekiya side gathered to reminisce.
He volunteered with the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Citizens’ Association (now Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba) and the bar at Folklorama for many years.
Thank you to our extended family and Doug’s friends who have reached out to share a memory or two about Doug. A special thank you to his neighbours Brenda and Linda, who kept an eye on him on Bardal Bay. We hear that the ladies and Doug would be out shoveling the snow and had many a conversation. Following his passing, many a neighbour would comment on how many times they would see Doug out walking. He walked for exercise and to keep his Parkinson’s at bay. Dr. Worden, thank you for the medical care you provided Doug over the years. We would also like to thank the EMTs who supported us with compassion and kindness during this difficult time.
In Accordance with Doug’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Doug’s name to U-Turn Parkinson’s or a charity of your choice.
Doug’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
Memories, Stories and Condolences
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Michael Sands
October 3, 2024 at 5:48 PM
One of my favorite memories of Uncle Doug came from a time when me and my friend took a trip to Winnipeg to play poker while we were 18. Underage for BC, but very legal for Winnipeg. Of course, we both ended up losing all our money before the last day of the trip. On the last day of the trip, Uncle Doug wanted to take us to some famous burger joint that was known for massive burgers. Because we had no money, both of us ate a bunch of snacks and things before we went. When we got to the restaurant, we ordered the smallest burger they had, and couldnt even finish it because we came for dinner already full. Uncle Doug of course paid the bill, but then made fun of us the entire time for not being able to finish the "baby burger" as he called it. He will be missed.
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Blair Yoshida
October 1, 2024 at 9:21 PM
Condolences to the family.
Doug's smile and laugh will be missed but not forgotten, and all the good times remembered.
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Jessica Sands
October 1, 2024 at 8:08 PM
I love my Uncle Dougie! I always loved chatting music and concerts with him, and I know he thought it was cool I worked in the industry. I share his love of collections, and I am glad I got to have a nice visit with him earlier this year, wish I could have seen him more over the years. He will be missed and remembered by all of us, and his caring nature and interest in our lives will be an inspiration for me in years to come. I hope you are at peace Uncle Dougie! Love Jessica
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Jim and Margaret Suzuki
October 1, 2024 at 2:58 AM
I first met Doug in early 1980’s, when I joined the Orient Express Curling Club, which was a mixed curling league at the Valour Road Curling Club, with the majority of players being of Japanese Canadian descent.
As our friendship grew, Doug was looking for teammates for a men’s curling team. I first curled with Doug at the Civic Caledonian Curling Club. As we became more involved at the club, we both became executive members of The Civic Cal. We played together a number of years, and competed the club championship, the MCA bonspiel, as well as some local bonspiels.
We spend many afternoons and evenings at Valour Road and Civic reminiscing over shots made, and shots missed at the bar following these games.
When Margaret and I were married in 1984, Doug was a part of our Wedding Party. He was with us to welcome our daughter into this world in 1991. Margaret served on the executive of the Manitoba Buddhist Temple, as treasurer. When Margaret had to step away from her volunteer position, Doug was willing to take on this task, as treasurer for the Manitoba Buddhist Temple. He was always willing to help his friends.
When he found out he had Parkinson's, we did not see him quite as often. This past spring however, Sandra had decided to hold the JCAM Curling Bonspiel, but could not find a club to host the event. I spoke to Charleswood Curling Club, and the JCAM Bonspiel 2024 was held there. Doug was there to setup the draw for this 1 day event, and I worked with him in organising the bonspiel. He was happy to head up this event which culminated in the banquet at the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba. I had the opportunity to spend some precious moment with this during that weekend.
Thank you, Doug for allowing me to know you. You were always a great friend, a gentleman, and a kind soul.
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Cathy and John
September 30, 2024 at 9:45 PM
We are so sorry about Doug’s passing. So difficult to lose a sibling. You've done him proud with this written celebration and photo gallery of his life. There was always so much fun at the gatherings of the Shibatas and Sandses. Doug, we’ll miss you at the next one.
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Matt
September 30, 2024 at 4:15 PM
I have lots of fond memories from childhood spending time with Uncle Doug. I remember his huge movie collection of DVD's he had. Convincing him to rent a Mustang instead of a regular car when he visited. Spending time with him whenever we visited or when he visited us in Vancouver. Even though he was a quiet guy, you could tell he was a loving caring person. My condolences to everyone in the family.
Love,
Matt
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Howie and Brenda Mark
September 30, 2024 at 3:31 AM
Our sincere condolences to the Shibata family. What a huge loss. Doug is always remembered for being there to lend a helping hand and did so in his quiet and unassuming way, and with a smile on his face. The video of Doug is such a beautiful tribute to him. He will truly be missed.
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Howie and Brenda Mark
September 30, 2024 at 3:31 AM
Our sincere condolences to the Shibata family. What a huge loss. Doug is always remembered for being there to lend a helping hand and did so in his quiet and unassuming way, and with a smile on his face. The video of Doug is such a beautiful tribute to him. He will truly be missed.
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Terumi Kuwada
September 30, 2024 at 2:54 AM
The Shibata Family has always been a very special part of the Kuwada family. Doug's mother and Doug came to stay with us when Doug was born, so our Mom could help Kikue, with becoming a mother. It was a wonderful beginning to a lifetime of memorable get togethers. I am very saddened by Doug's passing, such a great loss to the Shibata family and the rest of us who knew Doug as a kind and respectful man. I can't imagine a JCAM bonspiel without his presence as the draw master. May all of you have treasured memories of Doug, that will live in your hearts forever. .
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Karl Jaek
September 29, 2024 at 11:52 PM
Today, I met a fellow Daniel MacIntyre student ( Larry Charolette), 51 years after we graduated from high school in 1973. He told me of Douglas' passing. I watched the video. My condolences to the family. We walk along side you in the grieving.
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John PODWORNIAK
September 29, 2024 at 10:49 PM
Wonderful tribute. to Doug. My deepest condolences to the family. He will be missed by many.
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Jeannette Astleford
September 29, 2024 at 7:24 PM
My deep condolences to Doug's family,so sorry to hear of his passing. I worked with Doug at Transcontinental Printing and he was a pleasant,nice man and I especially remember his wonderful smile!
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Harvey & Sandra Kaita
September 28, 2024 at 10:11 PM
We express our deepest sympathy to the Shibata family. We have fond memories especially while curling with Doug. He was a kind and gentle person who had an infectious laugh. He will be missed.
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Robert Okabe
September 28, 2024 at 5:03 PM
Doug was one of the few people I truly called a friend. We might go months without talking, but he was always there when I needed him, ready to lend a helping hand. He was my partner in crime, and though we made an odd pair, we balanced each other perfectly. Doug was the introverted, thoughtful one, while I was more outspoken and impulsive. That dynamic worked well—he kept me in check more times than I can count.
I first got to know Doug better through Sunday mixed Orient Express Curling, and we both served as board members for the MJCCA. Doug always roped me into helping out, whether it was working the bar or doing security for the Japanese Pavilion during Folklorama.
He had a love for organizing curling draws, but he was also great at putting together bachelor parties or securing entertainment for the men’s curling closing banquets. One of my bachelor parties took place at the first version of his rustic cottage. I’ll never forget us attempting to take a canoe out on the lake with three people when it was clearly meant for two A reckless, alcohol-fueled decision, but somehow we made it through in one piece.
I was always impressed by Doug's network of friends, especially through curling. At every bonspiel or curling club, Doug would always find someone he knew or help someone out—often scoring them concert tickets. His love for music, sports, and live shows was undeniable. He even humored Sandra by tagging along to a few "girl night out" concerts. But the shows we saw together were unforgettable: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, Green Day, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Unfortunately, I had to suffer through a Bon Jovi concert in Fargo with one of his girlfriends—a real "girl show."
Above all, Doug’s greatest love was sports. He was an avid fan of NCAA and NFL football, NHL hockey, and especially NBA basketball, with a deep devotion to the Lakers. We often talked about taking a trip to L.A. or Minneapolis to catch a Lakers game, but somehow, it never came to fruition.
When it came to curling, Doug was all in. For years, we curled together in men’s leagues on Tuesdays and Thursdays at various clubs, and our weekends were filled with bonspiels. We even traveled to a few out-of-town events, sharing a single room, which meant I had to share a bed with Doug. Every morning, there were complaints about his loud snoring, but I was fine as long as I fell asleep first.
Doug treasured his family, especially his nieces and nephews. He would always provide an update about the latest misadventures of his nephews. He was also a dedicated son, visiting and caring for his father Tak after his stroke and moving back home to care for his mother.
Doug used to joke that I lived an enchanted life, where everything always seemed to fall into place for me. What he didn’t realize was that having a friend like him was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
Wayne Diduch
September 28, 2024 at 4:41 PM
my deepest condolences to Doug 's family. I worked with Doug at Transcontinental printing. He was a very quiet and caring man to work with.
so sorry for your loss
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Toshio and Susan Nishi
September 28, 2024 at 4:16 PM
To Sandra and the Shibata family
So sadden to hear of Doug's passing. A lovely tribute to share memories with all who knew him. Our deepest condolences to you and the entire Shibata family.
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Kara (niece)
September 28, 2024 at 4:10 PM
One of my favourite memories of Uncle Doug is when he took Jess and I to our very first concert, The Backstreet Boys in 1998. He was always into music and had the latest electronics! We will all miss him very much ❤️
Davy and Mayumi Kawakami
September 28, 2024 at 3:22 PM
To Sandra and the Shibata family,
So very sorry for your great loss. What a beautiful tribute to Doug. Our sincere condolences to you all.
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Theresa Oye
September 28, 2024 at 2:13 PM
What a beautiful photo and music tribute to Doug. The pictures brought back many fond memories of the Shibata family from the early Sunday School and Orient Express days. My sincere condolences to the whole Shibata family
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Pat (Johnston) Korman
September 28, 2024 at 1:32 PM
Offering my condolences to Doug's sister Karen. I know you were a close family. Coming from Tom's cousin Pat
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