DOEL CD, LCdr (ret) John Doell CD

Born Aug. 25, 1939, in Hague, Sk. – died October 24, 2025, peacefully in his sleep of complications of Parkinson Disease at Selkirk Seniors Village, Victoria, BC.  He was predeceased by his parents Heinrich and Justina Doell; sister Melita; brother Sam; sister-in-law Norma.  Mourning his loss are his loving wife Marjorie, 4 sons Lance (Christine); Trevor (Juanita); Casey (Karen); Jody (Gerri); 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.  5 brothers George (Pauline) and family; Peter (Joyce) and family; Neil (Anne) and family; niece Patricia and nephew Brent and their families; Allan (Shelley) and family; Tim (Sharon) and family and sadly missed by all who knew him.

John (Jack as he was known) joined the RCN in Prince Rupert, BC; trained at HMCS Esquimalt, Victoria and HMCS Stadacona, Halifax.  He qualified for certification as Clearance Diver at HMC Torpedo-Anti-Submarine School, HMCS Stadacona.  John was appointed an officer in her Majesty’s Canadian Armed Forces.  He was part of a select group of Officers and its predecessors who were founding members at the formation of United Services Institute of Saskatoon, SK.  He served in Navy Reserve at HMCS Unicorn, Saskatoon, SK for over 30 years.  He was part of a dive team that was part of a search team known as the Franklin Expedition in the Arctic.  In civilian life John worked at Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (now known as Nutrien) for over 32 years.  Early on in his career he had accepted a two-year posting at CIDA to teach/train students in electrical studies at the Trade Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania where the family enjoyed learning about its culture and language.

Jack was an avid sports fan, primarily golf where he enjoyed rounds with his buddies in Saskatoon and Victoria.  He was a big fan of football, baseball, and hockey (a huge fan of Detroit Red Wings) curling.  He volunteered to coach young hockey enthusiasts; volunteered at Summer and Winter games when hosted in Saskatoon and stepped up to help where volunteers were needed.  He particularly enjoyed teaching his grandkids the ‘art’ of playing chess and constantly reminding them that our living room was not a gymnasium!

Special thanks are extended by our family to the paramedics, doctors, nurses and care-aides at Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria General Hospital and long-term care at Selkirk Seniors Village for Jacks care. Special thanks to the team at the PWP who worked with Jack on mobility and balance.  And special thank you to Julie, Megan who diligently worked extra sessions of physio.  Thank you to Donna, Remy, Antonette, Angel, Ian, Lorena and others who helped Jack maintain his quality of life.

A celebration of life will be held at Church of Our Lord, Blanshard Street, Victoria BC at 11 am Saturday, January 3^rd, 2026, reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of John (Jack) Doell to the PARKINSON WELLNESS PROJECT, #202 – 2680 Blanshard St., Victoria, BC – V8T 5E1 or website:  www.parkinsonwellness.ca

Condolences may be offered to family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com