STANLEY, The Reverend Douglas Arnold Bruce Stanley

Passed away peacefully at his home in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, whilst holding the hand of his loving wife. He was the beloved husband of Daphne Stanley and the proud and loving father to David (Romy), Peter (Tena) and Deborah (David), as well as a devoted grandfather to Carolyn, Chantal, Christopher, Lene and Marnie. Douglas took such delight in their company and pride in all their accomplishments.

Douglas lived every day of his nearly 89 years to the absolute fullest, and yet for his loving family, he is gone much too soon.

Doug, as he was affectionately known, had an exuberant zest for life and an unwavering faith in his Lord, Jesus Christ. He was an extraordinarily attentive and compassionate listener who took great pleasure in spending time and talking with people. He was genuinely interested in learning about others, and with his gentle warmth and selfless love, this inevitably led to his being surrounded by a diverse and devoted community of friends from all over the world. His passing has left a void in our hearts.

Born and raised in Toronto, Doug grew up working in the family florist shop, where he developed a passion for horticulture and gardening that he would cultivate for his entire life. Indeed, Doug and Daphne’s orchard and garden of flowers, vegetables, and fruits is an enduring testament to the love, care, and attention to detail that Doug gave to all things.

In 1962, having graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Theology, Doug began a journey on the path towards what would become his greatest passion of all – the teaching of the gospel of Christ. As a newly graduated Anglican Deacon, Rev. Douglas led parishes in some very remote Canadian locations such as Great Whale River and Fort Chimo, Nunavik and Tuktoyaktuk, North West Territories. On June 6, 1963, Doug married the love of his life, Daphne, whom he had met in Toronto. After Douglas completed a Masters in Theology at Wycliff College, Toronto, in 1970, Doug, Daphne and their three young children moved to Sault St. Marie, Ontario, where Rev. Douglas lead a parish in the adjacent township of Goulais River for 17 years and, in tandem, taught English and History at Sir James Dunn and then Lakeway Collegiate and Vocational schools, all while earning his degrees in Education, English, History, and Counselling. During this time, he also served as a Cub Scout leader as well as a counsellor for victims’ services and the local jail.

Even after his retirement from teaching, Rev. Douglas pursued his ecclesiastical passion. In British Columbia, he served as a priest in charge at Okanagan Falls for 14 years and was appointed by the Bishop as Honorary Assistant at St. Michael’s and All Angels Cathedral. He also served as Chaplain of the Air Force and volunteered as a counsellor at Teen Challenge. Over his many decades of ministering, counselling and teaching in various capacities, Doug’s empathy and ability to connect had a quiet but profound impact on so many people experiencing challenges and crises.

However, it was not all work and no play for Doug Stanley. He immersed himself in a great many interests and hobbies: he built himself an extensive workshop where he loved to design and build furniture, toys and gifts for friends and family; he collected books and manuscripts and was an avid reader; he crafted his own wine with such commitment that even seasoned vintners commented on how wonderful it was; and of course, he was called to put pen to paper and recount his stories in his memoirs. For sport, Doug loved to play golf and, at the age of 40, he embarked on his inaugural downhill ski run, which sparked an avid and lifelong passion. Through Kelowna winters, Doug pursued this passion joyfully, carving down the slopes of Big White, where he was a season pass holder until he was 87.

Doug and Daphne’s love of travel, adventure and cruising the high seas took them far and wide throughout the world for decades, but their favourite destination, and one they returned to many times, was Australia and New Zealand.

For those of us who have had the good fortune to know and love Douglas Stanley, we will remember him for his infectious smile and overwhelming laughter, his deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and his unshakeable commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. He had a rare gift for engaging with and making others feel at ease. Although his presence no longer graces our lives, his spirit has made a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.

Douglas will be deeply missed by his adoring wife, children, and grandchildren. We are so blessed and grateful to have had him in our lives. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the friends, neighbours, colleagues, and health care workers who cared so well for Douglas, particularly in the last months.

The family will receive friends at a funeral and celebration of life at St. Michael’s and All Angels Cathedral, 608 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 1:00 pm. The family requests that you RSVP if you plan to attend.  If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by YouTube at the time of the service (see below).