Douglas Lee Bittle

Douglas Lee Bittle, age 74, Canmore Alberta, Canada, left this world for his eternal home on April 26, 2025. He was born February 1, 1951, in Calgary, Alberta, to Vincent Duane and Blanche Victoria (Akins) Bittle of Langdon, Alberta. Doug was raised on the family farm along with his older sister Norma and younger sister, Wendy. He gave his heart to the Lord in Grade 1 (after a strapping at school) with his mom praying with him at his bedside that evening. As a teenager, Doug declared his faith through baptism at the Langdon Baptist Church. Doug attended an elementary two room schoolhouse in Langdon and graduated from Chestermere Lake high School in 1969. Doug was active at Langdon Baptist Church as an usher, playing the trumpet, youth group and helped with church maintenance.

Upon high school graduation, Doug went to Briercrest Bible Institute in Caronport, Saskatchewan. He played in a trumpet trio, sang baritone with a male quartet, played defense on a male hockey team, played volleyball and did practical ministry. Doug graduated from Briercrest in 1972, with a Diploma of Music and Christian Education.

The last semester at Briercrest Doug received God’s call to fulltime ministry while reading Jeremiah chapter 1 and the same year accepted a youth and adult choir director position at Temple Baptist Church, Jamestown, North Dakota. While serving at the church, Doug attended Jamestown College and graduated with Bachelor of Music Education in 1975. He met Wilbert and Irene Staiger in Medina, North Dakota, where Doug would often preach, teach or lead a youth activity. Doug readily accepted meal invitations to the Staiger farm where he met the love of his life, Patricia Lynn Staiger. They were married on a scorching hot summer day, July 5, 1975, at Temple Baptist Church in Jamestown with an attendance of over 300 people.

Doug and Patty moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Doug attended North American Baptist Seminary for three years and graduated Summa Cum Laude with Master of Divinity in 1978. His ordination was in Jamestown. Doug later would receive Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Seminary, Pasadena, California in 2001. He served as senior pastor at churches in South Dakota, Alberta, Texas and Manitoba.

For many years, Doug suffered with physical disabilities and was limited in what he could do but he remained strong in the Lord. Doug wrote that death is inevitable but not the end. The Bible is clear that we who know Christ as Savior will be resurrected to a living hope. Doug wants you to make certain of your soul’s salvation. If you have never opened your heart to Jesus, receive Him today as your Savior.

Survivors include wife Patty, son Daniel (Kristi) Bittle, son Wade Bittle, three grandchildren Hudson, Abigail and Ellie Bittle and two sisters, Norma Washburn and Wendy (John) Evenson. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent Duane and Blanche Victoria Bittle.

A Graveside Service will take place at 10:00am on Thursday, May 1 at Mountain View Memorial Gardens 1515  - 100 Street SE Calgary. Followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00pm in Canmore at the Crossway Community Church #2, 117 Bow Meadows Crescent.  The funeral service will be livestreamed by clicking on the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89392628044

If so desired donations may be made in Douglas's name to either Crossway Community Church or Vernon Live Well Clinic (just click on the name and it will take you straight to the donate page)