Douglas A. Proll

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas (Doug) Proll. He leaves behind his loving partner and best friend of over 30 years, Sylviane, his children, Josh (Lily), Sarah (Jason), Nathan (Kyley), Randi (Sam), his three grandchildren, his siblings, Phyllis, Ken (Marlene), Betty, and his many nieces and nephews. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in our lives and our family.

Doug was born and raised in Saskatchewan, a deeply cherished addition to his family and a great joy to his older siblings. His upbringing shaped the character and authenticity he carried into every part of his life – humility, patience, generosity, humour, and respect. He listened in a way that made people feel truly heard. When offering advice, his unwavering optimism revealed not only his unique perspective, but also a steady path forward – one grounded in positivity and resilience. Known for his warm smile, kind heart, and quick wit, Doug had a way of immediately putting you at ease.

He appreciated his life and made the most of every day. In retirement, Doug and Sylviane travelled the world together, immersing themselves in local culture. They embodied the spirit of going "off the beaten path," seeking out local cafes and restaurants, soaking in the atmosphere, and enjoying each other's company. For them, the journey was never about checking destinations off a list, but rather about experiencing life together, one place at a time.

Doug largely eschewed material possessions, choosing instead to invest in experiences and relationships. He often encouraged us not to let the cost of something become the reason we missed out on it – a sentiment that was surprising to say the least, given his typically discerning approach towards finances. His greatest generosity, however, was with his time. He made family his priority, devoting himself to his children and grandchildren and showing up, time and again, for the moments that mattered. Thanks to his gracious participation in our milestones and celebrations, and the always-open door policy that he and Syl kept, we are left with a wealth of cherished memories. Doug never took his time with us for granted, and neither do we. While no amount of time could ever have felt like enough, we are profoundly grateful for the years we shared, the endless memories created and countless belly laughs enjoyed together. We take comfort in knowing that we truly made the most of them together.

To know Doug was to love him and all his quirks and systems that are a continuous source of smiles and laughter in our lives. As an accountant, he was meticulous and organized to his core. His eccentricities and uniquenesses were some of his best attributes and are now serving as daily reminders of why we loved him so much and why our family bond is so special.

After moving to Calgary in the early 1970s, Doug began as an auditor before devoting his career to the petroleum industry. He genuinely enjoyed working and was proud of his work and the relationships he built with his colleagues. More than just business acumen, his integrity and emotional intelligence are what established his reputation. He led by example and was not only a great leader, but also a great mentor. He provided a steady presence with a focus on enhancing performance of both the company he worked for and the people he worked with.

The world has lost a good man. It is because he made our hearts so big that they can be so broken. However, it is also because of the family and friendships he built that we will be able to carry each other forward. We will honour his legacy by making the most of our time together, experiencing life fully, and appreciating what we have, just as he would have wanted us to.

In remembrance of Doug's life, please direct any charitable donations to the Canmore Hospital Foundation.

“Laugh as we have always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together” — Henry Scott Holland