OBITUARY
Douglas Fredrick Christen
February 28, 1929 – December 10, 2018
Douglas Fredrick Christen (“Doug”) passed away on December 10th, 2018 in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the age of 89.
Doug was born in Owen Sound, Ontario on February 28th, 1929. He was the much loved only child of Olaf and Charlotte Christen and the beloved nephew of Lilyan Christen.
At age 19 Doug joined the RCMP and left Owen Sound to train in Regina and Ottawa. He was first stationed in Saint John, New Brunswick and moved throughout various detachments in New Brunswick and PEI before he headed to Fredericton. It was there that Doug met his one true love, Jacqueline Calhoun (Jackie). They married on June 21st 1958. Their three children, Bruce, Brenda and Brett were born in the small New Brunswick towns where Doug was stationed. Throughout their marriage Jackie and Doug moved over 11 times, in the early years with their three small children in tow . Despite the many moves and distance Doug always returned with his family to Owen Sound each summer. The family spent many summer days at Sauble Beach although Doug was often kept busy helping his mother, “Char” and his “Auntie Lil” after his Dad passed away.
As one of 11 children Jackie brought to the marriage her calm, practical and generous ways along with an extended family of siblings, their spouses, cousins, nieces and nephews. Jackie’s family and parents welcomed and embraced Doug, who loved them in return always looking forward to getting together at their annual golf tournament on the Mirimichi River.
Doug rose quickly through the ranks of the RCMP establishing a reputation as tough, honest and fair minded.
In 1970 Doug became a commissioned officer and the family moved to St. John’s, Newfoundland returning to the “Mainland” in 1975. A year later they moved to Halifax. Doug and Jackie quickly settled in to the city, making lifelong friends through the RCMP, Ashburn Golf Club, and later the Royal Bank, their various Bridge Clubs, and the Sunset Bowling League.
Doug retired from the RCMP in 1983 ending his police career as the Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations for the Province of Nova Scotia. Before retiring he oversaw the investigation which led to the quashing of the wrongful conviction of Donald Marshall. Testifying in 1988 before the Provincial Royal Commission, Doug, with his usual candour, expressed his amazement that the Sydney Nova Scotia police force was never investigated by the Provincial Justice Department for corruption over their handling of the case, adding “It should never have faded away”.
After leaving the Force Doug became the Director of Security for the Atlantic Provinces at the Royal Bank, a position he held for ten years.
Doug and Jackie spent the 25 years following their retirement travelling the world, including a memorable and often laughed over trip to Italy with their children and their families hosted by Brett and Angela. The trip included Angela’s parents George and Eva who soon became good family friends.”Italy stories” provided much fodder for family lore for many years to come. Doug and Jackie spent winters in Florida where they were often joined by friends, family, children and grandchildren. They made frequent trips to Toronto to visit and catch their annual Canada Day Blue Jays game. They hosted their children and grandchildren throughout the year always finding time to take their grand children bowling. Doug would make sure he cooked the Toronto kids their favourite, his famous scallop recipe when they were in town.
Doug enjoyed both his career and family life. He played golf with Bruce and Brett from the time they were teens. When Jackie took up golf after her retirement they frequently played together in what was, at times, a true testament to their mutual perseverance and tolerance as a couple. Doug hung up his clubs several years ago but continued to enjoy Ashburn and his friends their at their “Gaspers” get togethers until his health prevented it.
Doug was always quick with a joke (in later years usually about his declining golf or bowling skills). Doug was a dedicated lifelong gardener, a skill he learned from his mom, and he instilled that love in his daughter, Brenda.
Doug had a knack for making people feel comfortable. He could talk to anyone. He loved being the life of the party. He was always the first on the dance floor.
Doug regularly acknowledged his incredible good fortune in life, particularly for his beautiful wife Jackie, children and their families: Bruce and Deborah , Brenda and Joe, and Brett and Angela.
Doug and Jackie had a long and happy marriage, celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary this past June. Doug was exceptionally proud of his grandchildren Ryan and Brandon in Halifax and the three “hairpins” Teadora, Lilliana, and Annika in Toronto. The Haligonians Bruce, Deborah, Ryan and Brandon were always on hand to help when needed particularly in the last year. Bruce, Ryan and Brandon visited Doug every day in the hospital when he became ill.
Doug was grateful for all of the blessings he received. He and Jackie gave their children the invaluable gifts of humour, integrity and gratitude. Taking care of his family was always his first priority. Doug was much loved in return. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Doug was a faithful member of Bethany United Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity that has meaning for you and your family.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Douglas Fredrick Christen 2018..
Death notice for the town of: halifax, Province: Nova Scotia