RAPELJE Douglas Henry – Passed away suddenly at home on Thursday May 5th, 2022, in his 89th year. Douglas was born and raised in Chippawa and lived in Welland for the remainder of his life. Beloved husband and lifelong partner of Carol (nee Jones) for 66 years. Loving father of Brian, Ann (David), Kathy (Jim), David. Cherished grandfather of Eric and Jenna, Ryan (Kelsey), Taylor (Kaitlyn), Katelyn (Justin), Connor. Doting great-grandfather to Isabel and Lena.
Douglas served as Director of the Senior Citizens Department of the Niagara Region for 44 years until his retirement in 1995. A tireless community leader, he created a care system for seniors that gained worldwide recognition as one of the very best. Many groups travelled from around the World to tour the Welland Regional Home System to assist in their planning of long-term care homes being built in other countries.
Douglas was a true champion and advocate for Seniors across Canada and much of his work focused on allowing the elderly to age with exemplary care and dignity. Having had many opportunities to work in private home care, Douglas stayed with the Regional System, never wanting to profit from the elderly. When he would walk through the senior homes he was serving, he had a keen ability to take the time to know the residents by name, their stories, and always made people feel that he truly cared. The residents in these homes all lived a better life based on the various programs created by Douglas to enrich the lives of seniors under his care. His unwavering commitment and dedication to the elderly often made him seek out local politicians to share his deeper perspective on aging. Douglas was always ready to talk about the “aging” and their needs to gain further supports and funding to better the lives of seniors and equal access for all.
For the 26 years following his retirement, Douglas was an active member on more than 42 committees and organizations and was presented with over 100 awards for his service to organizations, boards, and the community. Douglas was touched deeply when he was presented with the Canadian Association in Gerontology’s Contribution to Gerontology Award, the Niagara Centre Canada 150 Awards’ Contributions to the Community Award, and the T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Award in 2020. Douglas was presented with an honorary diploma from Niagara College and a doctorate from Brock University. Douglas loved assisting and mentoring young students looking at aging via various research projects. He was a lifetime learner, and avid reader and wrote many articles and speeches throughout his career.
Douglas will be remembered for being a true gentleman, a man who cared deeply for his community and strived to make it better. His never-ending love for his wife and children has left them with a treasure trove of beautiful memories of a truly amazing man. Kind-hearted to the end, he always had time for people and those in need. His career was forged out of compassion for others, and he carried his message about aging with dignity across many countries. His latest community endeavours saw The City of Welland receive the “Ontario Age Friendly Community Recognition Award” and the funding for the construction of 10 new hospice beds in Welland. His committee work and his involvement with Foyer Richelieu and The Board at Hospice Niagara was a collaboration that will provide much needed relief for the growing needs of our community.
The Rapelje family would like to thank all that have reached out and either sent heartfelt condolences, sent flowers and/or dropped off food. Your kindness and thoughtfulness during this time will always be deeply appreciated and always remembered.
Cremation has taken place. A private family burial will take place Thursday May 12th, 2022. In July 2022, the family is planning a “Celebration of Life” for Douglas. Details will be shared when in place. The family wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to Members of the Welland Fire and Emergency Services and Niagara Regional Police Service for their kindness, support, and care during a difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a Scholarship Fund that has been set up in Douglas’s name to support students studying at Niagara College. This scholarship will be focused on students in need of financial assistance. Anyone who would like to contribute to the memorial fund can select the “please select the designation of your gift” section and choose Doug Rapelje Memorial Fund.
Link w3web02.niagaracollege.ca/NiagaraDonationForm
Online condolences available at www.cudneyfuneralhome.com.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Douglas Henry Rapelje September 3 1933
May 5 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Welland, Province: Ontario
death notice Douglas Henry Rapelje September 3 1933
May 5 2022
mortuary notice Douglas Henry Rapelje September 3 1933
May 5 2022
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