Douglas Raymond Aulenback
October 15, 1932 – March 17, 2022
Douglas Raymond Aulenback of Dartmouth passed away peacefully Thursday March 17, 2022 at the age of 89, with his family by his side.
Doug was born in South Brookfield, NS on October 15, 1932, to Asa and Helen Aulenback. He graduated from Middleton High School. In 1955, Doug met the love of his life, Joyce, who he nicknamed Cookie, in front of Gifford’s Store. They married and moved to Halifax in 1957. They shared 64 loving years together and were seldom seen apart.
He was a caring father to his children, Wayne and Kathy. When the kids were young, he would spend hours in sub-zero temperatures with a garden hose making a skating rink for the kids in the back yard. He was also a superhero to the children as they watched Doug and Asa chase down local vandals who destroyed Joyce’s clothesline. Joyce ‘s response to his gallantry was “ what were you planning to do if you caught them”.
Doug cherished his daughter-in-law, Laurie, for making his son happy and together raising his 2 beautiful grandchildren Jacob and Jordan. It was a joy to see Jacob and Doug teach each other; Doug sharing his wisdom and experience with Jacob and Jacob sharing his youth and technical abilities. Together they could solve any problem. “Grampie Doug” introduced Jordan at a young age to the little coffee creamers on a holiday to Annapolis. Jordan’s smile melted Grampie Doug’s heart enabling Jordan to obtain large quantities of creamers for Grampie Doug’s single cup of coffee. To this day, when Jordan see creamers on a restaurant table she thinks of Grampie Doug.
Doug’s work ethic and his desire to care for his family led him down many career paths including the Royal Bank, Eatons and sold real estate, often with his kids in tow in the back seat, before settling down at a position with Canada Post.
Doug was a Mr. Fix-it with a basement workshop so organized it rivaled any hardware store. Doug was an active member of the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour serving on the Church Council and ushering for many years.
The family wishes to offer their sincere thanks and appreciation to the many caregivers from CBI Health.
Also, there are no words to express our thanks to David and Jessie Aulenback who over the years have provided love and support to Doug and Joyce. As Doug aged, David took over many of the household jobs Doug could no longer complete. David and Jessie’s support over the final days of Doug’s hospital stay were immeasurable.
Doug was small in stature but huge in heart and will be missed by anyone who knew him.
Please note, the picture attached was a selfie taken by 89 year old Douglas Aulenback.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Douglas Raymond Aulenback October 15 1932 March 17 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Dartmouth, Province: Nova Scotia