James Doublas SANDELL

Sandell: James Douglas (Doug) January 17, 1923 - September 14, 2003 We will always remember Doug's life as one lived well and with joy. He always had time and had mastered the art of living in the moment long before it became a fashion. Doug's early years were spent on the farm at Little Gem where he was raised by his parents Eva and John Sandell. On the prairies of Eastern Alberta he learned that a days work done well was it's own reward and that tomorrow brought with it the opportunity to complete that which did not get done today. He learned the value of a dollar during the Great Depression, his formative years. Through the years, Doug had many and varied interests. On the farm during his youth he discovered music and played the family organ habitually between chores. Later he played piano in a band with neighbours and even supplied the music for an entire evening when no one else could get there. He was known as an athlete both on the farm and later in Wayne where he played first base with the local team. He also played with the Lacombe Tournament Winning Brooks Buffaloes during the mid 1950's. Doug was involved in the energy industry for many years; first in the mines at Wayne and later as a battery operator in the oilfields at Munson and Leduc. Doug moved to Rumsey in 1963 to farm with his sister Helen when her husband passed away. They worked together on the farm until 1986 when they retired and lived there until 1996 when they moved to Drumheller. Retirement on the farm saw Doug in the garden for hours at a time and resulted in a great deal of produce. Doug has lived in the Hunts Place Apartments where he led a comfortable life and maintained his own place. He obtained permission to maintain a flower garden outside his window and could be found daily at Helen's vegetable garden. Doug turned his attention to cooking and spent many hours in his kitchen where he made cakes, cookies and the occasional pot of stew or pot roast. Doug is survived by his sister Helen Todor; one niece, Judy (Walter) Stoneman; their children, daughter Stacey (Dave) Janzen and daughter Breanna, Darren (Karrie) Stoneman, and their son Corbyn; one newphew, Michael (Carol) Todor; and their daughter Becky. There will be a memorial service at the Rumsey Hall on Friday, September 19, 2003 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice.