We Remember
DOUGLAS, Gordon Arthur
May 23, 1944 — September 14, 2026
It is with great sadness and immense love that we announce the passing of Gordon Arthur Douglas, who passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, at Sun Pointe Village in Kelowna, British Columbia, at the age of 82.
Gordon was born on May 23, 1944, and raised in Bella Coola, BC. After high school, he spent a couple of years in the logging industry before earning his pilot’s license in 1969. In 1975, Gordon and his business partner, David Kahl, formed Wilderness Airline (1975) Ltd. where he was heavily involved in day-to-day flight operations.
Gordon semi-retired at the young age of 45 and moved to Black Mountain in Kelowna in 1990. There, he and Ruth operated the Gallagher Ridge Tree Farm, until fully retiring to the Quail Ridge community in 2003. Retirement suited Gordon well, and he became a full-time golfer, spending many happy days on the course. He also enjoyed escaping the cold and spent several winters in Arizona.
Gordon was gentle, kind-hearted, and almost always had a smile on his face. A loyal friend, husband, amazing father and grandfather, and a joy to be around. Gordon loved to dance, enjoyed the company of others, and made many friends throughout his life.
Gordon will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. We are all better for having known him.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Gordon’s honour in spring 2027. Further details to be announced.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.



My sincere condolences to his family. I met Gord and Ruth when they moved to Quail Ridge in 2003. We spend many happy times together. Unfortunately, when Ruth died we felt it was very hard for him to recover from that loss.
Bonnie joins me in sending our heartfelt condolences to the family of Gordon Douglas. We are sorry for your loss. Our close friendship with Gordon & Ruth spanned a period of over twenty years and we will cherish the memory of the good times we had together. Sincerely, Ken & Bonnie
So many memories as he was family & friend
And we shared many moments which was a great blend
So as his daughters & family you were the love of his life
As his gentle & kind manner he would never give anyone strife
So yes your hearts are broken but the memories will last forever
As we know now with his angel wings he’ll show you how clever
I met Gordon in 1969 when we were both new pilots. In 1975 we became business partners in Wilderness Air. We had many good times together both at work and at play. He was a great business partner and his calming manner made for a good balance of team work. I’m sorry to hear of his passing and I send my condolences to his family.
We met Gordon and Ruth on our walks. Their dog Nick oddly was afraid of the airplanes above and wanted to run home. It was hysterical. Mega watt smile, always. So welcome at his home. And the freezer was never locked but open to his fish….so generous. And we’d like to think that Ruth and Gordon are together again. So sorry to his daughters for their loss
Yvette & Lefty
My sincere condolences Donna to you and your family at this difficult time. As always… Love, Linda.💕
My brother and Gordon were friends from when they were both very young and that friendship remained strong all their lives. I was fortunate to know Gordon through family connections in Bella Coola. I was also Donna’s babysitter when she was just a baby (such a pretty, sweet little one). There are many wonderful memories and stories we hold close to us as we remember Gordon. Big hugs and love to Donna and Trish from Lynn, Mark and family.