We Remember
GRUNERT, Douglas Lorne
December 5, 1952 — August 4, 2022
Doug Grunert, our dearly loved husband, dad, and papa, was called home to be with his Lord and Saviour. He passed away peacefully at the Central Okanagan Hospice House after a brief illness, at the age of 69.
Doug was born in Vancouver, BC, but within weeks the family relocated to California where he grew up with his two older brothers, and his younger sister. School, sports, music and church kept the family busy. He loved it all, while excelling in academics and piano. After attending Los Angeles Bible College, Doug moved to Vancouver to continue his studies at UBC.
While in Vancouver, Doug and Bev met at a local church and two years later, they were married. He completed his education in science, biochemistry and teaching, and the couple moved to Creston, BC for Doug’s first high school teaching position. Their two children, Brian and Jennifer, were born here before the family relocated to Kelowna, BC, where he taught Chemistry and Environmental Science at Rutland Senior Secondary. Doug’s passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom. This led to many years of involving students in local community environmental projects, and to international student trips to learn about ecosystems in other parts of the world.
Throughout his life, Doug enthusiastically engaged in new hobbies and activities. He loved travelling, scuba diving, swimming, snowboarding, hiking and camping, and most recently pickleball. He was happiest when he could share these interests with family and make new friends.
Doug also loved sharing his gift of music as a pianist. He was dedicated to playing piano at church, for choirs and small vocal groups, school functions, weddings, for friends, and for his family. He shared this gift with such joy.
Family life was cherished by Doug. He often expressed what a blessing it was to have his children and grandchildren all in Kelowna. Whether it was helping with a project, organizing a party or celebration, or camping together, he loved spending time with his close and extended family.
Doug is lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years, Bev; his son Brian (Julia) and grandchildren Alyssa and James; his daughter Jennifer and grandchildren Haley and Ryder; his brother David (Cindy); sister-in-law Doris; brother-in-law Ed (Trish); and sister-in-law Donna (Bob). He is also remembered by nieces and nephews, with whom he loved to spend time and visit. He was predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Phyllis, his brother Robert, and his sister Patricia.
A Memorial Service will be held on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022, at 11:00 AM (PDT), at WILLOW PARK CHURCH, 439 Highway 33, Kelowna, BC. The service will be livestreamed by Willow Park Church (see below), for those who are unable to attend in person.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022, at 11:00 AM (PDT)
Location
WILLOW PARK CHURCH
Oh my goodness that smile. Doug and I were cheerleaders together in high school. Sending prayers to his family. Glad to see he loves Jesus. Until the other side…..
We are sad to hear the passing of our friend Doug. He and I connected through Pickleball about three and a half years ago. We enjoyed the battles and fun we had on court.
Teresa was very happy to become friends with him in the last two years. We could tell he was a very special soul. We will miss our friend here on earth but look forward to seeing him again in Heaven. God bless you Doug. Thanks for coming into our lives. .
Cliff Vico and Teresa Lotoski
Wonderful teacher, positive person and just great all round guy. Doug will be missed by many and certainly admired for who he was. Condolences from the whole Rutland Secondary community. A sad loss for us all.
It was a pleasure to work with Doug at Rutland Senior Secondary for so many years. Doug was always so dedicated to his students and was well respected by students and staff. A wonderful and kind man and always considerate of others. We will miss Doug’s presence at the weekly coffee social of RSS retired teachers. My sincere condolences to the family.
So sorry for your loss. I had Mr.G for classes in grade 11 & 12 @ RSS and he was a wonderful teacher. I also learned my love of scuba diving from his environmental science class. He was one of the best.
To all Dougs family, So very sorry for your loss ! Doug was a wonderful man , and a fellow Willow
Parker ! He had many talents and was an amazing teacher to my children !! Patti Quiding Congdon
I am so sorry Bev to hear a Dougs passing. I remember that conversation with the three of us. Doug was my first PickleBall partner at the YMCA in Kelowna and he was the one that taught me how to spin the ball which is a bone of contention with many players to this day lol. Whatever I managed to win the point it is always Doug that gets the credit for the spin. He was always the bright light that walked into the room and made everybody laugh. He was my son‘s teacher in school and what a great teacher he was. I thought we had a lovely conversation the last time we spoke a couple of months ago and we’re planning another pickle ball game as we always had fun on the courts. This comes is quite a shock to me and fills me with great sadness. He was a man of many talents and I cherish the time that we got to spend together and the places that his teachings put my son in life. My grandmother was it concert pianist and it reminded me of her when I heard the play the piano. We will all meet again someday with our spins and our laughter. My condolences to you and have and everybody in your family that I know loved Doug.
A wonderful person gone too soon. He always had a smile on his face. As Diane Bertram said his walk through the RSSoffice always brought smiles to the secretaries. He will be missed by family, friends and students. Chicki Jacques
We are so sad to hear of the loss of our beloved teacher Mr. Grunert. The only teacher to teach all the kids in our family, Mr. Grunert will never be forgotten. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor over the years and is gone far too soon. Our condolences to your family.
Dawn, Serene, and Samuel Yew
Thank you for sharing Doug’s memorial service online today. Praise the Lord for a life well-lived serving his Master, Jesus Christ. I am Ron Inscho living in Upland, CA. Dave, Doug, and I attended Los Angeles Baptist College in the late 60’s and early 70’s. It was great to catch up on the past 50 years. May the God of all comfort give you peace and grace through this difficult time.
Bev, so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I was so lucky to share the halls of RSS with Doug plus experience the first enviro-science fundraising and trip to the Cayman Islands. A wonderful, kind person to have had the pleasure to know. So very sorry for your loss.