March 28, 1941 – June 20, 2024
Douglas Brian Darch, 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and respected community member, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the Willow Creek Continuing Care Centre in Claresholm.
Doug was born on March 28, 1941 in Claresholm to Fred and Beatrice Darch. He remained a lifelong resident of the Claresholm community.
Doug is survived by his wife, Olive. They were married in 1964 and enjoyed sixty years together filled with love and shared adventures. Doug was a devoted father to his two children, Susan (David Howe) and Jeff (Lisa), and a cherished grandfather to Maleah and Carson. He is also survived by his older brother, Ted Darch (Luba and their daughter Rhea), his sister-in-law, Beatrice Dodd (Raymond and family), and his brother-in-law, Joe Bulman (Marilyn and family).
Doug dedicated his life to agriculture, running the family farm east of Claresholm and continuing the legacy of farming the land his father’s family settled on in 1912. His unwavering commitment to farming and family defined his life. A natural problem solver, Doug enjoyed spending time in his shop and took great pride in his many projects. He built his family’s home on the farm, designed by his architect brother, completing it at age 29. In 2016, Doug was honoured when his family received the BMO Farm Family of the Year Award for the MD of Willow Creek at the Calgary Stampede.
Doug was committed to volunteering in the community. He helped initiate the building of the Claresholm Agriplex in the early 1970s through his work with the Willow Creek Agricultural Society. He was a long-time member of the Lions Club, serving as president twice. Doug contributed to the creation of the Big Sky Water Co-operative, bringing quality water to over forty area families. He was also a member of the Claresholm Golf Club and the Claresholm Curling Club.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Leishman and the staff at the Claresholm General Hospital and the Willow Creek Continuing Care Centre for their compassionate care for Doug.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Claresholm & District Health Foundation in Doug’s memory.
Doug’s warm smile, kind heart, and quick wit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A Come and Go Reception will be held at Zentner Funeral Homes – 4079 1st Street west, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.