Stories & Messages
If you have a story or message that you would like to share,
please send it to us via our "contact" page.
From: Bombadil
life
spent some time going through pictures, thinking of you, they did not sum up life, they did amuse, made me smile I hope you have few regrets, made peace with all the demons, and loved all you could!
From: Justyna
12 years ago you hired me to work for Ken. I remember coming in on my first day and seeing Ken who I thought was you (I didn't realize at the time you had a twin) and I wondered why you were acting like you didn't know who I was! lol Thank you for everything you taught me and for always having an awesome sense of humour!!
I won't say goodbye, rather see you later on the other side. Sending love and light on your journey.
From: Pat
Favourite line from a song
Many moons ago Doug was involved with a group called Fathom, with Ken and three other friends. from our catalogue of songs comes a line from Doug, We'll all sweep our asses down the runway and call it a bummer. great line, have used it to console people several times when irony has overtaken them. I think a clip of Cockadoodle do would also be appropriate, if I can just figure out how to do it!
From: Heather Ryerse
Doug you have a great sense of humor and love of life. You gave me a chance when I needed it and taught me how to care for succulents. You will be missed.
From: Susanne
A few years ago I took a course in Vancouver and met three of the most amazing and kind people. Although we haven't spent a lot of time together it has always been a pleasure to cross paths with you. You are a beautiful soul. Whoever gets to hang with you is lucky. Have a safe journey, Susanne.
From Sara Herbert:
I wanted to tell you that you made a difference in my life. You gave me a shot when i had no experience and you had confidence in me that i did not have in myself. I learned a lot from you, but most of all, i learned that there are really good, special people in this world. You made me believe again... Thank you. Continue to be the beautiful person you are in your next journey.
From Laura Gomez
Fond Memories with Doug
Doug has a great smile, and a sparkle in his eye, both characteristics that he shares with my Godfather Ken. As a child I remember going to Doug's totally cool octagon house in the forest for the Lagasse family bbq's, running through the forest and swimming in the river - what a magical oasis Doug shared with us. Years later Doug hosted us at his home on Vancouver Island, and us "kids" (including Nick, Cory, Rebecca & Caitlin) had the pleasure/adventure of spending the night sleeping under the stars in Doug's tipi. A memory I'll never forget. I also had the pleasure of spending time with Doug both at home on Sperling Ave and at work, sharing many memories of making dinners at Vera & Ken's, watching sci-fi and office boat cruises. A funny memory, when I worked with Doug he was our manager and he told us that we were all getting a gift - he asked us what we wanted and we all said Starbucks gift cards - instead of sugary drinks he decided it would be our best interest for us all to try hot yoga, so we got unlimited hot yoga for 2 months. Doug was always encouraging us to be mindful of our health and happiness :) Sending you love Doug and best wishes as you embark on this next part of your journey.
From Caitlin Gomez:
You were like an uncle to us when we were growing up – that fun uncle who is funny and kind and always had such interesting stories! I have such great memories of Lagasse BBQs at your place, and staying in a teepee at your home on Vancouver Island. We all love the beautiful lamp shades that you designed, because they remind us of your love for nature, your spirituality and your creative soul! We love you very much!!
From Rebecca:
I echo what my sisters have said already, about the yearly corn roasts at the dome near Ottawa, night in a teepee on Vancouver island, and my mathematical equation lamp shade....what fond and magical memories and talents you shared! Doug, you taught me about the significance of the eagle’s feather that landed in front of me while running on Gabriola Island (Cory and Leah’s wedding). May you feel the strength, love, and courage that it represents. 🦅 Cheers and lots of love ️♥
From Roberta Bortolotto:
I believe when a soul leaves its physical body it becomes one with the universe. On Friday at 12:45 PM as i was driving through Hope BC an eagle swooped down in front of my car and stayed just in front of me for a moment that seemed to last forever. I believe it was a sign, there was still hope even in the face of loss,Doug was at peace and his soul was with that eagle and free from pain.
From Trish (Patti) Devissche:
Dearest Lagasse family .... I’m so very sorry for your loss.
I’m glad I was able to see Doug last summer for a short visit and some reminiscing about our family visits when we were young, as well as our Mom’s favorite recipes.
I have many wonderful slides & photos that I cherish of family gatherings.
What a gentle, kind and peaceful spirit you brought into many lives.
When I’m next on Mayne Island I will honor you.
With love
Your cousin TRISH (Patti)
From Wendy Quan & Bob Gattis:
Doug, we enjoyed getting to know you better in June at the Science & Spirituality conference, although we had wished we could have spent more time with you. You are a lovely soul and we are honoured that we met you. You know so much more than us now. Wishing you much love, peace and great adventures on your journey. From Wendy and Bob
From Brian Brooks:
It was my good fortune to spend a couple of weeks with Doug this summer, just as he had learned the news of his illness. It was a special time, and the strength of his character shone trough in so many ways........ As I was leaving, he rode with me in the motorhome the very short distance to leave the property, and we joked about how much fun we would have on a road trip. It felt like he was "riding shotgun" all the way back. Doug still exists, and for me I sense his being on a sunny day, in the glimmer of the sunshine reflecting off the water. It made me understand why he loved the mirror "disco" light balls that he always had hanging somewhere. He was also a reflection of the light. He left the world a more beautiful place than it was before he came into it, what more can anyone do.........
From Joyce:
There will be more gardens in heaven. Thank you Doug for being you...bringing this earthly world your playful but deep connection with nature and with realms most of us cannot see or acknowledge. My heart will be with you, Ken, Vera, Ariston, and all of Doug,s family as you celebrate his life and say goodbye in the service tomorrow.
From Michelle and Michael Brawley:
Our sincere condolences to the Lagasse family on the passing of Doug. The pain of Doug’s passing is felt by so many. Doug had a way about him that made all he befriended, to feel like family. We were very fortunate to spend time with him this past July when he visited Ottawa. It was like we picked up where we had left off on our last meeting; a sincere discourse, laughter and many smiles. Doug, a good man will be missed.
Love from Michelle and Mike
From Grant Brooks:
While distances and work travel didn't allow for a lot of time with Doug, I have very fond memories of both Doug and Ken taking me under their wings when I arrived in Ottawa in the late 60's. I had joined the Air Force and was stationed at HMCS Gloucester, south of Ottawa, leaving small town Fort McMurray and was fortunate enough to have the Lagasse family in Ottawa. Doug, Ken and I made a few trips across the river to Hull which I still have fond memories of. We had some great family reunions on the Island and always enjoyed being around Doug. I also have a piece of his stone work which he named Ears, sitting in our living room in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Gonna miss you Doug but real glad I got to know you.
Uncle Grant
From Lois Devisscher:
My nephew Doug
It’s so easy to remember your journey of your life. It’s hard to think of you not being here. So fortunate to have lovely memories of you. Your such a kind, caring & gentle person. WHAT A GRAND MAN YOU ARE. “Standing tall and did it your way”. Your love of nature and flowers 🌺 was amazing. You were the sunshine of my life. Thanks for the times spent together..... the greatest gift of all.
Miss you Love Aunty Lois
From Melissa Lagasse:
I love you Doug
You're just the right amount of quirk. From trying to convince Bryn and Coen to sniff pepper, showing up at out house 5am ringing a cow bell ready to watch Olympic hockey to most recent Bryn and Brodie's Bonanza type wedding song oh my gosh you had everyone singing along and laughing so hard 💗 the stories are endless. You're truly a unique soul, you've left us with pieces of you in the form of songs, sculptures, notes of thoughts and many other things to cherish in your memory. Thank you for my family 💗
From Iris Pasareno:
Doug and I are cousins. I got to know Doug better when I moved to Vancouver Island in 2013. He was the kindest, funniest and most gentle person. He connected with people in the most genuine and caring ways. I’ll miss you and so will this planet. We need more of you ! Much love to everyone in the family. He left too soon.