Obituary of Frederick Douglas Pynn

PYNN, Frederick Douglas “Doug”

March 11, 1929 – December 12, 2022

Doug passed away in his sleep, early in the morning on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the Peter Lougheed Hospital at the age of 93 years. Doug is survived by Carolyn (nee MacQueen), his wife of 36 years; his daughter and son in law, Catherine Pynn and Michel Hepp (Stoufville, ON.); his son and daughter in law, Fred and Cheryl Pynn; and his grandchildren, Jennifer (Aidan), Alex (Cate), and Scott (Dominique), all of Calgary.  Doug is predeceased by his parents, Fred and Alice Pynn (Sydney River, NS), his sister Bernice Pynn (Honolulu, Hi.) and his first wife Cairine (nee Elliot).

Doug was born in Detroit, MI, where his parents had emigrated to from Nova Scotia. Shortly after his birth, the family returned to Canada and settled in Sydney River, NS, where Doug spent his childhood. After graduating from Sydney Academy, Doug worked in the office at the Sydney steel mill, which sparked an interest in accounting.  He attended Dalhousie University, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and then moved to Montreal. Here he articled with Clarkson Gordon & Co., successfully earning his Chartered Accountant designation in January 1956. Doug remained with Clarkson Gordon for several years, but public accounting did not appeal to him. He accepted a position with an audit client, BP Canada, first working at the refinery in Montreal East then moving to the company’s head office in Montreal.

Doug met Cairine in Montreal and they were married in 1956. They subsequently welcomed their two children, and the family enjoyed a typical suburban life on the West Island of Montreal and in Montreal West.

In 1976, BP offered Doug the opportunity to move to Calgary for two years to expand his experience in the oil and gas industry by working in the exploration and development side of the business. After eighteen months, Doug made the decision not to return to Montreal, so a two-year transfer resulted in Calgary becoming his home for 46 years. Doug enjoyed a variety of roles in finance and accounting during his career with BP, including his final position as Treasurer.

After Cairine’s passing in 1986, Doug married Carolyn. In 1988, Doug decided to take early retirement and the next chapter of his life began after 30 years of service with BP. In retirement, Doug and Carolyn enjoyed many years traveling across North America in several motorhomes of gradually increasing size and luxury. This was a very happy time for them, as they enjoyed the motorhome lifestyle and made many friends. Doug and Carolyn also found time to enjoy several ocean cruises, including trips through the Panama Canal and to Antarctica which were prominent items on Doug’s bucket list. During their RV travels, Doug and Carolyn discovered the Country Roads RV Resort in Yuma, AZ, where they purchased a lot and eventually built a park model home. While at Country Roads, Doug spent many hours in the woodworking shop, at the poker table and in the pool. In 2011 Doug and Carolyn moved their winter residence to Palm Desert, CA and purchased a home at the Lakes Country Club, where they spent every winter until March 2020 when the pandemic forced them to return to Calgary.

Doug was an optimist who enjoyed challenges and new experiences.  His migration west from Sydney to Halifax then Montreal before settling in Calgary demonstrated his ability to embrace change. He would strike up a conversation with almost anyone. He enjoyed solitary pursuits, such as gardening and woodworking, but also liked to spend time with friends and family.  Doug will be missed by many, but in particular by Carolyn who was devoted to Doug’s care over the past two years as he experienced a succession of health challenges.

Doug’s memorial service will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to BC and Alberta Guide Dogs, bcandalbertaguidedogs.com, or the charity of your choice.

In living memory of Doug Pynn, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.