Obituary of Kevin Donovan Douglas

December 14, 1966 – Burlington, Ontario

August 18, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Kevin Douglas, beloved husband of Valora "Val" Douglas (née Proznick), of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the age of 57 years, surrounded by his loving family.

Kevin was born on December 14, 1966, in Burlington, ON, to Patricia and Donovan Douglas. From a young age, he was curious, determined, and always full of fun. His adventurous spirit led him to learn sailing with his father and after the family moved to California in 1982, he learned to boogie board.

A devoted brother to his sister Shelby, Kevin embraced his role with unwavering patience and protectiveness, qualities that continued into adulthood. As the ‘cool’ big brother, he was known for stepping in when it mattered most.

In his early teens, the family moved to Sherwood Park, where Kevin built lifelong friendships, developed a passion for music, learned to play the guitar, and graduated from high school.

In 1985 Kevin’s musical journey took off when he and his friends formed the rock band Childsplay, with Kevin on guitar. The band toured Western Canada, fueling his dreams. In 1988, he moved to Toronto to pursue a music career, working at Phase One Studios as an assistant engineer. There, he met the legendary blues guitarist David Wilcox and became his guitar tech on tour.

In 1992, Kevin joined the Blue Rodeo crew and eventually became their tour manager, playing a key role in elevating the band’s touring production.

Kevin met Val in 1993, and in 1998, they moved to Calgary, where they later married in 2000. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters, Kathleen and Emma. The family treasured their trips to Disney, golf outings in Radium, summer vacations in Kelowna with a boat in tow, and weekends in Banff.

Kevin had an entrepreneurial spirit and launched an IT consulting company in 2001. In 2007, he co-founded Pixel Science with partners; a venture that continued successfully until his passing. He took great pride in creating purpose-driven websites for marketing and valued the close relationships he built with his many clients.

Kevin’s talent for gourmet cooking, his love of making rich desserts, and his passion for music—especially his admiration for Eddie Van Halen—will be deeply missed. He was a gifted storyteller and loved a spirited debate, often saying, “I’m right even when I’m wrong.”

Kevin is survived by his loving wife Val, his daughters, Kathleen (Ryan) and Emma; his mother Patricia Douglas of Calgary, and his sister Shelby Douglas of Vancouver. He is also survived by relatives, Bill and Trudy Smyth, Sharon Smyth, Carolyn Bell, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Kevin was predeceased by his father Donovan Douglas in 2021, and his uncle Ken Smyth in 2019.

The family would like to thank the medical team at South Health Campus for the high level of care and professionalism that they extended to Kevin.

A Celebration of Kevin’s Life will be held by the family at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Kevin’s honour may be made directly to a charity of your choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Kevin’s family here.

In living memory of Kevin Douglas, 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.