August 7, 1964 – November 19, 2023
In loving memory ~
Douglas Walter Unruh was born August 7, 1964, at Lethbridge, Alberta. He was welcomed with open arms by his parents, Dewey and Doreen Unruh, in 1965, and grew up on the family farm together with his brother, Ray, at Stettler, AB. He passed away suddenly, on November 19, 2023, at one of his familiar truck stops in Ontario, at the age of 59 years.
From a very young age, Doug had exceptional talent for operating farm equipment and trucks. He drove tractor and cultivator at 6 years old. At 8 years, he could back up the grain truck to the auger to unload during harvest. He loved running combine all his youth years, and harvest time was his favorite season. His highlight was helping neighbors finish their harvests with his dad’s combine. Doug took his schooling at Waverly Public School and Lakeview Christian School.
Doug’s white horse, Prince, was a special part of his life. Prince was an outstanding cattle horse, and Doug enjoyed using him for roping and working cattle on the farm or with his uncle and cousins. He entertained his nephews and niece with extravagant tales about himself and his horse.
Doug’s nearly 40 years of trucking began with local cattle and gravel hauling, and he went on to long distance hauling throughout Canada and the US. Most of his years were spent pulling cattle liner. After a long haul, he would often tell Ray he had arrived with “no animals down.” He was well known at many truck stops.
Doug was friendly and caring, making friends everywhere he went. He always had another trucking story to tell, or a road incident of “dealing with the four-wheelers.” He often sent a text or called a cousin or friend while on the road, especially when he was near where they lived.
Doug accepted salvation through Christ Jesus, and was baptized April 9, 1979, into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Life had various challenges which led to paths that caused him difficulties. He made special efforts to be loving and caring to those he knew. He had a generous heart, especially to those in need.
We, together with Doug, had been discussing his health concerns. We are at rest leaving him to an all knowing, merciful God who loves and cares for us all. We are especially grateful for the 15-minute phone call from Doug just before his passing.
Left to treasure his memories are his brother, Ray & Connie Unruh; three nephews: Travis & Pollyanna, Tyler & Carol, Carson & Desirae; one niece: Chelsey, and two great nieces, Ariel & Eden, all of Stettler, AB. Special friends: John DePew and Don Willcocks, uncles & aunts, many cousins and friends.
He was predeceased by his Parents & Grandparents.
Services were held November 29th, 2023 at Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Lakeview, Alberta. Douglas was laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery.
For more information and to send condolences, please visit www.sunsetltd.ca
