Douglas Irwin Neustaeter died suddenly on September 21, 2016 at the Merritt hospital at 70 years of age.
Doug is deeply mourned by his friend and soulmate Sandra, and their children Sunshine (Clayton) and their children Chloe, Corwin, Philippa and Paul of Chilliwack; Aaron (Jessica) and their children Layne and Leo of Lower Nicola; and Timothy (Kimberly) of Kamloops. He is survived by his brothers Ron and Jim and his sister Noreen; predeceased by his parents Ernie and Helen Neustaeter.
Doug was born in Gladstone, Manitoba on October 29, 1945. He asked Jesus into his heart at the age of 23 and went on to Briercrest Bible School graduating with a Pastoral Major. Doug worked for the Credit Union for 34 years starting in Yorkton, SK. and then Ituna, SK. In 1981 he moved to BC to be the assistant manager and then manager of the Merritt CU and then finally Ashcroft.
Doug had a very soft heart and was a family man who adored his children and grand babies dearly. He coached the kids’ T-ball and played slowpitch, coached the boys’ hockey, was involved in the Evangelical Free Church in Merritt, curled, and was a member of Gideons placing Bibles in hotels and schools. He treasured being retired so he could spend time with family, and enjoyed planning and going on cruises with Sandra travelling to Alaska three times, China, Russia and Japan, as well as Costa Rica for Aaron and Jessica’s wedding, and Halifax in 2003 for the Brier. Doug enjoyed watching sports including hockey, curling, NASCAR and baseball. He also had a great passion for cars - over the course of his life, he owned 25 cars including a 1982 Porsche 911 SC and a 2002 Corvette Convertible. He loved driving and enjoyed road trips immensely, especially to the prairies.
Doug’s favourite Bible verse was Joshua 1:8-9 “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Sandra and the family would like to thank Dr. Fenrich and staff at Merritt hospital for their loving care over Doug and his family. Thank you also to Dave McCauley, Doug’s best friend.
Funeral services were held on September 30th at the Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church in Merritt. In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Gideon’s.
Merritt Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com