ROBB, Douglas

July 6, 1925 – January 18, 2019

Doug passed away peacefully on January 18, 2019 at the age of 93 years.  He was born on July 6, 1925 in Hanna, AB to Alex & Edith Marie Robb.  He spent his early years in Carolside, AB where his parents owned the general store.  In 1935, the family moved to Calgary.  In 1944, Doug enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy and served aboard HMCS Cap de la Madeleine until the end of the war.  In 1948, Doug joined the Calgary Fire Department where after 37 years of service, he retired as a Division Chief in 1985.  Following his retirement, Doug and Thelma travelled to Europe, Australia and many parts of Canada and the United States.

Doug had a warm, loving nature and was never too busy to lend a hand or provide encouragement if needed.  He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and his grandchildren, and his greatest joy was spending time with them. Doug is lovingly remembered by his sons Bruce and Gord (Joanne), his seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren as well as extended family and close friends.

Doug was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Thelma (Kerslake) in 2015 and his daughter, Marianne in 2003. 

Doug’s family sends a special thanks to the staff at the Carewest Colonel Belcher for their care and compassion.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 25, 2019 at The Winston Golf Club, 2502 6 Street NE, Calgary, AB from 1:00 to 3:30 pm.  If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Calgary Firefighters Toy Assn., c/o 4144 11 Street SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 3H2.


Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence (Larry) Slywka of Cochrane Country Funeral Home Ph: 403-932-1039.

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  1. On 19/01/2019 at 7:22 pm Calgary Fire Department Pensioners Association Said:

    Our sincere condolences to Gord, Bruce, and the Robb Families on the passing of Doug. He was truly one of the “nice Guys”and hardly ever missed a pensioners meeting or function.”Brother” Doug will be sorrily missed by us all.

  2. On 19/01/2019 at 7:51 pm Murray Castle Said:

    Much respect, trust and admiration for Chief Robb condolences to Gord and to all of Doug’s extended ifamily.

  3. On 19/01/2019 at 8:51 pm Gord and Peggy Buckler Said:

    Our hearts and thoughts are with Gord and all the family. We always enjoyed our visits with Doug.

  4. On 19/01/2019 at 9:01 pm Marlin & Pat Fairman Said:

    So sorry to hear about Doug’s passing, he was a wonderful person. We have missed him at the last number of Pensioners Luncheons.
    Now he and Thelma can be together again.

  5. On 20/01/2019 at 1:00 am Gordon Church Said:

    Gord,

    As much as we love them we know this day will come. I remember our life together and I smile because I knew them. I would see your mom and dad every year at the Christmas party for the underprivileged. I would sit on your mothers knee and call her my favorite girl friend. Your dad would chuckle. He was a saint and I was privileged to know him. Condolences, Gordon

  6. On 20/01/2019 at 3:38 am Garry Peterson Said:

    My sincere condolences to the Robb families. Doug was a very kind and gentleman’s gentleman. I enjoyed working with him very much.

  7. On 20/01/2019 at 4:43 am Doug & Susan Jones Said:

    Sorry to hear about your our thoughts are with you and your family.

  8. On 20/01/2019 at 5:36 am Bryan & Chris McMillan Said:

    Our sincere condolences, our hearts go out to Gord and his family . We know what a hard time it is when you lose a loved one .

  9. On 20/01/2019 at 5:56 am Spence Fawkes Said:

    I’ll always remember his warm greeting, his deep voice and firm handshake. The Fire community will miss him. Condolences to the family.

  10. On 20/01/2019 at 7:13 am Brent and Bonnie Pedersen Said:

    Our sincere condolences to the family. Doug was a very special man who I always liked to emulate and a an excellent officer to work with both on the floor and with the Union. Sadly we will be unable to attend the service as we are in Mexico. Doug helped in so many ways to make the Fire Department what it is today

  11. On 20/01/2019 at 7:32 am Paul Jeffery Said:

    Condolences to the Robb family. A great man and a great family.

  12. On 20/01/2019 at 7:51 am Paul LeBlanc Said:

    Gord and family. Sincere condolences from our family to yours.

  13. On 20/01/2019 at 8:14 am Doug & Linda Skuce Said:

    Our sincere condolences to the Robb family. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and have many happy thoughts of him. I regarded him highly.

  14. On 20/01/2019 at 8:37 am Garth Caron Said:

    Doug was truly one of the honest and down to earth officers I worked with . He was a great mentor to my career . Condolences to his family ,we will miss a great man.

  15. On 20/01/2019 at 8:37 am Raj Dattani Said:

    Sincere condolences to the Robb family..your contributions and services will always be remembered

  16. On 20/01/2019 at 8:54 am Carolyn Alway Said:

    Sincere condolences to the Robb family. Had the pleasure of having Doug help with the 2003 Western Canada High School Reunion that I chaired and then again meeting him at the CFD Pensioners meetings. Wonderful person. He will be greatly missed.

  17. On 20/01/2019 at 9:01 am Larry McMechan Said:

    Truly one of the good guys, condolences to the family.

  18. On 20/01/2019 at 9:21 am Fred De Iure Said:

    Gord, Bruce and family

    Our thoughts are with you .. It was a pleasure to work for and with your Father
    His calm and steady demeanour will be sadly missed

    Fred De Iure

  19. On 20/01/2019 at 9:26 am Mike and Sue van Geel Said:

    Gord and Joanne,
    Sorry for your loss, our condolences go out to you and your family.

  20. On 20/01/2019 at 9:26 am Ron Forrest Said:

    I played handball with Doug @the old #1 Firehall he was a good athlete , he was one of my first officers he would always make you feel welcome , he will be truly missed .

  21. On 20/01/2019 at 9:37 am bill weisenburger Said:

    In my career on the CFD there are a number of outstanding individuals that I worked with and Doug Robb is one of them. Doug was unique in his humbleness, common sense and was very easy to talk to. Doug was a proud father and at all times,demonstrated a very friendly demeanour, dedication, patience and tolerance and was a well-respected person /(Chief) who earned that honour. Doug was a gentle man and a gentlemen and was a great mentor and a friend to all. Celebration of Life Service is normally a time to say “good bye” but to Doug Robb it’s a time to say “Thank You.” Bruce, Gord and family you should be very proud of his legacy. When the hurting is over I know you will have many special memories. My sincere condolences to his family – R.I.P. Doug Robb
    bill weisenburger

  22. On 20/01/2019 at 9:59 am Mike Holden Said:

    Our sincere condolences to the ROBB families. Doug and I enjoyed many games of handball. I am honoured to have had this man in my life

  23. On 20/01/2019 at 11:29 am Lois & Dennis McIvor Said:

    Bruce,Gord & Family, Lois & me offer our heartfelt condolences. Thanks for sharing this unique,man with us. A kind,gentle,man,who mentored so many of us with his patient leadership & guidance.Rest in peace, Chief.Lois & Dennis McIvor

  24. On 20/01/2019 at 11:55 am Patricia Praud Said:

    Dan and I send our sincere condolences to Doug’s family .Although I haven’t seen Doug for a few years ,I always made it a point to stop in and see Thelma and Rob.Such a wonderful couple. Patricia and Daniel Praud

  25. On 20/01/2019 at 1:26 pm Irene Klassen Said:

    I have fond memories of Doug and Thelma

  26. On 20/01/2019 at 2:20 pm Cheryl MacKenzie Said:

    Dear Gord and family,

    So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. When I started in 1979 at the Fire Department, Doug made me feel welcome immediately and introduced himself. It was always a pleasure to talk with him at 16 and Training. A great man who will me missed by all who knew him.

    My thoughts are with you all.

  27. On 20/01/2019 at 3:40 pm Larry Anderson Said:

    Dear Thelma and Family! Doug was one of the kindest most considerate men I workered for! May God be with you.

  28. On 21/01/2019 at 3:50 pm JOHN MAC MILLAN Said:

    Doug was a great man / officer in my life,RIP DOUG, condolences to the ROBB family

  29. On 21/01/2019 at 4:41 pm Paul Gough Said:

    Condolences to all of the Robb family. A true gentleman and an unbelievable fire officer. A role model to all who were “privileged “ to know and work with Chief Robb. Paul Gough

  30. On 22/01/2019 at 2:18 pm Marjorie & Daryl Said:

    We could not say enough good things about Doug. He & Thelma made a beautiful couple, with ethics & good will to all – an inspiration to those who knew them, & a blessing to those who are related. Our condolences & best wishes to the whole family. With love, Marjorie & Daryl.

  31. On 23/01/2019 at 4:46 am The Mitchell Family Said:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  32. On 23/01/2019 at 8:11 am Robert J. Fisher Said:

    My sincere condolences to the family…I remember Doug as captain of #11 Firehall when I was a Paramedic there.

  33. On 23/01/2019 at 8:25 am Jean Brumwell Said:

    My thoughts and prayers go out to Bruce and Gord and families. Doug and Thelma were great neighbours for 58 years..

    So sorry for your loss, he will be missed.

  34. On 23/01/2019 at 2:43 pm Heather and Garry Sutherland Said:

    Our sincere condolences Gord to you and all your family. Your father Doug was just a real nice man to be around.

  35. On 24/01/2019 at 9:52 pm H. Brady TATTERSALL Said:

    I extend my condolences to Gord, Bruce, and all the Robb families. Doug was a good leader, and always lead by thoughtful example. Many of us Firefighters will remember Doug and Thelma for their work over many years with the Toy Association. Always a pleasure working with Doug, and will be missed by many.

  36. On 25/01/2019 at 6:39 am Brent & Kate Horner Said:

    Sincere condolences Bruce, Gord & Joanne, and the whole Robb Family. So sorry for your loss

  37. On 25/01/2019 at 8:55 am Doug and Susan Said:

    ,
    We are so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. He was such a kind and gentle person, he was always positive and a joy to socialize with. We hope the many fond memories of Dad/Grandpa will help you in the days ahead. Our thoughts are with you.

    Doug and Susan