I had the privilege of being hired by Doug in 2009 and got to work alongside SD83 leadership team for 7 years. Doug was always a tremendously supportive and student focused educator. His spicy spirit, joie de vive, deep passion for the arts and pursuit for what was “right” will always resonate for me. I always enjoyed our laughs, our love for good wine and good food. He was one of the few education leaders who could talk about education business and then flip to the lyrics of a Hammerstein operetta. I am grateful my career path connected me with Doug and subsequently many other fine professionals who I have learned so much from in the Shuswap- professionally and personally. In a time where I was too busy with work and life to go back to my parents regularly, he was always willing to be available, kind and warm and provide guidance that I would have only sought from my own parents ❤️