It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas Alexander (Doug) Bassett. He passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on September 12, 2020 in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 63.
Doug is survived by his sweetie of 31 years, Yoshie; his incredible daughters Julia and Lisa (Bennett); his sisters Kathy (Hans) and Bev (Tom) and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is predeceased by both of his parents.
Doug was born in Ottawa, Ontario, to Margaret Jean (Brown) Bassett and Douglas Alexander Bassett on July 9, 1957, where he grew up with his parents and two older sisters. Doug earned a Civil Engineering Degree at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, where he made life-long friendships. Doug met the love of his life at age 28 on a flight from Singapore to Tokyo and they fell in love over the following months. Yoshie moved to Canada and they married when Doug was 31 years old.
Doug enjoyed a diverse career working as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng), Project Management Professional (PMP), and as a professor. He worked across Canada, the USA, Korea, Norway, Malaysia, Singapore, England, Russia, Bermuda, Mexico, and even in the Arctic. Out of all of his roles, being a caring husband and father was his biggest accomplishment. Doug “retired” at age 57 and enjoyed 6 years of retirement doing what he loved: spending time with Yoshie and his kids, travelling, and starting his company Hygain Ltd.
He spent time playing the guitar, singing, and enjoying all forms of music. He devoted countless hours to the music community through FAMI, the Varsity Community Association, CJSW, and so many others. In recent years, he turned his passion for music into a second career, mixing and mastering CDs and doing sound for live music. He gave local musicians the opportunity to record their songs, which brought him immense joy – right up until his final days. His equipment remains within the community where musicians will continue his legacy of cultivating and promoting music. Next time you listen to your favourite song, think of Doug and turn it up to 11. His memory will play on.
Doug faced his illness with the same positivity and pragmatism that he employed in his daily life. His mantra throughout has been “The problem is not the problem; the problem is your attitude about the problem.” Those who know Doug, will know how true this rings. He passed away on his own terms, remaining at home with his family until his final day.
The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, the Alberta Palliative Home Care team and Rosedale Hospice that cared for Doug throughout his journey. Doug will rest at Queen’s Park Cemetery in Calgary, Alberta. The celebration of Doug’s life will be a small invite-only celebration due to local COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions.