Tribute

Douglas Arnold Corbishley, 88, passed away peacefully on June 9^th, 2024, surrounded by his family in Penticton, British Columbia. In recent years, even though Doug faced many health challenges, he remained full of gratitude, love and kindness right to the end of his life.

Doug was predeceased by his parents Don and Elsie (Kirkham) Corbishley. Doug is survived by his wife of 64 years Diane (Sutherland); his children, Tracy (Brad) West, Shawn (Ileen) Corbishley, and Michelle McLennan; his grandchildren David (Blaire) West, Kelly West, Ashton Corbishley, Brittyn Corbishley, Jack McLennan and Vanessa McLennan; and 3 great grandchildren Levi, Milo and Ruby West. Doug is also survived by his sister Diane (Barry) Beadman, as well as many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews and close friends.

Doug was born in Penticton, B.C. on February 29^th, 1936, and raised on the family cherry orchard in Oliver, B.C. He attended the University of British Columbia and graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering. While at UBC, Doug participated in many activities including Junior Varsity Rowing and the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity (Fiji). At one of the fraternity parties Doug was set up on a blind date with Diane Sutherland. It was love at first sight and Doug and Diane were married in 1960. Together, they lived life to the fullest.

Doug and Diane began their married life in Toronto after Doug accepted employment with National Starch and Chemical (NSC) in 1960. This kicked off a long and successful international career spanning 35 years. Doug was offered the opportunity by NSC to build a manufacturing facility in Collingwood. The success of the Collingwood venture propelled Doug to broader international responsibilities. Doug began his United Kingdom tenure in the late 1970’s encompassing ever expanding global responsibilities retiring as the VP and Managing Director of European & South African Operations as well as a member of the Board of Directors.

After 20 plus years in the United Kingdom, Doug and Diane returned to Canada. They settled into their home on the shores of Skaha Lake in Okanagan Falls, B.C. on property that had been in the family since the mid-1940’s. During this time, Doug engaged in many other pursuits with vigour and passion. He was the Chairman of Accelerate Okanagan, shareholder and esteemed member of the Okanagan Hockey Group’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors, he invested in local wineries, and supported the growth and development of UBC-Okanagan. Doug was a proud Okanagan boy and enjoyed supporting the broader Okanagan Community in many other ways whenever he could.

Doug’s achievements were only surpassed by what he gave back to the communities where he lived and to the people who came into his life. Doug had a genuine interest and curiosity in others. He mentored his family, friends, business associates and many others who sought his advice on business and personal matters. Doug always gave back.

Doug had many passions such as gardening, tracking the stock market, wine, reading, volunteering, and classic cars. Gathering with friends, whether in England, the Okanagan, Palm Springs or other destinations was definitely a passion.

Above all, Doug was a devoted and loving family man and a dear friend to many. Doug believed in the importance of family traditions. Traveling with Diane and the family was a key activity such as spending Christmas at many different locations. Doug’s kind, caring and supportive ways along with his ready smile will forever be cherished and missed by his family and friends. Doug, Dad, Papa, Great-Papa…you are deeply loved!

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Community Palliative Care Team in Penticton and to all the other care givers that have supported Doug. A special thank you to Leticia Cahn who has been Doug’s primary caregiver.

A service in celebration of Doug’s life will be held at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church 150 Orchard Street, Penticton, BC on Monday July 8th at 2 pm with a reception to follow at the church hall.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting Doug’s tribute page at www.nunes-pottinger.com where livestream information can also be found.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Doug’s honour to the Corbishley Family Reading Room and Special Collections at the UBC Okanagan Library https://give.ubc.ca/corbishley-family-reading-room or call 604-827-4111/1-877-717-4483, or the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan, or a charity of your choice.