In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

 

Douglas Crayden (Doug) Coolen

 

Air Rigger, RCN

 

Died: 31 Oct 2020, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

 

COOLEN, Douglas Crayden (Doug) - age 92, of Dartmouth, passed away on October 31st, 2020, at home. Born in Fox Point, Lunenburg Co., he was a son of the late Kirby and Marion (Westhaver) Coolen. Doug held many jobs during his lifetime beginning with the Department of Highways, He then worked on farms, in the fisheries and in the forestry industry, and finally at sea. Doug began his life at sea on the Toronto Lite, an Imperial Oil Tanker. After his first voyage he joined the Merchant Seaman's Manning Pool. When the Korean Conflict began Doug joined the Royal Canadian Navy Fleet Air Arm. During his 10 year term, he sailed on the HMCS CRESCENT, HMCS MAGNIFICENT (Maggie), and the target towing vessel called the PORTE ST JEAN. He was trained as an Air Rigger and worked on various fixed wing aircraft and H04S2 & H04S3 Sikorsky Helicopters. When his 10 year term ended he joined the Eastern Canada Stevedoring Co., and sailed to Baffin Island, he then moved to the Gypsum Prince as a relief seaman. Directly following he began working for the Canadian Coast Guard sailing on the SCGS Gannet performing buoy work and delivering supplies to out ports of the N.W.T. Doug decided to work onshore as a Stores man with Transport Canada, and later became President of the Local 80809 - Union of Canadian Transport Employees (a component of the Public Service Alliance of Canada). After 28 years of service, he retired. Doug enjoyed his time walking in Shubie Park and spending time with his beloved wife Betty. He loved his cats, gardening, bowling and play cards with his dear friends and neighbors. He was an avid Country Music fan and spent hours listening to his favorite music by Johnny Cash, George Jones, Tammy Wynette and Tanya Tucker. Doug is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth "Betty" (Clarke), Dartmouth; sister, Faye McGinn; fur baby, Maggie Coolen; adopted family Jeannie Broderick; several nieces, nephews; and great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Elsie and Jean; brothers, Bernard (Bunny), Lester, Charlie, and Wilfred. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 4th in the Ronald Walker Funeral Home, Hubbards. Burial to follow in the Baptist Cemetery, Fox Point. Family flowers only. Memorial donations to be made to: Bide Awhile Animal Shelter, PO Box 50029, RPO Southdale, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4S2. (The Halifax Chronicle-Herald 03 Nov 2020)

 

Ships served in:

HMCS CRESCENT

HMCS MAGNIFICENT

HMCS PORTE ST JEAN

 


 

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