Obituaries

December 5, 1952 - August 4, 2022

Doug Grunert, our dearly loved husband, dad, and papa, was called home to be with his Lord and Saviour. He passed away peacefully at the Central Okanagan Hospice House after a brief illness, at the age of 69.

Doug was born in Vancouver, BC, but within weeks the family relocated to California where he grew up with his two older brothers, and his younger sister. School, sports, music and church kept the family busy. He loved it all, while excelling in academics and piano. After attending Los Angeles Bible College, Doug moved to Vancouver to continue his studies at UBC.

While in Vancouver, Doug and Bev met at a local church and two years later, they were married. He completed his education in science, biochemistry and teaching, and the couple moved to Creston, BC for Doug’s first high school teaching position. Their two children, Brian and Jennifer, were born here before the family relocated to Kelowna, BC, where he taught Chemistry and Environmental Science at Rutland Senior Secondary. Doug’s passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom. This led to many years of involving students in local community environmental projects, and to international student trips to learn about ecosystems in other parts of the world.

Throughout his life, Doug enthusiastically engaged in new hobbies and activities. He loved travelling, scuba diving, swimming, snowboarding, hiking and camping, and most recently pickleball. He was happiest when he could share these interests with family and make new friends.

Doug also loved sharing his gift of music as a pianist. He was dedicated to playing piano at church, for choirs and small vocal groups, school functions, weddings, for friends, and for his family. He shared this gift with such joy.

Family life was cherished by Doug. He often expressed what a blessing it was to have his children and grandchildren all in Kelowna. Whether it was helping with a project, organizing a party or celebration, or camping together, he loved spending time with his close and extended family.

Doug is lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years, Bev; his son Brian (Julia) and grandchildren Alyssa and James; his daughter Jennifer and grandchildren Haley and Ryder; his brother David (Cindy); sister-in-law Doris; brother-in-law Ed (Trish); and sister-in-law Donna (Bob). He is also remembered by nieces and nephews, with whom he loved to spend time and visit. He was predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Phyllis, his brother Robert, and his sister Patricia.

A Memorial Service will be held on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022, at 11:00 AM (PDT), at WILLOW PARK CHURCH, 439 Highway 33, Kelowna, BC. The service will be livestreamed by Willow Park Church (see below), for those who are unable to attend in person.


To view the Livestream/recording or send the family condolences, please visit his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com (or click the direct link with his name in it, just below).

• Nov 05, 2022
  My most sincere condolences.
  
  I taught with Doug for many years at RSS and always enjoyed his
  
  positive outlook on life, compassion for others, and his obvious love of
  
  Family. We had many great talks and laughs. He is missed.
  
  - Janet Fisher
• Oct 03, 2022
  Steve and I are So Sorry to hear of Dougs Passing...we were only getting to know Doug through pickelball and enjoyed playing with him when he took ill..
  
  we enjoyed our short time together ..he was a lot of fun on the court and played hard even when his health was failing he gave it his all..
  
  Best Wishes to you and So sorry for your loss
  
  Billie & Steve Begley - Billie Begley
• Sep 25, 2022
  Bev, Brian, Jenny and family....At this terrible time, we are sending our thoughts and prayers to all as we have been neighbors for many years. Wonderful man and hope that there are better days ahead. Anything that you need, please give me a call....Rob, Taylor and Jessica Hegion - Rob Hegion
• Sep 22, 2022
  I had some of the most incredible memories with Mr. Grunert and Mr. Talbot at RSS. His passion for education and his students was unprecedented. I’ll always cherish my time in environmental science 12, from winning the Trivia tournament to making apples pies to sell to our amazing trip to Costa Rica. Thank you Mr. Grunert. Him and Mr. Talbot inspired me to be a teacher, I can only hope I can make an impression on students like he did!
  
  - Brennan Grant RSS 2005 - Brennan Grant
• Sep 20, 2022
  I'm so sorry to read of Mr. G's passing. He was always so kind and caring to all the students and his smile was infectious! May he rest in peace. - Jennifer Ferguson (Lyons). RSS 2003.
• Sep 20, 2022
  My sincere condolences to your family. I knew Doug as a student at RSS in his first years there. And although I didn't have him for any classes I enjoyed our interactions like all of the students did. He was a kind and funny man who made learning interesting for students. He cared deeply for his school, the students, his fellow teachers, and the staff. And he was loved by all. You can be proud of the legacy he left at RSS for the years of students who had the privelege to learn from him.
  
  Steve Boutang - RSS Class of 1990 - steve boutang
• Sep 16, 2022
  We are saddened to hear of Doug's passing. You all feel like extended family and we will miss knowing you are around. I went to high school with Bev and Donna, and also knew them from Ebenezer. Then we got to know Ed and Patty from church, and of course, you know the rest. Then to also be in Kelowna just felt so right. The church connections are great. Our prayers are with you as you adjust to this loss. - Norm Grande
• Sep 13, 2022
  Dearest Bev and family
  
  I was completely shocked and saddened hearing of Doug’s passing from Justin. He and yourself were a very large part of my younger days in Creston. We had a great deal of fun with your family.
  
  My thoughts are with you all, and my deepest condolences on his passing.
  
  - Mona Nicholls
• Aug 30, 2022
  Dear Bev and all of Doug's family,
  
  We were so very sorry to hear this sad news. Doug was a valued and much loved colleague at RSS, and taught our eldest daughter. Their RSS Enviro Science trip to the Cayman Islands with the dynamic duo of Talbot and Grunert was a real highlight of her teen years, and no doubt contributed to her decision to become a science teacher. Such was his influence on many, many students.
  
  More recently we saw Doug at the Y and his warm, wonderful smile of greeting was just as we remembered. He will be very much missed. Our sincere condolences.
  
  - Tim and Maureen Rieger
• Aug 26, 2022
  I am saddened to hear of Doug's passing at a age that is far too young. I had the pleasure of working with Doug at Rutland Senior, and was in a group that worked together to get our Masters at Gonzaga. Doug's quick wit and smile, coupled with his passion for teaching Science, always made him a favourite of many students. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. - Scott Sieben
• Aug 24, 2022
  Deepest sympathies,
  
  Doug was a wonderful person. He was a colleague at RSS and a caring teacher. - John McIntyre
• Aug 24, 2022
  My deepest condolences to your family at this time. I enjoyed Mr.Grunert as a teacher. He was a true gentleman and inspiring.
  
  Brigette Newell - RSS 2008 - Brigette Newell
• Aug 23, 2022
  Mr Grunert, was my teacher at RSS for chemistry and environmental science. I loved going to his classes and always appreciated any insight to life that he gave. He was a great man and will be missed. I am sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
  
  Lana Alexander - Lana Alexander
• Aug 23, 2022
  So Sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. He was always an energetic and entertaining teacher at Rutland Senior and I really enjoyed his class. Thoughts and condolences to your family.
  
  Gabe Cacchioni - RSS 98
• Aug 23, 2022
  I am so saddened to hear this news. Mr. Grunert was one of the best teachers I had at RSS. He had a positive impact on so many of his student's lives, mine included. He was amazing at what he did. I remember him always having a smile on his face. I am so sorry for your loss. - Korin (Hanna) Yunker, Class of '99
• Aug 23, 2022
  I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Grunert's passing; he was one of the kindest teachers I knew during my time at RSS. I will always remember his warmth and humour. My sincere condolences to his friends and family. - Alison Forsythe
• Aug 22, 2022
  My heartfelt condolonces. I had the privilege of having Mr. Grunert for chem 11. I hated chemistry, but loved his class and teaching. He mattered so much to all of us. Glad he is at peace and with Jesus. I hope all the memories of the life he lived bring smiles and joy and that over time they arent overshadowed by the pain and grief of now. - Kim (MacPherson) Savage, Grad 93 RSS
• Aug 22, 2022
  To the Gruyère family. I was shocked to hear of Doug’s passing. I worked with him for many years at RSS. We shared the hobby of collecting silver bars and coins. My condolences to your family. - M Gilbert
• Aug 22, 2022
  Mr G was one if my favourite teachers at RSS, he inspired a love of science and a love of learning. my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. - karen haltiner gunton, class of 93
• Aug 22, 2022
  Bev, Jen, Brian and family. This went quickly after seeing him in May. We are saddened and grieve with and for you all. Too soon, but a wonderful man to remember and honor. I have fond memories from RSS and pickleball. Always loved interacting with him. We are gonna miss hearing him tinkle those ivories at WPC.
  
  Love and prayers.
  
  Louise and Arnie Peters - Louise Peters
• Aug 21, 2022
  I am so so sorry to hear about "Mr. G" as we always called him. He changed so many lives and was an amazing teacher. I will always remember getting to go on travel adventures with his and my dad's environmental science group. When i had him for Chem 12 he knew how much I was struggling and went above and beyond to help me through it. Our families had some wonderful times and I will cherish those forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you Bev, Jen and Brian.
  
  Love always, Amy.
• Aug 21, 2022
  Dear Bev and all the family. Doug was such a great teacher and friend. He made lasting impressions on my children Kirk and Leanne through his environmental science classes . He always had time for his students. We send much love and positive thoughts as you travel through this sad journey.. - Jacki Morgan
• Aug 21, 2022
  I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Grunert was one of my favourite teachers. It is a sad loss to lose him at such a young age. - Renee Wickenheiser Faulkner
• Aug 20, 2022
  Bev and family. I am so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
  
  Janice de Heer
• Aug 20, 2022
  Dear Bev and family, my heartfelt condolences. Doug left us far too soon. I had the privilege of teaching with him starting in 1990 at RSS until our retirement. Doug was a master-teacher, totally dedicated to his students, and he was honoured with the Prime Minister's Award of Excellence in Teaching for his outstanding contributions.
  
  We also shared early bird time at the YMCA' s gym and pool before classes started and I always appreciated his kind and gentle demeanor. We all lost a dear colleague and a friend.
  
  I'm with in my thoughts during this difficult time, Bev and family.
  
  Rest in peace, Doug.
  
  Mike Fischer RSS
  
  - Michael Fischer
• Aug 20, 2022
  Bev and family. Sorry for the loss of Doug. I remember seeing him in the halls of RSS. Also I remember seeing his smiling face at RSS and at willow park church. - Judy Waege 1996
• Aug 20, 2022
  I had the pleasure of having Mr. Grunert as a teacher in Grade 11, many moons ago, but where I really got to know him was thru his many Costco visits. He'd always try and come thru my till or find me in whichever department I was working in. He was always a highlight of my day. Thank you for the many laughs throughout the years, he will be missed by many. My most sincere condolences to all of you. Noni Husch
• Aug 20, 2022
  Bev & Family, Our sincere condolences in your loss of Doug. May he RIP.
  
  Dave & Dianne Pannell - Dianne Pannell
• Aug 20, 2022
  I had the pleasure of getting to know Doug when I was working in the office of Rutland Senior Secondary. Doug always seemed to have a smile on his face and when he came through the office he was very pleasant & friendly with all the secretaries, which we all appreciated very much. I am so sorry that Doug had such a short time to live after diagnosis, and my deepest sympathy to the family for your tragic loss. - Diane Bertram
• Aug 20, 2022
  I had the privilege to being Doug’s pickleball partner in a few tournaments and casual play. He was always kind, patient, and positive no matter what the outcome of the game. I was blown away when I hear him play the piano at a social event. He was such a talented and humble man. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
  
  Gilbert Guenette - [email protected]
• Aug 20, 2022
  Sorry to read of Doug’s passing. He was a much remembered staff member and teacher at Rutland Senior. Sincere condolences. Jim Oakes
• Aug 20, 2022
  Sending our Thoughts and Prayers to you all. May your loving memories carry you through this difficult time
  
  Keith and Kim Brandt - Kim Brandt
• Aug 20, 2022
  Dear Bev and family,
  
  We were so very sorry to hear about Doug. He was such a good friend to my sister Bonnie. Our thoughts are with you all at this time.
  
  Patty and Cam McIntosh
• Aug 19, 2022
  Bev and Family…heartfelt condolences. Such a dear sweet man. May you find comfort knowing so many people care
  
  Judy Elderkin
  
  
• Aug 19, 2022
  I had the honor of working with Doug and his teacher buddy Brad Talbot hosting the scuba diving portion of their environmental science program at RSS. I enjoyed their trips both individually and with their students to my dive shop when I lived in the Cayman Islands. They handed off many students to the Professional Diver Training program for us to carry on their legacy. This is a legend of a man who touched so many lives and I am honored to have experienced his greatness while he walked (and dove) among us. Fair winds and following seas Mr. Grunert! - Wally
• Aug 19, 2022
  Dear Bev, I've only met you once but I am thinking of you now. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I called Doug a few years ago after my heart diagnosis to share the family connection to it all. My sister Shari and I send you all big hugs at this difficult time.
  
  Cousin Margot
  
  - Margot Ann Small (Werger)
• Aug 19, 2022
  My thoughts and prayers are with Doug’s family. He was an excellent man and a wonderful teacher with an amazing heart. As my science teacher in Creston BC, he was also a huge support for me when my father passed away in 1988. God has called home on of the best of men. - Caroline Helm
• Aug 19, 2022
  To the Grunert family. We are both shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Doug. Such a kind soul. Loved his smile and passion. Enjoyed his enthusiasm on and off of the pickleball court as well.
  
  Cherish your loving memories and call on them to comfort you. Bryan and Glenda Jackson - Bryan and Glenda Jackson
• Aug 19, 2022
  Bev and family our hearts and thoughts are with you.
  
  Brett and Val Russell - Valerie Russell
• Aug 19, 2022
  Bev and Family…we are so sorry for the loss of Doug…he was a wonderful, kind and very good humoured man…he will be remembered well for all of his faithful service in using his musical gifts to share with others…our sincerest condolences…
  
  Tanya and Brian Shiosaki - Tanya Shiosaki
• Aug 19, 2022
  I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Mr. Grunert’s passing. He had such a great sense of humour and was so fun to be around. He was one of my favourite teachers and I still think of him on occasion. My sincere condolences to his family on the loss of such a great man. I will never forget him.
  
  Lisa Yamaoka
  
  Class of 1996 - Lisa Yamaoka
• Aug 19, 2022
  Fond memories of singing when Doug played the keyboard! What a gentle, soft-spoken man. So sad for all of you. - Clair Jantzen
• Aug 19, 2022
  My deepest condolences. Doug was a true gentleman and I really enjoyed playing pickleball with him.
  
  Raja Hadawi - Raja Hadawi

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