Doolaege, Robert J.

DOOLAEGE

Robert J.  

1959 — 2014

Robert Doolaege, loved husband of Annelise, and loving father of Cache, Rayelle and Blair, passed away July 10, 2014, at Olds Hospital at the age of 55 years.

Rob lost a swift and challenging battle with cancer, with his family at his side. Rob was born in Castor, AB, in 1959.  He was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph and Anthony, and his sister, Annie. Robert’s death now leaves a great void for his Doolaege family and the Machielse family.

Rob was raised at Spruceville, the homeplace located south of Castor, where his parents Margriet and Camiel Doolaege were pioneers in the herd development of Charolais cattle here in Alberta. Being the sixth-born in a family of six boys and four girls meant Rob spent all his Saturdays bedding cattle and completing many farm and ranch chores. Saturdays were later spent at the rink, as Rob was a great hockey player, a passion taken up by two of his children, Cache and Rayelle. He was behind the bench often for them both as he was a regular volunteer for minor hockey and also for minor ball.

Furthering his education at the University of Alberta, he graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) and majored in Agricultural Economics. This is where Rob and Annelise met and began planning a future together. He and Annelise were married on Feb. 11, 1984, and by 1993 were blessed with three children, Cache in March of 1989; Rayelle in September of 1991; and Blair in June of 1993.

He was the dad who made a difference at the kids’ school events as the volunteer doing everything from tying skates to building playgrounds, running in Kilometre Club and going on field trips.

As the kids grew up, Rob continued to volunteer, when Annelise asked for his help. That included the World Plowing Championship held last summer, which was a highlight for him. Rob was a willing volunteer for many local projects, including many requests from neighbours and friends. He was the best Dad because he kept every vehicle within the family running long past the expected due date.

Rob is survived by his wife Annelise, son Cache, daughter Rayelle (boyfriend Scott), and daughter Blair; as well as his parents Margriet and Camiel, siblings Maria (Ken), Willy (Anastasia), Lucie (Alvin), brother-in-law Doug, Francis (Shari-Anne), Paul (Paula), Gerald (Susan), Leana (Grant) and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Rob’s second family includes John and Johanna Machielse, siblings Hennie (Wayne), Mary (Bill), Matthew (Jennifer), Cathy (Bob) and John Paul (Stephanie) and many nephews and nieces.

In Rob’s memory and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made for a memorial bench within the Olds College Botanic Garden, please check Facebook Event: Robert Doolaege-Celebration of Life for more details. Condolences may be forwarded through westviewfuneralservices.com

 CARD OF THANKS

Rob’s family would like to thank Dr. Kelly and her nursing staff at the Wild Rose Clinic, and Dr. Smith and Dr. Hoeve and the staff at the Olds Hospital for the loving care they provided over the last several weeks.