Tribute

Douglas John Rylands, 69, beloved son, brother and uncle passed away March 27, 2026 at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook BC . Born February 18, 1957 in Lethbridge, Alberta, Doug’s life was a testament to friends and friendships. He extended his friendship to all and in return demanded kindness and inclusion. Never proud, just steady and kind.

Doug is survived by his older siblings, brother David Edwin and sister Patricia Nadine and their respective families. Doug was very interested in the lives of his nephews and their children. He loved to hear of their life experiences and especially enjoyed photos of them.

When mother died, Doug reminded me he had never married and had no family of his own. He requested my friendship and the closeness that developed was an unexpected pleasure for us both. I was his ‘person’ and he rewarded me by letting me get close. He was immediately part of my family, and he was happy.

Doug was a great lover of the outdoors that began with carefree summers spent at the family cabin in Waterton Lakes National Park. A favorite pastime was fishing, and I remember one evening he arrived at the cabin with a lake trout he had just caught … off the boat dock …in the evening … with a flashlight!!!  Now, to be clear, fishing off the dock was a BIG NO-NO in Waterton, let alone fishing at night with the unsporting help of a flashlight! He was so thrilled, but he never did it again. Lesson learned.

Doug’s love of the great outdoors was apparent to all that knew him. Perhaps it was one of the reasons he chose Cranbrook to plant roots. A small community, close to the mountains and a ‘down to earth’ circle of friends. I must admit I was humbled as I met Doug’s community of friends while out running errands for him. Everyone expressed concern over his health. They respected him and regarded him as a friend and so he was.

I was totally taken by surprise at the disclosure of Doug calling himself ‘Chester’.  Doug responded to my questioning with his full face grin, ‘haven’t I told you about Chester???’ He considered it a little bit of fun, something he was in total control of…. OK, little brother, a little bit of fun, no harm done.

A small funeral was held in Lethbridge, Alberta where Doug chose to be buried in a double deep grave above his father. An open view to the mountains and the comfort of his father were Doug’s choice for closure.

I miss him