Joanne and all affected
Our sincere condolences, our best wishes and prayers go with you.
BRIDEN, Douglas
1955 - 2022
Douglas William Briden Sr Luskville, QC
July 16, 1955 – July 14, 2022
Doug was a fourth-generation curler and the youngest child born to parents Gertrude Martin of Manistee Michigan, and Leonard Dutton Briden Sr of Haileybury Ontario. According to his big sister Sari Adler of Monterey, Tennessee, he was a child menace known for his pranks including blowing up the neighbor’s tulips with firecrackers on Juliette Street in Ottawa. His older brother Leonard Briden Sr of Ladysmith BC, a retired police officer, corroborates this story. Doug’s wife of 22 years, Joanne Labadie, remembers a man who lived deliberately and passionately. She will most fondly remember her beloved Doug for his compassion and unwavering principles, and for making her laugh every day. His top 5 passions in chronological order were family, curling, coffee, ice cream, and laughter. Doug’s eldest daughter Caitlin Alyssa Winsor (nee McConnery-Briden) of Kingston, ON, a fifth generation curler, claims her father was the best curling coach that ever lived. Her husband Jeff Winsor asserts that he was a Viking Warrior who enjoyed tickling people. (which Jeff hated, sorta.) Second daughter Alanna Kellen McConnery-Briden of Kingston ON states that her father was a great soccer coach, a handyman, and a therapist who knew everything, could do anything, and fix anything. Her partner Ryan Selle thought his father-in-law was a good farmer. Ryan is also responsible for converting Doug to the Milwaukee tool cult. Doug’s eldest son Douglas William Briden Jr. (aka Liam, Will) believed his dad must have owned shares in Dairy Queen because of the number of strawberry Blizzards they enjoyed together. Many of them were consumed on their biannual fishing trips to White Lake. Doug’s son James Lloyd Briden (Jamie) thought his father was a comedian, but not as funny as he. (he may be right) Morgan Rose Briden (called Noglie by her daddy) fancifully thought the family was hiding on a farm in the country because her father was part of a clandestine international espionage organization. The fellow members of the KUREMANAC Fish and Games Club are not commenting on Morgan’s fantasy. Doug was a proud grandfather to six beautiful children. His eldest grandchild Chase Neilson will fondly remember Grandpa Doug’s support during his junior BMX Career. He also leaves behind newly born Ellie and her big brother River. Doug was sorrowfully predeceased by his parents and grandbabies Maverick, Patrick, and Hadley.
To his many friends in the curling community, especially the RCMP curling club, Doug is remembered for his jovial humor and antics, and for winning the Quebec Challenge Cup, the oldest sporting trophy in North America, alongside his oldest and dearest friend and team Skip, Greg Corrigan. To the many visitors to his Luskville winery, Doug was respected as an award-winning winemaker as well as an entertaining host. Other friends and neighbors remember him as a cheese maker and craft brewer, especially remembering his Stout named The Black Plague. Doug was a maverick in the IT community. His career as a network security analyst and architect spanned over four decades. He worked for various government agencies in Public Security (where he used the alias TBH), and until his death, the Department of National Defense. While many of us did not know what Doug really did, or what he would be up to next. He was known to be a doer of many things, and that he did them all well and with great passion. For those closest to him, he was a curious, compassionate, and witty family man who never shied away from a new challenge or adventure. Doug’s final challenge was a heroic battle with ALS, he passed away peacefully at the Hull hospital on July 14, 2022, surrounded by his beloved family. The family would like to thank the staff and medical team at the Pontiac Hospital and the Hull Campus of the Gatineau Hospital for their compassionate care, especially Dr. Mathews for granting Doug’s unusual request to set up his computer lab in his ICU room. (her eyes are probably still rolling over it).
A celebration of Doug’s exceptional life will be held on August 27 at 1 pm at the RCMP Curling Club, 115 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa Donations in Doug Briden’s honor may be made to the ALS Society of Canada at ALS.ca
Online condolences may be made at www.cfo.coop
Write your sympathies or tribute
29 messages received
Joanne and families
Our sincere condolences Joanne and families.
Very beautifully written tribute.
Blessings always.
Joanne and family
So beautifully remembered by so many. Having met him only once, I can agree he was truly an exceptional person- friend, partner, father, and grandpa. And curler. His loss will be huge, matching his presence, and I know those that loved him so dearly will love and support each other in the days and months to come.
Joanne Labadie and family and friends.
This is the most accurate and wonderful tribute to a man’s life I have ever seen. My dearest sympathies and love and hugs go to you his family and friends.
Joanne, family & friends
Such a wonderfully written loving tribute to a truly unique man. Doug was indeed one of a kind. At our last high school reunion, every time he was near me he'd yell out KIM HINES!, I'd yell back DOUG BRIDEN! & we'd bear hug each other. I will miss him & those hugs. A collosal loss for everyone who knew him. I send you all my deepest condolences.
Joanne and family
Anyone who met Doug will always remember him fondly and with a huge smile! He was proud of his family and his community and leaves behind so many memories.
Many hugs to everyone who knew him especially Joanne and his family xo
Joanne Labadie, ses enfants les familles Labadie et Briden, parents et amis.
Madame Joanne Labadie veuillez recevoir mes plus sincères condoléances et toute ma sympathie pour la perte de votre époux. Mes pensées sont avec vous en ces moments difficiles.
Joanne and family
Such a beautiful tribute! He was such a "character" in every sense of the word. Sincere condolences to you, his family and friends on such a loss. May happy memories carry you during this diffucult time. Our sincere condolences.
Joanne and family
My deepest sympathy to you Joanne and your family.
All who loved Dougie.
A perfect tribute to dear Doug. I can only add that Doug gave the best hugs and I wish I could have just one more. Wuv, Maw
Joanne
Our sympathies to you and the children. Doug was a nice man. RIP Doug
Joanne and family
Barb and I would like to give our deepest condolences to you and the family.
Family
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I work in collaboration with Doug for several years and he was very dedicated to his job, he will be miss at DnD.
Thank you for this tribute, I feel like a discovered a new side of Doug, he was a great person and a wonderful family man.
Joanne, Family and Friends
Sending our deepest condolences for the loss of some one who made great use of time here. Doug will be greatly missed by many.
Our time spent on the farm and touring the area with the two of you Jo,
Is always remembered fondly with smiles and memories.
Keeping you in our thoughts and sending hugs.
Pete and Marla Bradford
Clifford Ontario
The Briden Family
My deepest condolences to the Briden family as I have had the pleasure of having played fastball for a number of years with Doug, was a coworker during his years in the government and enjoyed all his shenanigans through the years at our fishing derbies at White Lake. RIP - TBH
Bride Family
Sincere sympathy to Joanne and her family. Like every friends who knew Doug, so many good memories will remain forever. Rest in peace my friend.
Joanne and family
We are so very sorry to learn of your loss. We both worked with Doug for many years and was a breath of fresh air when we needed help with our IT "challenges". Our deepest sympathy to you all .
James and Deb Abbott
The Briden Family
What can one say about Doug that has not already been well vocalized in your wonderful tribute!
Having worked with Doug for many years in the DND IT department I honestly can't recall even once in all those years, sometimes stressful and trying, seeing anything but a smile on his face, no matter the issue, time of day , complexity, etc. To me he always exuded an attitude of " OK, bring it on!!"
So sorry we didn't get another chance to hook up and catch up on the farm, winery, brewery , lavender enterprise?, as was usually the case when we did get together at various luncheons.
RIP Doug and peace and contentment to the family.
Nathan Cooper
Joanne and family
I worked for the same organization as Doug. I do remember him telling me about the winery when he had come to my office to fix an IT problem. He was very proud of it. My deepest sympathy.
Joanne and family
Dear Briden & Labadie families, our sincerest condolences on your great loss. My heart is filled with shock at Doug leaving us and sadness that we never got to say a proper goodbye or to tell him how much he meant to all of us. Many times throughout our years at DND he came to my rescue and for that I am thankful. Many questions about how the problem was presented and his laughter teasing me for how I presented it, you always came away knowing a bit more. Your life tribute to Doug is beautiful, we get to see another side of this man we called a friend, it was obvious he had the life he wanted and loved. God bless him, your family and friends as you celebrate his life with memories of his shenanigan's, seeing that big smile, gotcha!
A tree is planted
in memory of the deceased
Joanne, Morgan and family
Our sincere sympathies to you and your family. Thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Joanne and family
So shocked to learn of Doug’s passing. He was such a huge presence in any space. Lucky to have worked under his guidance in the early years to being just friends after retirement, there was always a joke and much pride in his accomplishments after retirement from DND. After reading his beautifully written obituary, it was obvious he had a very fulfilling life with family and friends and will be missed by many. May he Rest In Peace and close friends and family find comfort in sharing their many great memories of life with Doug.
A tree is planted
in memory of the deceased
The Briden Family
You cannot think of Doug without smiling. In high school he was bigger than life and always was up to something mischievous. When our kids were small, My wife and I would run into Doug and his family every New Year’s Eve at a theater which was showing the latest kids Disney movie. We laughed about that whenever we saw each other.
I am sure he will be greatly missed by everyone, he was a special person.
Rest In Peace Doug.
The Briden Family
My deepest condolences to the Briden family. I actually mentioned Doug while on a wine tour of Prince Edward County last week before I heard the sad news; and how I knew him from the time we spend in the government & fishing derbies at White Lake; and the Lavender Ridge winery that I intended to - but never did visit. There was never a dull moment when Doug was around and he will truly be missed.
Joanne, family and friends
On behalf of the Fitton family and especially Nick, who is no longer with us, I would like to express my condolences to all who loved Doug.
I remember my brother mentioning him all the time when we were growing up. Although I never met Doug, he was a good friend of Nick's.
May your memories help you get through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Family
I am extremely sorry for the loss of a great man. I am sending all the love and prayers to the family and friends! ♥️
Joanne
Je partage ta peine en ce moment de deuil, mes plus sincères condoléances, bon courage!
Joanne et la famille
C’est avec grande tristesse que nous avons appris le départ de Douglas. Nos plus sincères condoléances à vous et votre famille. Bon courage.
Joanne and family
I am saddened and shocked to read of Doug’s passing. I had no idea of his battle with ALS. It has been years since we enjoyed our friendship and I remember you telling me of your first meeting with a guy at a house building course. The rest is history. My girls played against Doug’s girls on the soccer pitch and we saw each other there sporadically.
To you Joanne I extend a virtual warm hug of love and friendship. To your children and grandchildren honour your Dad/Grandpa by living your lives well.
Most sincerely
Cindy Peters