Douglas George Dewey Ring

With a zest for life, Douglas Ring lit up any room he entered and left you smiling and chuckling from his positive energy, million questions and zany expressions.    

Doug is cherished by his loving wife Carol, of 55 years, and his children Tanya Ring, Maureen (Mike) Kennedy, and Glenn (Stephanie) Ring.  He was a proud “Gramps “to seven grandchildren and spent many hours at arenas and ball diamonds watching them play - Spencer and Adam Kennedy, Trinity and Quintin Rose, Seth Schulz-DeBoer, and Carson and Brady Ring.

Doug was born in Saint John, NB and reminisced fondly of his Maritime upbringing. He was the youngest of three and had two older sisters. He often told stories of his youth spent on the farm of his late sister, Betty Boyd and late brother-in-law, Sam.  A few weeks before his passing, he treasured a weekend visit with his ‘sis’, Lorraine Brown.  Doug had many nieces and nephews and kept in touch with all of them, calling on special occasions or calling out of the blue.   

Doug followed his sister, Lorraine and his late brother-in-law, Bud to Montreal where he met his future bride, Carol at a bowling alley. They wed in 1969, and their two daughters were born in Montreal. In the 70’s, he saw the West starting to boom and took a leap of faith by moving his family across the country to Alberta in 1975.  It was here that he found his true calling and began a life-long career in sales.  Beginning at Eaton's, he later joined RCA where he consistently achieved top sales distinctions, earning prestigious recognition and was awarded amazing trips. Together, they traveled the world and experienced different cultures.   

A career move took him to Sherwood Park in 1977, where his son, Glenn was born.  This was a lovely small-town community to raise kids and where he fell in love with the sport of ringette.  He was very proud of his daughters’ playing ringette and was very active as a coach and manager.  He also loved hockey and at that time, cheered for the Edmonton Oilers during their Dynasty Era.

In 1985, a company promotion moved the family to Calgary, and his allegiance shifted to the Oiler’s rivals, the Calgary Flames.  He was a proud season ticketholder but remained a steadfast “Alberta” fan during playoffs.  In the 90’s, his career transitioned from electronics to furniture sales, and his territory covered the Prairies.  He traveled the countryside to all the small-town furniture stores, many of which became his customers as well as his friends. Doug was a road warrior and loved his van.  It became his second home, and he affectionately referred to it as “Knight Rider” from the popular 80’s show.  He also travelled many miles to watch his grandkids play and they always knew when he was in the stands.

You can’t be successful in sales without having the gift of gab and Doug had it ten-fold.  Doug was legendary among family, neighbours, friends, grocery stores and his kid’s and grandkid’s teams as he talked to everyone – players, parents, fans, refs, rinks rats, cashiers, the list would go on forever.   There is likely not one person reading this who didn’t have a long conversation with him at some point.  Doug was a connector and loved bringing people together.  He hosted an annual Stampede breakfast for more than 10 years in Whitehorn and began a new tradition in Okotoks of an annual Christmas Dinner for the residents of Tucker Hill. 

In 2013, Doug and Carol moved to Okotoks, and he once again enjoyed the small-town atmosphere. Eventually, Doug retired in 2021 and became more involved in the community, especially the local senior centre. He made many friends with his new hobbies of pool and crib and traveled frequently to other small towns for tournaments.  You also can’t forget his other hobby, Costco sampling.  He was legendary there too. 

Doug’s boundless energy and infectious spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. His curiosity propelled him to ask thoughtful questions that made conversations richer and deeper, while his genuine warmth made even strangers feel like old friends. Though we mourn his absence, we celebrate a life lived with a positive attitude, an open heart and an inquisitive mind—qualities that inspired those around him to embrace each day with the same enthusiasm and love that he embodied so naturally. His spirit of wonder and kindness leaves an indelible mark on our hearts, a legacy that continues to bring light even as we say goodbye.

The family would like to thank Chad Zentner of Zentner Funeral Homes for his compassionate care during this difficult time and they encourage friends and family to post tributes and condolences on Doug’s page, as the family will treasure them.  If lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to a charity of your choice in his honour would be appreciated. 

A celebration of life will be held on June 25 at 1pm at D’Arcy Ranch Golf Course in Okotoks, in the Sunset Room.  We welcome all friends and family to join us.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas George Dewey Ring, please visit our floral store.