Douglas Allan Bovee
Douglas Allan Bovee, a kind, creative, multi-talented, patient, and fiercely independent man, passed away at home on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Born in Regina Saskatchewan on November 29, 1941, he was predeceased by his wife of 36 years, Marnie Lee; his mother, Jeanette Mae; his father, Roy Nelson; and his beloved dogs, most recently, Kova.
Doug will be deeply missed by his brother Blain Bovee and his wife, Clare; his sister Dianne Anderson; his brother Larry Bovee; his nieces, nephews and cousins and his many beloved friends.
Doug was a force to be reckoned with. Despite being stricken with polio at four years old, he never allowed his disability to define him. He forged an active, meaningful, successful, and productive life. Doug was a celebrated multi-medal-winning para-olympian athlete and a pioneer in wheelchair sport. He was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 1976 and became the first athlete to compete using a revolutionary lightweight, three-wheeled racing wheelchair of his own design, which served as a prototype for modern Paralympic competition.
From the 1970s to the 1990s, Doug led and coordinated various programs to help people with disabilities live independently and find employment. He also served as the Executive Director of the MS Society. Doug, a talented painter and multi-media artist, was a founding member whose creative vision help guide the design of the Riverwind Strata Title Housing Cooperative. He was passionate about orchids, growing, studying, and photographing them. He played a key role in establishing and developing the Orchid Species Preservation Foundation, serving as a long-time member and President. In 2018, he moved to Abby Road Housing Coop, where he served on the board of directors as Treasurer, President and VP of Maintenance.
Instead of a funeral, we will gather to celebrate Doug’s life on Monday June 29, 2026, at Abby Road Housing Coop, 10950 82 Ave NW in the main floor common room. Family will welcome guests from 3 pm to 6 pm, with the celebration of life ceremony starting at 4 pm. Please bring your memories of Doug, as guests will be invited to say a few words.
Donations in Douglas Bovee’s memory to Wildrose Polio Support Society (https://polioalberta.ca/) and The Orchid Species Preservation Society (https://orchidspecies.ca/support/donate-here/) are greatly appreciated.
It was 18 years ago that I was introduced to Douglas by one of his dear friends. I came to know of his passion for the arts, the orchid Society, his participation on so many boards, yet I never heard his stories of his contributions to the Paralympics. What an amazing man! Yes, he was fiercely independent and he treasured that. He, his friend and I would meet for breakfast or visit at my place. It was always a treat. Douglas was interesting, funny and brave. He let his life as if there were no boundaries. i’ll always be grateful to have been Doug’s friend. May God bless him and his family..
Thank you, Sylvia, for your kind words about Doug. He was, indeed, an amazing man, funny and brave! We miss him dearly. Thank you for sharing some of your memories about him.
Doug and I attended Bonnie DOON High School at the same time. We performed a magic show together with many silk scarves.
So sad to have lost an another part of our history and a man who accomplished so much.