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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
CAIE, Douglas Innes - It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the sudden, untimely death of retired Naval Commander Douglas (Doug) Innes Caie, 79, of Eastern Passage, on Saturday, January, 15, 2022, with his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Ellen by his side. Doug was born and raised in Brantford, Ontario, the youngest of four children born to Jack and Winnifred Caie.
In 1959, at the ripe old age of 16 years, Doug ran away to Halifax to follow his two older brothers Jack and Don, into the Royal Canadian Navy and never looked back. Doug often said he wasn’t from Halifax, but he got here as quick as he could.
Doug started life in the Navy as an Ordinary Seaman Fire Controlman, but after a few years, including a posting to HMCS CARLETON in Ottawa, Doug settled on a Naval Air career as a Naval Air Crewman flying in Trackers from Shearwater and, the Canadian Aircraft Carrier, HMCS BONAVENTURE and later on as an Observer in Argus Maritime Patrol Aircraft out of CFB GREENWOOD.
Subsequently, Doug graduated from Dalhousie University with a Political Science degree. He then took his commission and reclassified as an Air Navigator and was posted to Winnipeg. His life then took a dramatic turn, when he opted to become a Public Affairs Officer. This decision took him and his young family to various appointments and positions in many places including Indianapolis, Halifax, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Ottawa. Doug excelled throughout his career as a PAO because of his strong leadership skills and his calm, easygoing personality.
Doug retired from the Navy in 1997 at the rank of Commander and started up a successful public affairs consulting business with fellow Brantfordian and good friend, Ray Windsor. When he retired for good, Doug spent his time with family and friends, traveling between Halifax, Ottawa and his cottage in Petawawa and playing golf whenever he could. He loved being a member of Hartlen Point Forces Golf Club and thoroughly enjoyed his annual golf trips to South Carolina.
Doug leaves behind his wife and childhood sweetheart, Mary Ellen nee Bourne, whom he met in 1955, when they were both 13. They married in 1963. He is survived by his daughters Kristine (Steve), Eastern Passage, Karen (Dave), Saskatoon, son, Doug Jr (Sherry), Placentia, Nfld, as well as his cherished grandchildren, Ellen and Kyle, both of Halifax. He is also survived by brothers Jack, Fort Erie, Ont, Don, Simcoe, Ont, sister Barbara, Brantford, brother-in-law Michael Bourne (Pat), Burlington, Ont, as well many nieces and nephews especially fond of their Uncle Doug. The family also wishes to acknowledge the support of extended ‘fam’ members, Jackie Lanthier, Peter Moore, Jane Leaver, Mike and Susan Considine. Words cannot adequately convey the heartbreak felt by Doug’s family and his many, many dear friends at his passing. You were lucky if you came into the orbit of Doug and Mary Ellen Caie. They treated everyone like family. Doug was a leader and a mentor but above all he was the best friend anyone could ever have.
In his later years, Doug enjoyed taking part in the annual Halifax Robbie Burns Club supper. As Robbie Burns so aptly noted, “if there is another life, he lives in bliss, if not, he made the best of this.” And as Shakespeare also observed, “He was a man, take him for all in all, we shall not look upon his like again.”
Cremation has taken place. Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no public funeral service or celebration of life. In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust (HMCS Sackville 902-492-1424.) It is intended that Doug’s ashes will be scattered at sea later this year.
Ships served in: CFB GREENWOOD
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