We invite you to share in the comments how Doug has impacted your life or about a special memory you hold.
*scroll to the very bottom of this page to leave a comment. Please sign your name in the comment box if you would like.
The ACT Telethon in Kitimat, British Columbia, supports various community groups by raising funds on their behalf. The telethon was launched in 1979 when the Smiths first moved to Kitimat. Doug was the first host and it has continued ever since. Please consider a donation to the Kitimat Community Foundation in memory of Doug.
Reflections on Doug 
So thankful to have crossed paths with and known Doug! He was one of a handful of people who played a large part in giving a kid out of college a start in pastoral ministry. I’m forever grateful for the generosity of Doug and Linda and for having had the honour of living with their family as an intern for a year. Everything that has been spoken about them in this season is very accurate to the home I witnessed those many years ago. Doug was and remains a great inspiration and influence on me even though our paths grew apart but I was still able to observe and glean mentorship from afar.
Linda, Matt, Chris, Jen, Andy, and your families may the grace of God and the memories Doug comfort you and give you peace in the days ahead. Blessings to you all! — Kurt & Loudell Herms
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Dear Smith family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad, grandpa and your husband. Cancer must have been the hardest journey for him to undertake, and for all of you to support him through, in recent years. He was very loved and he lived a wonderful life. I am sure he received a VERY warm welcome and thunderous applause when he got to heaven.
My family and I all loved getting to know Doug and you, Linda, at Living Waters over the years. My earliest memories of your family stem from CLA and the red Christmas sweater he always wore. That hot apple cider was the best in town! But I think I got to see Doug’s real warmth when our family attended Living Waters many years later.
I had just moved back to Canada in 2013, after beginning my teaching career in Scotland for 6 years, and was looking for a small church that capitalized on community. Your dad was the BEST at that! I couldn’t believe he remembered my name when I walked in the door of LW church for the first time after so many years abroad. Wow – he had a great memory, not just of faces but of the names to go with them! As a teacher, I really appreciate that! Then for the next several years I remember the twinkle in his eyes and the warm hello every single time I saw him. Linda, I always loved it when you were a greeter at the door as well! I remember you saying “Hello Linda!” While I replied “Hello Linda!”We laughed and had a big hug. Thank you for making us all feel like your family. You were so warm and welcoming!
Love and prayers,
Linda Scorsese (formerly Kristjansson)
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I worked for Doug at CLA in 1999, and what a wonderful experience I had, as a fairly new Christian, the grace and kindness he showed to me and everyone made such an impact on me.
There was a day where a man came into the church looking for food and Doug noticed he didn’t have shoes on. Doug said, “Let me go and see what I can get for you.” He came back out from his office and gave him his own shoes. That has stayed with me all these years. What a beautiful life he lived here. My condolences to Linda and family.
Christine Cullingworth
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It is difficult to put into words how my family and I have been impacted by Doug. For someone who resisted attention and the need to take credit or power, his quiet and humble nature spoke volumes and has had a lasting effect on our lives. We first met Doug almost 16 years ago when we came to Living Waters for the first time. He made his way over to introduce himself – not as lead pastor but as “one of the pastors”. That humility, sincerity, kindness, and love permeated every future interaction with him. He never sought to have a “mega church” but instead, as the church grew, he empowered other leaders to plant a new one, providing support and resources. He and Linda were a perfect match. Moments that I remember include the way they consistently honoured one another. This bled into the way they honoured all others around them – church staff and those in the congregation, visitors to the church, and the community at large. I recall Doug and Linda once mentioning (this is not verbatim) something that I recall daily: “In the morning, we spend time with the Lord before we put any food into our bodies.” I continue to live by that idea. This is how Doug lived his life: Jesus first! Because he did not seek fame, popularity, a following, or influence, he naturally received these things simply because he showed us how to live like Jesus. How could you not be attracted to a life lived in this way? We honour Doug for how he impacted his corner of the world for Jesus. – Jennifer Adkins
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How to handle a crazy cancer diagnosis? That was me! Surgery, chemo, radiation, pain, and suffering. Having worked as a physician, I had seen too much of it. Now it was me! I didn’t want any of it. I saw it as my ticket home!
But Doug changed my mind. Harvey, what about your family? They still need you! So, I did the treatment. I even learned to enjoy it! Because of Jesus, who was there in my suffering. When Doug told us that morning of his cancer. I cried. I went up to him and hugged him. And I said “Doug, enjoy the journey!” A crazy thing to say. Yet, there is no other path forward if you’ve ever dealt with cancer! Doug did just that. He joked about it. Casually blogged of his days with surgery. And Jesus was there with him too. Doug did “enjoy the journey”, and his example can show us the way when crazy trials come. Because, when Jesus gets into the yoke of our suffering there is joy unspeakable, and where Doug is now, full of glory!
Harvey Michaluk
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From: Cornel Dobrin
I first met Doug at the front-left stage during an alter call at CLA in 2002.
He prayed for me and then asked questions about my life. I was surprised by how much he really cared.
I remember Doug’s first Sunday at Living Waters in 2006. I shook his hand after the service to say ‘welcome’. Then he gave me a funny look and said: “I know you”. I searched my memory and tried to match it to the face and voice in front of me…nope. “Oh, maybe I just look like someone else”.
“No”, he said, “I know you”. And then he told the story about a broken boy he met during an alter call at the front-left stage at CLA, years ago. He remembered details.
It wasn’t anything special in me that made him remember. It was all him.
I didn’t know whether to feel amazed or exposed – you cannot hide from people like that. But I soon realized there was no need to hide. Doug loved those he knew.
He later mentored me, walked me through failures, and officiated my wedding.
He was a true pastor. A father.
As Luke Knight wrote about Doug’s last words to him, and by extension to all of us: “I love you”. I am filled with thankfulness that I knew him…and that I was known by him.
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From Chris and Gudrun Adam
Doug did the pre-marriage counseling for our son Jeremiah and his fiancé. Then, as Jeremiah was fighting with terminal cancer, Doug came to spend time with him right to the end, even though Jeremiah wasn’t attending LW church. Doug’s faithfulness to Jeremiah, at a time when Doug was already wrestling with cancer himself, spoke VOLUMES to us about his Jesus-like faithfulness!!! Thank-you Doug!!! And thank you Jesus for your faithfulness to Jeremiah through Doug! God bless and keep you Linda, and family.
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Remembered but not forgotten for the love you had for people, for Canada, for the staff under your pastoral care, the hurting and disenfranchised, for the example of grace and forgiveness. Till we meet at Jesus feet PD!!! – Isaia
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Doug was one of my favourite people – kind, humble, considerate, honest, perceptive, wise, and funny. An amazing wordsmith with a huge heart. I’ll think of him every time I use a fountain pen and / or eat apple pie, or when one of his numerous memorable phrases pops into my head.
Sending so much love to Linda and the family.
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Doug was my pastor at both CLA and Living Waters. I got to know him best when he and Linda did our premarital counselling. They were both so wise and helpful. Doug was both gifted and humble, and above all a loving pastor with a wonderful vision of the church that we continue to live out today at Living Waters. Many years ago at CLA, Doug preached a beautiful sermon on regret that brought me to tears. When Doug shared his story of past spiritual struggles, it was so obvious that the grace of God was with him in a special way. We miss you, Doug. I also want to acknowledge Linda’s incredible partnership with Doug. Everything they achieved was together. Much love to you Linda, too.
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With love and respect and appreciation, Ian and Diolinda and Conan Karpinski
“There is a great man in whose presence all men feel small
There is an even greater man in whose presence all men feel great”
Doug, you were the greater man
You impacted each of us in unique and memorable ways that we will never forget – for making LWC “Home” from home-church for us; for the regular check-ins during Sunday coffee prep, for coming to see my dahlia garden this past Summer, for following Conan’s career so intently, and for all the words of encouragement to him along the way “from an old guy who still lives musically in the 70’s and 80’s and still believes bell bottoms and turtle necks will make a comeback!”
Memories of you will always be adored
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How wonderful to read all of these moving comments about dear Doug! I can see how everyone felt like they were his favourite person & I agree – Doug had that rare gift of truly being present when he spoke to/spent time with you whether working or socially. Doug could see what God saw in you & he called it out! That felt a bit overwhelming at times but it was such a good push – the recognizing & releasing that is in Living Waters Church values was lived out by Doug. I will always remember when I came back from the mission field after 7 years, into a new place to live & walking into Living Waters for the first time – during Missions Week as they were honouring Global Workers – how Doug (& Linda) welcomed me so warmly & personally even though we had never met before. I knew I was “home.” And now Doug is HOME & receiving that welcome from our wonderful Father, Son & Holy Spirit – multiplied exponentially! What wonder & awe!
We do not grieve as those who have no hope the Bible says & although it is hard now not have Doug here with us, I am so glad we will meet up once again. My prayers & hugs go out to Linda & all the family as they journey through this grieving time. As we say in Hebrew, L’hitra’ot, Doug – See you later Doug……..
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Doug, you always will be remembered by me for being used by God to bless me with wisdom during a very significant decision in my life.
I always loved meeting you, Linda and Doug, at the church when I worked in the gardens there!
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It was in October of 2015 when I first attended Living Waters. I will always remember well Doug and Linda.
The first time I was at Living Waters was after a week when I had a doctors appointment where I was told I could have a major surgery, but I was to decide. I made up my mind to go thru with the surgery after I heard, that following Sunday, Doug preaching about Jesus healing a boy who had epilepsy- which I have lived with since birth
God told me, through Doug, that I had nothing to be concerned about.
Doug was used by God powerfully that day!
Thank-you dear God for all You do!
Linda: I always placed value on meeting you both when I came to Living Waters to work in the gardens!
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Around the Fall of 2014 was the first time I went to Living Waters. This was after the week when I was in my doctors office and was told of my medical operation. And since it was a very serious one, I was told that it was my decision to, or not to, have this operation. I was at Living Waters and Doug was preaching. He was used by God and preached about when Jesus healed the boy who had epilepsy.
Since I had been told by my doctor to make the ultimate decision about my operation, the message I heard from God thru Dave that He was in control and I should not doubt or be afraid as I am operated on for the epilepsy that I livED with.
Linda (and Doug) I will never forget you. And I always enjoyed seeing you both each time I came to garden at Living Waters…!
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From: Steffany Tayler
“Well done, good & faithful servant…”, Pastor Doug. You are a
beloved Pastor securely, lovingly in the hands of our Maker.
Thank you for demonstrating in your leadership & throughout your
life ” a people of welcome ” along with humility.
Even as you “fought the good fight” in recent times you blessed us
richly with your “Column” in the Living Waters Newsletter. Thank you.
I immensely enjoyed reading your stories & insights full of God’s
wisdom. Thank you for being you!
My heartfelt condolences to all members of the Smith family at this
time.
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From: George Gregory
Janet and I were so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I have never known a person who was more of a natural pastor, and he walked with me through a difficult period of life. I remember him surfing the after church crown in the church parking lot just looking for someone who could use a friendly greeting. When Janet first met him, he had been helping push cars in the icy parking lot—then took off his jacket and started to preach. He and Linda were a real power couple for God’s glory, humble, accessible, and Christ-centred. Thanks to you both for the tremendous input into our lives. We are all diminished with his passing, but Heaven is that much richer. We will meet again.
Much love to you all
George and Janet Gregory
Christopher, Sarah, Matthew, Nikki and Nathan Gregory
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Doug we will never forget the love you poured into Greg mine and our children’s lives. From the first day we walked into the LWC to ever moment we encountered both you and Linda. As my Aussie son in law would say, you are a Legend! You will be missed by so many! Love, hugs and prayers to you and your family Linda.
Blessings, Kim Stang
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From: Paul Moores
Such a man of faith and kindness and thoughtfulness. A deep loss that will be felt by many. Praying for Linda and the family at this time. – Paul and Wanda Moores
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From: Bree and Jocie Low
Broke our hearts to hear the passing of Doug! Bree and I really appreciated/ loved that man!! Thankful for the time we got to spend with him at living waters and the fact that he married us!! I will miss the “happy anniversary” I got from him every year on my FB.
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From: Ashley Holenstein
I have the heartbreaking task of saying goodbye to one of the greatest men in my life, Doug Smith. My life and ministry would look much different if it wasn’t for his encouragement and mentorship in both mine and Blake’s life. Doug was truly the first person to show me what a genuine leader in ministry looked like. He lived authentically and shared transparently from the pulpit. He was open and approachable and always made time for everyone. In his early days at Living Waters in Fort Langley, Doug and Linda found themselves with a small church full of university students and young adults. They poured into us like it was the most important task they had been given, and a lot of us went on to become pastors, worship leaders, and in charge of our own ministries. I know for a fact each and every one of us was incredibly impacted by the love and encouragement of Doug and Linda. Doug’s elbow nudge along with the words “Have you met Blake? Nice guy…” soon turned into an engagement, pre-marital counseling together, and then Doug and Linda leaving Pastors Camp early to marry us in August 2009. We continued at Living Waters until we felt God calling us to full time ministry in Terrace BC, at which point Doug prayed for us and sent us off with a solid hug and the words “We are so proud of you.” He continued to be a strong influence in our life through some hard times, he always had time for a call or drop in when we were in town, he never turned us down. After a brief break from ministry, he called us one day and encouraged us to consider the lead pastor role in Kitimat, which lead us to where we are now. We love living in the same places that Doug and Linda have lived when they were younger. His influence is everywhere in the North, most especially at the Annual Kitimat Telethon which he helped start some 30 or 40 years ago. I will always remember Doug and his red Christmas sweater he wore faithfully every Christmas Eve, (which I have tried to carry on with my boys) and I will NEVER forget the time he came down from the ceiling as an angel at the Christmas production at CLA and absolutely shocked us all 😄 These words feel feeble compared to the gratefulness I feel in my heart for being blessed to have such a great man of God in my life. Doug and Linda have truly left a massive imprint on my life. Only God can weave lives together to create such an impact on eachother and the community around them for the kingdom and the glory of God. Until next time, Dougie… can’t wait to see you again.
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From: Rikk Watts
I can imagine that right now the man who once quipped: “I won’t call you Postman Pete, if you don’t call me Pastor Doug,” is feeling a tad uncomfortable with these many grateful posts. Not because he wasn’t immensely personable. All of us can testify to his infectious smile, genuine attention to whomever he was with, and easy warmth. Rather, it’s because you couldn’t be with Doug for more than a few minutes without knowing that he’d spent years in the close company of Jesus. One of the things we loved about LW was learning very early on that becoming a member was not about voting at the AGM. It was about accepting a duty of care. And he could be steely-eyed about that: there was to be no trouble-making politics at LW. He embodied that deeply held vision of a community of welcome. But it was always a welcome into the presence of …Jesus. Anything that detracted from that—like personal compliments—truly made him uneasy. And now of course, he knows, really knows, the truth of his convictions. Yes, we grieve. This side of the world to come, deep grief is the flower of deep love. But you, good brother, let yourself be swept up in wonder beyond joy. We know it’s not “Goodbye.” It’s a sure and certain “See you later.” In the interim, we will miss you dear, dear friend. You truly were a man of God. And we all thank you for being that gift to us.
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From: Andrew Doucette
Pastor Doug was the first Pastor to invite me into intentional mentorship at LWC. During my time serving at LPC I remember Pastor Doug telling me one Tuesday that he wanted to chat at my earliest convenience. I was somewhat nervous and wondered if I had dropped the ball in some way while serving and was getting some “constructive criticism.” Instead, Doug had a list of all the small things he had noticed I was doing around the church and encouraged me to keep serving with excellence and that the kingdom was better because of of servant leadership. It was probably a 10 minute conversation, but at that time in my life it was so life-giving to receive that affirmation from someone I looked up to. Pastor Doug you will be missed, but your legacy will continue.
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From: Rob Preston
Rev. Doug Smith (and his wife and his team) saved me from a downward spiral away from who I really am. It was the third Sunday that we attended Living Waters Church in Langley, BC. The “musical worship” had just ended, and I was hiding out in the foyer away from the crowd, with tears in my eyes, trying to figure out why the ___ I was still in church and still believing in God after all the poop I’d been through. Doug’s wife Linda was out in the foyer as well, walked over to me and made some sort of comment along the line of “Rob – we know who you are, and we want you to know that nothing is expected of you here. You just come and be you”. At the end of the service, Doug was at the door saying goodbye to people as they left – he shook my hand and said “Rob, it’s great to see you. I hope you find this to be a safe place where you can be you.” I’ll tell you – thanks to those statements and the love of Doug and his crew – I had felt truly safe in a church for the first time in 15 years. Doug – I’m not handling your loss as well as I thought I would. I haven’t seen you in person in almost two years now – but I want you to know that you will not be forgotten. You helped save me from oblivion, and to that, I will constantly remember you and honour your name by continuing to be me as I worship in the new place I have safely found to be. Thank you for giving of your time and energy and life for someone as complicated as me. I love you Doug – see you in the throne room.
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From: Katrina Paruch
Though my time learning from Doug and working under his leadership was short, he has left a lasting impact on my life and helped to form my own approach to leadership. Doug demonstrated true servant leadership. He showed me that a leader can be both strong and humble and that such a leader may, in fact, be more effective. I always admired Doug’s view of leadership as being a position of great responsibility, rather than one of power. Regardless of how busy he was or how much was on his plate, Doug always had time for people, radiated a feeling of welcome, and during my internship always made an effort to ensure that I felt like a full part of the team. At a district conference being attended by the whole staff, Doug took my notebook during a session and wrote on the top of the page “Glad you’re here!” It was such a small thing, but meant the absolute world to an intern who didn’t feel like she quite belonged. The world has lost a treasure of a man, but my heart is full of joy for Doug that he can now rest with the Lord he served so faithfully.
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From: Rainier Casido
A great man passed from death to life this week. Pastor Doug was a friend to many who lived out and modelled the values he preached and believed in. He was an inspiring leader who left an indelible impact on everyone he connected with, including me. I remember him graciously taking the time to regularly mentor me during a season of my life where I had little faith in myself. His kindness and humility were always apparent, and he always championed others by believing in the best of people. Although we were unable to meet often in recent years as his health declined, he will always be remembered for his warmth and genuine care. My prayers are with his family as they grieve the loss of this very special man. God bless the Smith family ❤️🙏. Love you Doug and see you soon!
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From: Julia
Doug was truly a remarkable man and pastor. I first came to Living Waters in 2008 as a TWU student. I came for the proximity to school but stayed because of Doug. His smile, warmth and authentic illustrations in his sermons made me feel at home and welcomed every time I came. I remember him saying that even if we came to church in our pajamas he was happy we were there and that we were welcome. That really meant a lot to me as a tired university student, haha. Throughout the years of attending Living waters it was his call to be generous and authentic that really spoke to me. Doug was so gifted at connecting with his church community, from commenting on my Facebook posts to his greetings at church, he really showed his care and love for others. His passing is such a loss but I am so joy filled to know that he is in the arms of our Saviour with the knowledge that he did a such good job while he was here.
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From: Dwight Soleski
Our heartfelt condolences to Linda and family. I had the privilege of pastoring with Doug in Terrace in the nineties and was always blessed with his love for Jesus and his positive attitude. He will be missed!
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“This is such sad news. I know Doug is rejoicing with Jesus, but his passing has left an empty void for those he left here.
I have many great memories of Doug and it was a privilege to know him for many years, first meeting him when he was a pastor at CLA- even as far back as being his son Andy’s grade 2 Sunday school teacher!
Doug was always available for a chat, a prayer and a great hug whenever I saw him. My favourite memory is the epic red sweater for Christmas Eve! He was always so positive and faith-filled…even in the midst of his sickness. What a life, what a legacy. He will be so missed.”
Thanks,
Tricia Champion
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From: David Dueck
I loved Doug. The silver fox!! A Father’s father. Such a loving, kind and intentional man. Someone I looked up to. He carried great peace – even in his diagnosis. That ministered deeply to me. In my early twenties, Doug gave me my first prophetic word. It was a word of courage in a season of great turmoil, hardship, and discouragement. He spoke truth into my spirit, like an arrow that hit the perfect mark, in a season where truth was scarce. The picture he gave me has never left me. I was so moved by it, a few years ago, I had a local artist sketch the image Doug had prophesied over me. It hangs on my office wall and I look at it each day as a reminder to be who God has made me to be, and to speak words of courage over others. I always think of Doug when I look at it. He will be greatly missed. What a wonderful man. I’m forever thankful for you Doug.
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From: Mark deHoog
Doug was a dear friend, a real deal pastor, and someone who I looked up to in many ways. I am grateful for the times we had together. Love to Linda and the family.
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