It is with great sadness that Laurie Carruthers Caron, Clan Commissioner for Canada and one of the clan’s senior genealogists, announces the passing of her uncle, Douglas George Carruthers, on April 25, 2026. Doug was predeceased by his sister, Laurie’s mother, Darlene Emily (Carruthers) Caron, who passed away in 2017.
Doug made a significant contribution to Carruthers family research through his participation in Y-DNA testing. By undertaking a Big Y DNA test, he not only helped confirm his family’s ancestral connection to the Carruthers of Holmains line, but also established a valuable genetic triangulation with two other Carruthers descendants of the Guileburn branch. His willingness to participate has strengthened our understanding of these ancestral connections and contributed meaningfully to ongoing Carruthers clan genealogical research.
Doug’s obituary was published on the RCMP Vets website and is reproduced below.
https://lastpostrecent.rcmpvets.ca
CARRUTHERS, Douglas George – Regimental #28739
April 25, 2026 – Salmon Arm, BC.
Douglas George Carruthers Staff Sergeant (Retired) RCMP Regimental #28739 December 6, 1950 – April 25, 2026 Years of Service: 1971 - 2006 Postings: "E", HQ and "K" Divisions Douglas George Carruthers passed away on April 25th, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on December 6th, 1950, in Drumheller, Alberta, Doug was the son of Floyd and Phyllis (Peggy) Carruthers. He was raised in Drumheller and graduated from Drumheller High School in 1968.
Doug grew up with a deep love of sports, with hockey holding a special place in his heart. As a teenager, he tended goal for his local team, earning a tryout with the Edmonton Oil Kings and a spot on the roster for the Calgary Cowboys. He completed his WHL career as the starting goaltender for the Saskatoon Blades, with the New York Rangers holding his rights before he continued his love of the game in community and RCMP leagues throughout Calgary, Ottawa, and Edmonton.
In 1971, Doug began a distinguished career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, dedicating 35 years to service, primarily in drug law enforcement. His first posting was in Richmond, British Columbia, where he met his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Penny. Additional postings took him to Calgary, Ottawa, and Edmonton, where he ultimately retired from K Division. He was proud to be a member.
Following his retirement, Doug and Penny settled in Salmon Arm, British Columbia. They cherished their winters in the Valle Del Oro community in Mesa, Arizona, where Doug spent time in the woodshop, enjoying creative projects and sharing laughter with friends during happy hour. He had a knack for finding a good bargain and never passed up a garage sale.
Doug was a strong advocate for dialysis patients in Drumheller, working to help secure local dialysis services so individuals would not have to travel to Hanna each day for treatment. He had a deep love for the Olympics and was proud to volunteer at the Vancouver Olympics. He loved music and spent the last few summers volunteering at the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival. A passionate sports fan throughout his life, Doug was a devoted fan of the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Blue Jays.
Known for his quick wit and his signature “10-4,” Doug carried the phrase from his RCMP days into everyday life, often leaving family and friends with those two familiar words and a smile.
He is survived by his wife, Penny; daughter Kim of Calgary; son Steven (Laurian) of Spokane; and daughter Stacey of Edmonton. He was a proud grandfather to Tamura (Chris) Talbot, Ashley (Mike) McElgunn, and Brooke Carruthers, and a great-grandfather to Owen and Beau Talbot. He is also survived by his brother Bill Carruthers and sister Phyllis Nygaard of Drumheller.
Doug was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A celebration of Doug’s life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. 10-4, Doug.
It is the quiet heroes within our family that we sometimes forget. These are the folks that in their lives make a real difference to the people around them, both within their chosen community and within their own immediate family.
The clan motto says it all, Promptus et Fidelis, and Doug, who gave his life in the service of others, was always ready to help and assist, while remaining faithful to his personal values to the end. He was a man who also made also his mark within our own genealogy through his DNA contribution, and for that we remain forever grateful.
We send our kindest thoughts and condolences to the immediate family and may he sit at the table of his ancestors, safe in the thought that his legacy lives on through those closest to him.
Rest in Peace.
Promptus et Fidelis
Non Sto Solus
