Obituary of Mike Doig

David Michael (Mike) Doig

1931-2025

 

Mike Doig passed away in Brandon on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the age of 93. Mike was born to Marion and Bob Doig on May 18, 1931, and resided in Brandon his entire life.

 

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Irene Bunch; children Debbie Allen (Jim), Karla Smith (Randy), Jamie Doig (Lisa Griffith); stepson Barry Bunch (Christine); as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife Arden (nee Constable) and his brother Ian.

 

 

Mike pursued his early education at St. John’s College in Winnipeg. As a young man, Mike spent time working along side his father Bob at Doig’s Store Ltd.  At age 15 he entered Brandon College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.  Mike and Arden were married in September 1953 and together moved to Toronto for a short period to further his education. Upon returning to Brandon he joined Doig’s Store Ltd, a long established family business founded in 1926. On Sundays Mike would take his kids to the store where they spent hours entertaining themselves playing in the display windows and riding the carpet roller carts. The pneumatic tube system, unique in Brandon at the time, was always great fun.  He continued working there until his retirement in 1989.

 

His participation in ROTC training in Shilo, his love of the military life and training, led to his joining the 26th Field Artillery Regiment in 1950. He moved up in rank and in 1969 served as Commanding Office, relinquishing his command in 1971.

 

 As a highly skilled pistol shooter, Mike travelled throughout Canada and the US, accumulating numerous medals and trophies. He was the Canadian National Pistol Champion in 1961. He proudly represented Canada at the 1963 Pan American Games in São Paulo, Brazil, bringing home two silver medals for Canada. In addition to shooting, he was a licensed pilot and an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, canoeing, and mountain backpacking.

 

 

He was also an accomplished woodworker who spent many afternoons in his father’s workshop, often with his children tagging along. This led to him passing on his love for craftsmanship to his children. Among his many projects, he built sailboats for himself and friends. Mike was a long time member of the Brandon Kinsmen Club and K-40.

 

For 91years Mike spent summers at the cherished family cottage on the North Shore of Clear Lake. He had a deep love for Mexico and spent many winters in Puerto Vallarta with his wife Irene, even teaching himself Spanish.

 

Known for his resourcefulness and his analytical mind, Mike could fix just about anything. He always carried and grease pen or pencil in his shirt pocket and at one time a slide rule, all housed in a pocket protector.

 

 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in Mike’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.

 

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mike Doig, please visit Tribute Store