Douglas Carlson, 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2014 at the Emo Health Centre in Emo, Ont., where he was a long-term care resident since 1995. Doug was born Aug. 30, 1930 in Carpenter Township to Carl and Cora Carlson. Doug was married to Helen McNally on Dec. 2, 1950 and started their family of four boys and four girls. Doug purchased the family farm from his parents, continuing his passion for farming and raising beef cattle. Doug was instrumental in introducing Charolais cattle to Rainy River District, and of which he was happy to show off at the Emo Fair. Doug was employed by the Department of Highways as a heavy equipment operator for 32 years, retiring in 1990. He was very proud of his many Ministry of Transportation Safe Driving Roadeo awards, where he demonstrated his driving skills. Doug also served on the Township of Emo council for more than 30 years, serving his community and taking pride in its prosperity and growth. Doug was a hard worker, being employed full-time, operating and improving the farm operations, and raising eight children, but somehow found time to participate in numerous agricultural organizations, was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was an example for us all. Doug meet and married Doreen Galvin (Daw) on June 25, 1975 and welcomed her two children into the family. They both loved to square dance and enjoyed each other’s companionship until Doreen’s passing in 1990. Doug is survived by his first wife, Helen Nelson, and will be greatly missed by his children, Gene of Emo, Ont., Mary Perrier (Dave Walsh) of North Bay, Ont., Murray (Gail) of Thunder Bay, Ont., Laurie Witherspoon of Fort Frances, Ont., Ed (Diane) of Emo, Ont., Debbie Carlson (John Bosma) of Emo, Ont., Karen (Aurelio) Felice of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Lyal (Corinne) of Thunder Bay, Ont.; step-daughter, Dr. Patti Galvin of Guelph, Ont.; step-son, Kevin Galvin of Kenora, Ont.; and 21 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Doug also is survived by special friend, Elsie Skinner; sisters, Gwen Anders of Namaimo, B.C. and Clarissa Rudd of Fort Worth, Tex.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Doug was predeceased by his wife, Doreen; granddaughter, Jennifer Carlson; brother, Everett and sister-in-law, Florence Carlson; brothers-in-law. Ben Anders and Lyal Rudd; and daughter-in-law, Pam Carlson. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 16, 2014 from 7-9 p.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo. A Masonic service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday March 17, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church in Emo, with Pastor Conrad Dueck officiating. Interment will take place in Emo Cemetery at a later date. The pallbearers will be Marlin Carlson, Patrick Perrier, Joe Carlson, Jason Carlson, Jamie Carlson, Bill Witherspoon, Luke Carlson, Ryan Felice, Stephen Carlson, and Daniel Carlson. The honourary pallbearers will be Neil Grant, Ken McKinnon, Ken McDonald, Jim Sheloff, Wilfred Caul, and Jim Galsuha. If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to Emo Health Centre, P.O. Box 390, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0. Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com