“Mentorship is a great way to share your knowledge, help others achieve their goals, and strengthen the community. That’s what everyone should strive to do. Everyone has knowledge they can share.” These words come from Douglas Eaglesham. Read more on edmontonski.
A Pilot’s Dream Deferred
Douglas Eaglesham is a well-known figure in Alberta. He dedicates his life to mentoring young people, participating actively in community initiatives, and educating others in practical skills.
Born on November 26, 1952, in Kamloops, his childhood was spent in Cayley, Alberta, a small farming community near Calgary. He grew up helping his parents on their family farm, alongside his two brothers, tending to cattle and cultivating grain crops.
From a young age, Douglas was fascinated by aviation. He was captivated by the Golden Hawks, a Canadian Air Force aerobatics team, practicing maneuvers over the family farm in preparation for the Calgary Stampede.
In 1965, he joined the 187 High River Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, nurturing his passion for flying. However, due to vision problems, he had to give up his dream of becoming a fighter pilot. Despite this setback, he served his squadron with dedication, instilling in himself discipline and teamwork.
Career Development
In 1971, Douglas enrolled in Olds College, completing a program in agricultural mechanics before working at an agricultural equipment dealership in Claresholm. The following year, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces and became a cadet instructor. He served in various positions within his original squadron and as a staff officer at the Air Cadet Training Centre in Penhold.
His commitment enabled many men and women in Alberta to develop valuable skills and realize their potential. His efforts as a leader spanned several decades, significantly impacting his community.
In 1973, Douglas married his classmate, Marlene Wolfe. They had two children and eventually moved to Edmonton, where Douglas worked for a truck rental and repair company while earning an automotive technician certification from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.
The family later returned to Cayley, where Douglas worked at car dealerships in High River and Calgary. Over 30 years, he built a career in the automotive industry before transitioning to teach automotive mechanics.
Contributions as a Community Leader
As Cayley’s mayor, Douglas profoundly influenced the community. Elected to the municipal council in 1979, he served for 15 years, including two terms as mayor. His leadership focused on improving the well-being of his hometown and the surrounding region.
Douglas also served as director of emergency services for over a decade, developing a critical disaster response plan for the community. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the Recreation Board of Cayley, securing funding for the construction of the High River Recreation Centre.
Awards and Recognition
For his contributions to the Armed Forces, Douglas was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, the Alberta Centennial Medal, and the honorary officer title from the Air Cadet League.
Throughout his career, Douglas maintained a calm, confident leadership style, quietly celebrating the accomplishments of the young people he mentored. His legacy as a community leader and mentor continues to inspire others to reach their full potential.