Obituary of Douglas Alexander Duncan

Douglas Alexander Duncan, 75, of Clear Sky Meditation Center in Bull River, passed away Sunday, October 5th, 2024, of natural causes. He was born on July 14, 1949 in Regina, Saskatchewan to William and Grace Duncan. 

Doug attended the University of Ottawa. He traveled the world extensively as a hippie first, then as a student of the Canadian-born Buddhist master and world traveler Namgyal Rinpoche, and later as a teacher of Buddhist philosophy and meditation, with his own students. 

He is survived by his spouse, Catherine Pawasarat, and a devoted community of students. Doug and Catherine met while he was teaching in Kyoto, Japan in early 1998, and together with students, friends, and other supporters they co-founded the Clear Sky Meditation Center in Bull River in 2004. 

Doug was beloved by his students from countries around the world for his warmth, humor, and commitment to helping people suffer less and enjoy life more. 

An avid golfer, reader, and lifelong learner, Doug also thoroughly enjoyed connecting with people in the local community. He intentionally took time to get to know the people who worked at the golf courses, cafes, restaurants, and other shops in the East Kootenay. 

A private celebration of life took place on October 12th at Clear Sky Center. Another will be held in December, open to the public, doubling as an Open House for people who would like to visit Clear Sky. If you'd like to celebrate this remarkable person, and experience the wonderful center and community that he co-created over the last 20 years, please write contact@clearskycenter.org or call (250) 429-3929.  

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that contributions be made towards Doug’s dream of building a teaching hall at Clearskycenter.org/charitable-donations. Donations of any amount are very welcome.