Memorable Manitobans: Douglas Earl “Doug” Edmondson (1933-2012)

Grain buyer, automobile salesman, municipal official.

Born at Oakville on 20 May 1933, to Barbara Cleta Campbell (1913-1988) and Leonard Gordon Edmondson (1910-1981), he grew up in rural Manitoba and worked as a grain buyer for Manitoba Pool Elevators, includingat McAuley (1954-1958). While stationed at Birtle, he met Margaret Charlene Edwards (1933-2010). They were married on 2 July 1953 and went on to have five children.

Working for Sun Life Insurance Canada, he and his family moved around the province, until he discovered his passion for cars and entered the field of automobile sales. Eventually he became a General Manager of Birchwood Motors in Winnipeg. In 1978, he decided to purchase a car dealership at Portage la Prairie. There, he owned and operated Edmondson Chev Olds until 1992.

He was an active politician, President for a time of the Portage-Marquette Conservative Association in the early 1980s until severing ties with the party over its defense of minority language rights. He later served as Mayor of Portage la Prairie (1989-1992). He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners International. He spent many years driving his miniature Yellowhead Roadster at parades and at the Shrine Circus.

He was an avid fan of the Portage Terriers hockey team and staunchly supported his grandchildren in their chosen sports. In later years, he and his wife enjoyed vacationing in Florida.

He died at Portage la Prairie on 10 April 2012.

Sources:

Canadian News Briefs, United Press International, 30 March 1984.

Obituary [Margaret Charlene Edmondson (Edwards)], Winnipeg Free Press, 2 February 2010.

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 14 April 2012.

“Douglas Earl Edmondson,” Dolanz Family Tree, Ancestry.

 

This page was prepared by Lois Braun.

Page revised: 4 March 2026

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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