The CSIA BC Region is saddened to hear about the passing of Doug Hallman, past Chair of the BC Committee, former Ski School Director of Tabor Mountain and whose passion for ski teaching was the inspiration behind the Northern Bursary.
Over the years, Doug has impacted many people within the BC Ski Community and we all would like to express our sincerest condolences to Doug’s family and friends.
Frederick Douglas Hallman (Doug)
October 20,1936 – June 19, 2023
Doug was born in Chilliwack, B.C. to parents: Dr. Clayton and Eva Hallman. He was raised and attended schools in Vancouver but spent the majority of his childhood, youth and formative years at his beloved Cultus Lake. There, he enjoyed camping in the wild, roller skating, swimming, boating, fishing and hunting.
At the age of 12, Doug developed a love for motorcycles…it all started when he bolted an old, used motor to his bicycle. Many and varied (always modified) motorcycles followed over the years including, celebrating his 86th birthday on his highly modified Harley.
Doug attended Kerrisdale, St. Georges, Magee and Surpas Pacific College to complete high school. It was at Magee Secondary where he started dating Betty Gammer. Their good friendship and dating continued for many years leading to marriage in 1960. Later, they had two beloved children…Gordon and Vicki. Doug received a Bachelor of Education (P.E.) at UBC, then after several years of teaching Physical Education and Junior Secondary Mathematics in the Chilliwack School District, he went on to achieve his Masters degree in Leadership/Pedagogy-graduating from SFU in 1978.
Attracted to Prince George because he felt the district had a commitment to pedagogy, curriculum leadership and decentralized budgeting, Doug moved his family here in 1981 – taking the position of principal at Duchess Park Secondary School. Betty was able to continue her nursing career here.
Doug Hallman was a dedicated educator who believed the ‘learning for life’ slogan applied to all students and teachers. He realized that student learning needs varied and he worked hard with staff to try and ensure special needs were being met – including for gifted students. He, with staff, worked tirelessly to ensure that all students had safe, varied opportunities to learn and to succeed. As principal, he encouraged teaching colleagues to pursue opportunities which would broaden and enrich their understanding of student learning differences, and their own teaching skills. In these endeavours, Doug led by example. In 1987, Doug was appointed Principal of Prince George Secondary School where he continued this modelling until retirement in 1996. Hundreds of staff…thousands of students benefited from Doug’s dedication and leadership.
Following retirement, Doug pursued a new career as a full time ski instructor. He began skiing on Grouse Mountain in 1958- on wooden skis with bear-trap bindings. In 1989 he took the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance Level 1 course. He delved into the technical aspects of skiing and his students were the beneficiaries of his passion. He subsequently took the Level 2 course and earned his Level 1 Coaching certification. He became involved with the Canadian Ski Instructor Association (CSIA)- eventually chairing the BC Committee. Doug was put in charge of running the ski school at Tabor Mountain (1996 – 2005). His passion for good teaching/quality instruction continued. He worked hard at getting higher level certification courses in the north for CSIA members. In March of 2009, Doug had knee replacement surgery. By Christmas of that year he was back on the slopes. He continued to work for the ski school until 2015. Doug’s passion for skiing, ski teaching, volunteerism, Board leadership was an inspiration to many. In 2020, the CSIA-BC board created the Doug Hallman scholarships, two at $1,000 for ski professionals in the North – a perfect way to honour his life-long love of teaching and his passion for skiing!
Doug’s volunteering extended to Rotary where his expertise and dedication resulted in him being awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship.
Doug Hallman loved teaching, loved his careers, loved his sports, loved volunteering and friendships…most of all, he loved his precious Betty and their two children.
Doug is survived by Betty, his daughter Vicki Schmeisser(Alex), grandchildren Lee and Ashley, his son Gordon (Tracey), grandchildren Kirsten and Brody …and his last “best” dog, Tilly.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr.Graham Lloyd and the staff at Hospice House.
By request, there will be no funeral.
