Peacefully at Allen Bryant Resthome and Hospital Hokitika on Monday, February 3rd, 2025, just prior to his 85th birthday.
Loved husband of Frances, loved father and father-in-law of Janine and Julian (deceased) Morris, John and Anna Stapleton, and Louise and David Gray, Loved pop of Nicolas, Brittany, Brooke, Olivia, and Campbell. Son of the late Fred and Lorna Stapleton, brother and brother-in-law of Diane and Alan Lay, Lorna and Bill (deceased) Godwin, and Dorothy and Brian (deceased) Hey.
Special thanks to Dr Anna Dyzel for her support and to the Allen Bryant Resthome management and staff for their care and patience. Messages can be sent to 66 Sewell Street, Hokitika, or left on Douglas’ tribute page at www.thompsonfd.co.nz.
A private cremation has taken place.“Be Reasonable Do It My Way”

Douglas Charles Stapleton
February 3, 2025
Sending my deepest condolences to you Frances.
My deepest sympathy and thoughts are with you Frances, and all of Doug’s loving family and friends.
My heartfelt condolences to Frances and the family 💕 I got to know Doug quite well and will fondly remember his wit and seeing him walk with his dog past the I site in the mornings
So sorry Frances for your loss. May your strong faith give you comfort during this very difficult time. Sending love your way.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers.
My deepest sympathy Frances to you and you family. Sending love your way.
So sorry Frances and family to hear Doug has passed away. Our deepest sympathies.
Sending our deepest sympathy to you Frances and your family. Happy memories of many a banter and laughs we had with Doug. With love from us both
Thinking of you all at this sad time
Thinking of you Francis.
My deepest sympathy ❤️
Deepest condolences to Francis and Family .A true gentleman Doug I will miss our chats plenty of banter and fun 💙💙
Doug and I were in the same class at HDHS for many years. I have many happy memories of Doug and my time there together with Neville Richards and Peter Thorn. My best wishes to his j family.
Frances, my deepest and most sincere sympathy for your loss of Doug. Also to Diane and all the family. May you each be filled with deep peace and love, knowing that Doug is now free from all suffering and enjoying his new life with God who is Love.
Deepest sympathies to Frances and family. Treasure the many fond memories.
Sending love and light Frances ❤️
My condolences to the family. One of my customers who always said hello and had a quick chat.
Deepest sympathy Fransis to you and your family
Kindest regards Jennie
Deepest sympathy to your family. May he rest in peace.
Sending my deepest sympathy to all the family.
I remember playing cricket with him at the front of his house in Hampton Street with all the boys.
Fond Regards Peter
Frances and family Our deepest sympathy at this sad time
Thinking of you all
Lot love
Dear Frances and family
Our deepest sadness for your loss with Doug passing away.
Love and prayers Jill & Pete Kersey Nelson.