Tribute

FILTER, Douglas Bruce (Bo)
May 10, 1945 – January 05, 2026

Douglas Bruce Filter, 80, was born May 10, 1945 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He lived on the family farm with his family. He was active in sports, especially football for the Bison team for the Central City High School. He also played in the concert band, was vice president of the Student Council, class representative and treasurer.

When he finished High School he served in the US Navy, stationed in Puerto Rico as an Electronic Technician. After the Navy he graduated from the University of Nebraska with a BA in Psychology and a MA degree in Psychology in Santa Monica, California. He was a counsellor in the US before moving to Canada.

During that time in the US, he refurbished a 1931 Studebaker which he later drove to BC to rent out for weddings and graduations.

In BC, Bo became very involved in the peace movement and started an organization called S.O.S. (Save Our Seas), the idea being to stop warships from entering the Vancouver Harbour.

That was mission successful after continued peaceful demonstrations and letters to the government officials.

During this time Bo was writing his book, The Cause of War and Aggression, which was published and then started on a collection as a follow up to the first book.

He continued to fight for causes important to him, one being saving old growth trees on Denman Island.

He was a caregiver and advocate to people in need, and a man who enjoyed building things for people. He was still active in later years and took up pole vaulting and would do short distance sprinting.

He was a good and loyal friend to many, loved his dog, “Charlie”, who was his loyal companion. He will be missed. He was predeceased by his parents, stepfather, and sister Barbara.

He passed away at his home on Salt Spring Island on January 5, 2026.

Survivors include his son, Robert (Azumi) Irwin, his brother William (Judy) Filter, and nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life at The Harbour House Hotel, 121 Upper Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island, at 1:00 pm on Sunday, July 12, 2026.