Douglas Poulter

Douglas Hugh Poulter passed away on October 6, 2024 at his home in Tomball, Texas at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Pamela B. Poulter and is survived by his son Graham Poulter and wife Carole of Cypress, Texas, his daughter Gill Poulter and wife Helen Terhorst of Ponoka, Alberta, Canada, his sister Jean O'Brien of Shepperton, England, his nephews Paul, Peter, and Michael O'Brien, his niece Astrid Webber, and his two grandchildren Pamela Poulter and Sara Bouffard of Austin, Texas.

Douglas had a remarkable life that would see him live in three different countries and multiple US states, twice carving out a new career and re-establishing a new life in a new country all while maintaining his English accent and pride in his English heritage.

Douglas was born in Weybridge, England and grew up across the River Thames in Shepperton. Douglas lived through the Battle of Britain during WWII and experienced the loss of friends and family members during the war. Douglas joined Shepperton Studios in 1947 as an assistant cameraman for one year before being conscripted into the British Royal Air Force. While in the RAF he was trained as a Radar, Radio and Airfield Control specialist in the 11 Group Fighter Command and was stationed in Wartling on the grounds of Herstmonceux Castle.

It was during his service to the Crown that he met the woman who would share his life for the next 64 years. Douglas met Pamela at a dance on the Eastbourne Pier in 1949 and they were married in 1950.

Douglas returned to Shepperton Studios after his stint in the RAF and worked as a cameraman on many feature films, including An Ideal Husband, The Great Manhunt, The Tales of Hoffman and the Late Edwina Black. One day in 1952, Douglas' wife Pamela won a sixpence at the horse races and they chose to celebrate their winnings at the local pub in Pevensey. Douglas and Pamela met a couple that night who suggested they leave England and move to Canada to pursue a better life. This chance encounter would change their lives and the lives of their future family in a profound way.

Douglas soon sailed from England on the Empress of France and arrived in Montreal in November 1952. He first landed a job with AV Row & Co., a precursor company to British Aerospace and BAE Systems, and was subsequently hired by the Canadian National Film Board where he learned the art of animation photography at a major film studio.

While perusing a film trade magazine in 1964, Douglas saw a job advertisement for a company called Centron Films Corporation in Lawrence, Kansas. Douglas and Pamela moved to Lawrence to re-establish themselves in yet a third country, a long way from their homeland in England. Douglas began work at Centron in their animation camera department and eventually became a Director and Associate Producer of industrial and educational films.

Douglas was an active member of the Trinity Episcopal Church, and he supported both the Boys and Girl Scout organizations while they lived in Lawrence. Douglas and Pamela made many, great life-long friendships, and they reflected later in life that they enjoyed their time in Lawrence more than anywhere else they lived.

After Centron folded in 1985 Douglas once again reinvented himself as a shopkeeper and butcher at the Beach Road Market in Door County, Wisconsin. Douglas retired in 1995 and he and Pamela moved from Wisconsin to Houston, Texas to become active grandparents and help care for their grandchildren.

Douglas' final role in life was as the primary caregiver to his wife Pamela at the end of her life in Houston. He became the head cook, housekeeper, and nurse with complete devotion to her care until she passed in 2013.

Douglas is remembered as an honest, hardworking, humble man of exceptional character with a keen wit. He was a man of great courage and resilience to re-establish his life in so many new countries and states while learning new professions to support his family. Douglas was a true English gentleman, neat and tidy with a stiff upper lip. He preferred his cup of English tea with the proper amount of milk and sugar, and a poached egg with the poaching time based on the exact weight of the egg.

Douglas' family would like to thank Infinity Home Care Services and Nery's outstanding staff of caregivers who helped him enjoy his final years and extended his life through their love and care. We are truly grateful.