We are very sad to announce the passing of Doug MacDonald in the wee hours of Saturday, June 13 after a brief admission to the palliative care floor of the VG.

Doug  passed after a very,  long battle with metastatic kidney cancer spanning almost 2 decades. Despite this very significant challenge, Doug remained positive until the end always with his mantra “I’m the luckiest man in the world” to show his attitude toward life, and appreciating the people around him. He always loved the simple things in life- good music, good books, long bike rides, hikes, spending time with family and friends and  enjoying his wife’s cooking for which he always was so appreciative.

Doug enjoyed volunteering in the community, as a volunteer firefighter and citizens on patrol volunteer. He loved going to the gym, playing basketball and was always trying to stay active and healthy, especially enjoying the outdoors. Doug adored music, and truly loved his work and colleagues during his time at Musicstop/Long & McQuade. Doug loved music of all sorts, enjoying records, live music and of course singing along to cassettes on road trips. He loved following his favourite football team, the Rams, and was disappointed they didn’t make the superbowl this year.

Doug was very proud of his children, ending every phone call or visit with the mantra “I love you and I’m proud of you” with complete consistency, and big hugs.  He welcomed all friends of his children and loved receiving visits from them over many years, even after Erin and Keltie were no longer at home. He was an avid reader and always encouraged learning, curiosity and exploring, and he truly encouraged his children to carve their own path in life- which they very much did and was so happy to see it.

Doug is survived by his wife, Dolena, his 2 children, Erin (Cairo) Keltie & their spouse Sacha (Halifax), sisters Gillian Blackburn (Russell) of Tantallon,  Nancy McKnight (Howard Hennessey) of Tantallon, Tedda (Bob Grimshaw) of Winnipeg, and brother in-law, (David MacAskill) of Tantallon, and his nieces, Kim, Sherry, Christine, and nephew Jody and grand-niece Lydia, and grand-nephew Brett. Doug was pre-deceased by his parents, Theodore MacDonald, and Helen MacDonald of Timberlea, and brother-in-law Randy McKnight, and also his in-laws, Russell and Bessie MacAskill.

The family would like to thank Drs Kent Pottle, Joe Lawen, and most especially Lori Wood, his long-term oncologist and special angel. Regarding his recent hospital stay we would like to thank Dr. Liz Amos and the amazing staff on 7A. We would also like to thank nurses Pat and Donna who worked with Dr Wood, all the kind paramedics, the wonderful management and staff of Closing the Gap Home care especially Shonelle, Mark, and Heather who have been most consistent and the numerous others who have provided support to Doug and the family. We would also like to thank the “coffee crew” (Arthur, Earl, Norm, Butch, Reg, Clark) and neighbours in Tantallon woods, as well as Doug’s long-term friends most especially Dan, Joe, Dion, Phil and Rick. We would also like to thank management and staff at Spring Garden Dentistry and Long and McQuade who were so supportive during Doug’s prolonged illness.

In accordance with Doug’s wishes, cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered in Aspy River Cape Breton, a place where he enjoyed many long hikes and fishing trips.

Donations in Doug’s honor can be made to the VG palliative care unit, or Canadian cancer society. A celebration of life will be held next summer.

Words of comfort may be forwaded to the family at www.haverstocks.com