January 23, 1921 – May 28, 2015
John C. McDougall (Mac, Johnny, Jack, Bus, Bucko) passed away at Evergreen Seniors Home May 28, 2015 at 94 years in Campbell River, BC. Mac was cared for at home by his family until 3 days before his passing. He was born January 23, 1921 in Beamsville, ON. (He called himself an "oatmeal savage" in reference to his Scottish heritage).
Predeceased by his parents John and Violet McDougall, infant brother Roy Laverne, brother in law Harold (Shorty) Stirling, sister in law Jo McIntyre and her husband Stuart McIntyre.
Family left to celebrate and honour his life – wife of 68 years Phyllis, children Nancy Tsangaris, Laurie (Sue – and grand doggy Jenny) McDougall and Jeanette McDougall; grandchildren Stathi, John (Valetta), Shannon and Patrick; Norma Stirling, sister (95) and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nephews and their families. Also many cousins in Canada and United States.
Mac trained in Hamilton as a tool and die maker and in 1943 he traveled west for a visit and stayed. Several years were spent at Boeing Aircraft on Sea Island (South Vancouver) followed by 13 months in the Canadian Army with RCEME (Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers).
He moved to Sayward where he built and operated a sawmill and later became a logger to supply that sawmill with a reliable source of wood. He and wife Phyl welcomed their three children during their 10 years in Sayward. He operated the Sayward Lumber Co. until 1956 when he moved his family to Campbell River. With his partner Paul Youngston Sr. (deceased), he purchased a building supply and woodworking shop then known as Campbell River Woodworkers. By November 2, 1965, they had built a new building and later changed the name to Campbell River Woodworkers & Builders’ Supplies (1966) Ltd. He retired January 1, 1981.
Mac and Phyl enjoyed trips to various overseas countries, and he and Phyl enjoyed many hours boating from British Columbia to Alaska in the Offbeat and Damifino.
He was a member of the Sayward School Board and the Campbell River School Board (was instrumental in getting a double sized gym at Phoenix). Mac was also a member of the C.R. Kinsmen, C.R. Gun Club and the Royal Canadian Legion (60 years).
He was honoured to be named District Governor for Rotary International local area 502 (now 5020) during 1988-1989, and was recently named a City of Campbell River Community Builder.
He was locally well known for his garden which he shared with family, friends and the community. The last planting yielded 1600 ears of corn and he was famous for his Kelsae Sweet 5lb 6” Onions!
Thank you to his special coffee buddy Ken Antonelli – he treasured your friendship. Thanks also to nephew Kevin Stirling and family for numerous visits while Mac was in the hospital. Special thanks to close dear friends Al and Marlene Wright.
He has gone to that great garden in the sky...to be with special pets Dick, Chaucer, Spanner and Fingal. He will be missed by his buddies at the Liars’ Bench. And will be missed by the close to 150 ducks he fed every year from September to April.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations may be made to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation Cardiac Care Endowment, 375 2nd Avenue, Campbell River BC V9W 3V1 or the Campbell River Rotary Club Foundation, PO Box 25072, Campbell River BC V9N 0B7.
Respecting Mac’s wishes there will only be a private family Celebration of his Life. However, if you would like, raise a glass of Glenlivet or Chivas Regal and say a toast. And when you hear John McDermott’s version of Danny Boy....remember your old friend.
Cremation arrangements supplied by Sutton’s Campbell River Funeral Home.