Nepean Clarke MacDougall
Born In: Sydney
Passed on: January 18th, 2013
Nepean Clarke MacDougall, 90, passed gently away on Jan. 18, 2013, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, N.S.
He was born on Aug. 31 in Sydney to Peter William and Bessie Georgina MacDougall.
Dad grew up in the north end of Sydney during the 1920s. While this era didn’t offer financial security for most, dad truly cherished the richness of north end life shared with his parents, siblings and best friend Claude Huntley. Coined as the Great Knight of the North End, dad was a man of both valour and fun and often recounted these lean times in sweet reflection stating, “We were a poor but proud family!” In his late teens, he joined the Sydney Steel Plant to help support his family of eight siblings. It was during this period that dad shared many lunchtime conversations and connection with his own father, who served as the plant’s storeroom manager.
In 1942, dad signed up to serve in the Second World War. After completing his prerequisite training in Canada, he was deployed overseas as a soldier of the 8th Princess Louise’s New Brunswick Hussars Armored Division. His service began as a co-driver in the Division’s Sherman tank; however the realities of frontline combat would soon require him to step into the official role of tank driver. For three years of active duty, moving from Italy, to southern France and finally to Holland, Dad led his way always with a heartfelt intention to do the right thing. Only those who have served in combat can truly understand the fearless purpose rooted in a soldier’s heart. After the war, dad returned home to his family and continued active service as a veteran for many years in the Branch 12 Legion.
In Sept. of 1952, dad married the lady of his life, Lorraine May Munro in Whycocomagh, N.S. During their 57 year marriage, dad taught us once again about values of love, compassion and doing the right thing by supporting our mom through a very difficult battle of multiple sclerosis restricting her to wheelchair mobility for over 42 years. Both mom and dad were blessed with great neighbors who served as wonderful friends and supports during the child rearing years in Coxheath. In their later years, mom and dad enjoyed many evenings of blissful company on the patio of the Cove Guest Home where mom was a resident. Their regular evening dates earned them a title of “The Lovers” appointed by those who respected their infinite mutual devotion.
Dad is survived by his three children, Brenda Prince (Jim), Graham MacDougall (Bernadette), Judy MacDougall (Valerie), all residing in Sydney. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Laura, Mark, Ian and Eric; and Daisy Mae, his canine sweetheart. His remaining siblings, Madge St. Pierre of New Brunswick, Jean Machmer (Arthur) of Toronto, Graham MacDougall (Gao) of Toronto and many loving nieces and nephews will miss his tender heart, his adorable wit and unbounded love for them all.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sisters, Elsie MacDougall and Ruth Fraser, brothers, Robert MacDougall, Ralph MacDougall, and Gordon MacDougall, his best friend and confidante for over 80 years, Claude Huntley, and his feline buddy, Sidney.
Dad’s stories and the example of his life taught us about the simplicity of living honestly. Love, lead in your own life, be true, be compassionate and be responsible by serving in whatever way life asks of you in this moment. He was and remains to be our “Hero Dad”. Good night, sweet Knight.
A celebration of dad’s life will be held at the Sydney River United Protestant Church at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23. The family will be greeting friends and relatives after the service in the church hall downstairs. Interment to follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to be made to the Last Post Fund and the SPCA, Cape Breton Branch.
Condolences may be left sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
