Douglas Judson McVicar
Born In: New Wateford
Born: January 3rd, 1944
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: January 20th, 2015
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas Judson McVicar on Jan. 20, 2015, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. At the same time, it is with the greatest joy that we are able to call him husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and to know that his larger than life persona and his trademark gruffness will never be forgotten.
A proud New Waterford boy, Doug was born on Jan. 3, 1944, to the late Mary and Gordon McVicar.
He grew up in New Waterford and married Midge Matlock in 1965 and moved to Sydney where, together, they raised their boys, Ian and Todd. He worked at McVicar Pharmacy, Chaisson & MacDonald and Kenmount Ford.
Doug is survived by his loving wife, Midge; his sons, Ian (Anita) and Todd (Patsy); grandsons, Kyle, Breton, Colin, Cameron and Sean; sisters, Hilda, Lylie and Millie; great-granddaughters, Carly and Payton; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents, Doug was predeceased by his brother, Art and his sister, Mildred.
In his 70 years, Doug forged a trail of laughter, service and wisdom. He was a dedicated community leader with more than 40 years of uninterrupted community service to several organizations on which strong communities are built. A member of the Kinsmen executive for more than 40 years, he served two terms as president and was honoured multiple times as Kinsmen of the Year.
In 1994, he received the Kinsman Lifetime Membership Award. His influence can still be seen at Horizon Achievement Center, an accomplishment in which he took much pride. His dedication to community service also included commitments to the Nova Scotia Air Cadets and Cape Breton Hospital Executive Board.
Doug was also thoroughly interested and engaged in politics. He particularly (and regularly) enjoyed the miss-steps and miss-quotes of those “blue and orange” guys. The “red guys” will miss a loyal friend and vocal supporter who worked diligently for the causes to which he gave his support. He was known for never holding back an opinion, telling it like is, and more than a few people will miss debating hot-button topics with him — complete with laughter and volume. Doug and his cohorts held court daily at Tim Hortons on Welton Street arguing and debating the world’s events; and the world is a better place for the problems they solved.
He had a love affair with antique cars and spent many joyful hours travelling with the boys from the car club. He was passionate about football, cheering and criticizing his beloved Pats as only he could. He had immeasurable love for his family, his cottage and life that he passed to “his boys” — Ian, Todd, Kyle, Breton, Colin, Cameron and Sean. The men that they are and the men they are becoming are the best testament to the life Doug led.
Funeral mass to celebrate the life of Douglas ‘Doug’ Judson McVicar will be held on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, at 10 a.m. at St. Leonard Church, Mt. Carmel Avenue, New Waterford, with Deacon Leo Penny officiating. Interment will take place in St. Michael's Cemetery, Scotchtown. A reception will be held at St. Leonard Parish Hall on Convent Street in which stories and memories of Doug will be shared with love and laughter. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Doug may be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (www.cpffa.ca).
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com.
