63, South Bar
John Alan ‘Books’ MacDougall passed away peacefully on Dec. 23, 2012, at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital.
Born in Sydney on March 13, 1949, John was the loving son of the late Johnny ‘Flat’ and Mary ‘Books’ (MacDonald) MacDougall.
A Pier boy at heart, John was a member of Holy Redeemer parish. He was employed by the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board as a teacher from 1973 until his retirement in 2006. John had many hobbies which included motorcycling, skating, skiing and snow boarding. He loved his summers at the ‘bungalow’ in Big Pond where he enjoyed many ceilidhs with family and friends. John will always be remembered by his family, friends and colleagues for his unique sense of humour.
John is survived by his wife, Jeanette; sons, John and Ian; sister, Tina Marie MacNeil; brother, Redmond (Carol Ann) MacDougall; father in-law, Michael MacIsaac; sisters in-law, Elaine (Cecil) Langer and Ann Frances MacIsaac. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews, Ells, Cailin, Stephen, Jennie, Redmond, Jake, Jillian, Michael and Michelle.
Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his mother in-law, Eileen MacIsaac, brothers in-law, Gregory MacIsaac and Curtis MacNeil.
Funeral mass to celebrate the life of John Alan ‘Books’ MacDougall will be held Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier, with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Light refreshments will be served at the Pier Community Funeral Home in the reception area. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
At this time the family would like to give thanks to Dr. Stephen Farrell and the medical staff on the second floor of the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital for the care and compassion given to John during his time of need.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
John was my shop teacher for three years when I attended Riverview High School back in the 80s. John was a rarity in that he took the time to get to know his students and most of us looked at him not just as a teacher but as a friend. I will never forget how when I was having some family issues in grade 12 and John found out, he took me into his office and had a talk with me and let me know that he would be there if I ever needed advice or someone to talk to. I’ve never known another teacher who cared that much. John was everything a teacher should be. He legitimately cared. My condolences go out to his family, he was a good man.
From: Dave Donohue
Deepest sympathies are extended to all the MacDougall family at this most difficult time.
From: Clem Burt
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless and strengthen you. Sincerely; Kevin and Joan (Mouland) Richardson
My deepest sympathies to Jeanette and family. There are many good memories of John and I know you will find the strength to get through this time. Please know I am thinking of you and keep you in my prayers.
From: Ann Hulford
My deepest sympathy at this time to your family. I have so many wonderful memories of all of your family many years ago. He was a wonderful man
From: Ron Barrett
My sincere condolences to John Allan’s family. My memories of ‘Books’ go back to Grade Primary at Holy Redeemer Boys School and continue through childhood, into our adolescent years and on to adulthood. Always a ready smile and a friendly conversation, no matter how long it had been since our last meeting. A fixture of the Pier, John Allan will be sadly misssed. From: Joe Black
My sincere sympathy to John’s family. John and I met while studying at Teachers College. I have many good memories of John. May he rest in peace.
From: Sheldon Shaw
Dear Tina, Charlie, Jeanette and families; Our sincere condolences on the loss of John Allan. He has been a great friend and loyal Pierite! We will all miss his wonderful spirit, humor and friendship! Books was renown for his great wit and kindnesses! Dorothy has fond tales of Books’ and his Pier Posse’s meanderings in early days! His influence on the live’s of Thousands of students is a testament to his professional career. Books always regaled me with his endearing chant at any encounter we had:"Margie Lou, don’t you Poo. down your leg and out your shoe!" This was always followed by a thunderous roar of laughter..his of course! We are sending our comfort and prayers to you today and for the days ahead! Your family has often shown great friendship and support to our Gillis clan in our own time of sorrow! We are grateful! May John’s great spirit rest in the embrace of God. May you find comfort of heart and soul in the support of family and friends. Know you are carried tenderly in thought and prayer.
From: Dorothy and Margie (Gillis)
My condolences to Jeanette and the boys. The last time I saw John Alan, it was at a great afternoon at the cottage in Big Pond and a good time was had by all and John Alan was happy.
From: Brenda Heine
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and all the family in the loss of your husband ,father ,brother,uncle and son in-law.
From: Blair Cooke and Family
I would like to convey my most sincere condolences to the MacDougall family on the passing of Books.He was a great person and touched many lives with his warm smile and charming wit.May God bless and keep him in his care.
From: Jay Duguid
Jeanette, Redmond, Tina, and families: On behalf of the Teachers of the Cape Breton District Local, Nova Scotia Teachers Union I offer deepest sympathy on the passing of John Alan (Books). I would also like to offer condolences from Laurie and I and our family.
Sincerely; Ron MacIntosh President Cape Breton District Local, NSTU
My deepest Sympathy for yiour loss. I knew "Books" during his days at TC. Oh My!!! He was a great guy and always brought a lot of laughter to my family’s home.
From: Kate Mertens
My sincerest condolence to Jonn Alan’s wife and family. I am a cousin of John Alan for my mother was Violet Roberts, Aunt Tinie’s sister. I lived with the family for one school year. So sorry to hear of the death of Alan.
From: Charlotte (Roberts) Mac Isaac