Sydney/New Waterford
 
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 (Courtney), 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.

Send an online condolence.

     

                              Online Condolences

Rest in peace Doug.
From:  Jim Connors Sr


We are saddened to learn that Dougie passed away. Please accept our sincere condolences.
From:  Dan and Donna MacRury

My deepest sympathy on the passing of Doug. I served with him on the Board of Directors of the Horizon Achievement Centre for many years. He was a fine gentleman and very dedicated. He will be missed. RIP friend.
From:  Delores Garland

After the tears have dried and the goodbyes have been said, all we have to hold onto are the happy memories that we?ve shared with our loved ones who have passed, this is what keeps them alive in our hearts and in our minds, and they will continue to live on, through us. Rest in peace Uncle Doug…you will be missed by so many XO. 
From:  Rokelle and Errol

So sorry to hear of Doug's passing. He was a nice man. We hope your memories of him will comfort you. May he rest in peace.
From:  Hank and Melita Smith


Dear Midge & the McVicar Family. Please accept our deepest sympathy on Dougie's passing. He was always such a friendly person! Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Donnie & Muriel Blackwood.
From:  Muriel Blackwood

My sincere condolences to Hilda,Lylie and Millie and loved ones.I know he will be missed greatly.I have fond memories of growing up with Dougie on 9TH Street and attending Mount Carmel School
From:  Simone (Cormier) Baglole

I was so sad to hear about Doug's passing. I am sorry I wasn't able to attend his service due to extenuating circumstances. I am recovering from being attacked before Christmas. We were both active in the Kinsmen and it was a joy to have known him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
From:  Elias Jabalee

Dear Midge, Todd& Patsy, Ian& Anita & all family members. So sorry for your loss. May the memories you share today bring you comfort in the days ahead. 

From:  Henry & Judy Jewer

Midge….Johnny and I were so sorry to hear of Doug's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad and difficult time. God Bless.
From:  Vivian (Williams) Pye


Midge, Ian, Todd and Family; So sorry to hear of Doug's passing. I have many fond memories of our times together in Kinsmen and our many road trips. he will be missed.please accept our sincere condolences.
From:  George & Marilyn Peters (Florida)

Doug's obituary was such a loving tribute and it defined so clearly the character, wit and spirit for which he was so well known. I remember him as my warm, funny and self-confident uncle who always kept us thinking and laughing. I hope you are at rest now, Dougie, with the father you didn't have enough time to know, your sweet Mom (our Nana), our Dad (Art), your sister (Millie) and all of our much loved family members who have passed before you. Keep them all smiling Dougie!
From:  Bianca Blair

Spent a number of years in Kinsmen with Doug prior to and in the early years Kinsmen Resource Centre. He was a good friend and a truly dedicated community person.
From:  Jerry Redmond

Dear Midge, Ian and Todd; So sorry to hear of Dougie's passing.  May our Lord get you through this sad time. Prayers to you.
From:  Margie McVicar


Dear Family: Our heartfelt sympathy at this time. Doug was always fun to talk to and discuss just about anything. He will be missed a lot.
Sincerely from cousin, Gary Noblett, Glace Bay

We were so saddened to hear of Doug's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
From:  Martina, Maureen, and Darleen Delaney


Sorry to read of Doug's passing. He was a great guy and always ready to have a chat and a laugh. May he rest in peace.
From:  David Simms

Dear Midge and Family, Please accept our sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of Doug. God Bless.
From:  Vincent & Lorraine (Pembroke) Tighe