Donald Neil McDougall
On May 29th, our beloved husband and father, Donald Neil McDougall, passed away peacefully at St. Claude Health Care Centre at the age of 88 years.
Neil will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Sharon, and his children Donald and Susan. He was predeceased by his parents Donald & Dorothy (Toucher) McDougall, along with his seven siblings.
Dad was born on the family farm in the Edwin area and was named after the first born to Donald & Dorothy, his brother Ralph Neil, who passed away at the age of six years. He attended Edwin School which was located a few miles from the homestead, and walked to and from school along with siblings and friends.
Dad kept a diary for many years and left us with a drawer full of memories. He loved animals, and could identify all the different variety of birds. Dad enjoyed trapping over the years, along with hunting and fishing. He enjoyed sports; curling, playing hardball and fastball and later on coaching. We have many pictures hanging on the wall serving as a reminder of all that Dad enjoyed throughout his lifetime. He made many friends over the years thru many of these activities.
Neil and Sharon were married on June 29, 1957, raising their children Don & Susan in Portage la Prairie. Dad always worked to provide for his family, with his first job working in a bush camp in Ontario with his brother Jack. From there he worked for the railway, Lyon’s Garage in Portage la Prairie, and then the Manitoba Developmental Centre as a plumber at the powerhouse and finally as a Stationary Engineer. Dad earned his Engineering papers by correspondence and excelled with marks all in the 90’s. With his career at the powerhouse lasting 37 years, Dad made many life-long friends.
Mom & Dad bought and acreage on the edge of the Duck Mountains, with a two room log cabin, spending a lot of time fixing it up, putting in hydro and water. Dad enjoyed hunting at Duck Mountain with his son Don and friends. It was a beautiful place which created so many happy memories with family and friends lasting for 30 years, which it was then sold for other families to enjoy.
Daughter Susan bought an acreage across from the Edwin Community Hall, with Neil & Sharon joining her, and later brother Don moving in, coming full circle and completing the family once again. Dad grew gardens all over the yard and sold vegetables at the Farmers Market in Portage, which became a family affair with all of them sharing the work. Both being social butterflies, Mom & Dad thoroughly enjoyed going to Market.
Dad experienced two heart attacks, and two strokes. He said, “I’ll take a heart attack ahead of a stroke any day.” He was taken to Portage Hospital, then Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg where he was met by a great bunch of staff who helped him with a very difficult road back. After spending a few months at Riverview he came back home. A ramp was installed on the deck by our good neighbour Martin.
As his health required, December 28, 2023, Dad was admitted to the St. Claude Health Centre. It was his home-away from home and he decided it was where he wanted to stay. He made it home for a visit, thanks to the ladies from the Centre. Thanks to the many family and friends that went to visit Dad, you all made his day.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone at the St. Claude Health Centre for providing such exceptional care for Dad. We never had to worry because we knew he was in good hands. Keep up the amazing work; you truly exemplify what a care home should strive to be.
Should friends so desire donations would be greatly appreciated at the Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 - 5th St. SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8, or Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 Sask. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8, or St. Claude Pavillion Recreation Department, Southern Health, Box 400, St. Claude, MB R0G 1Z0.
A Heart of Gold Has Stopped Beating. Dad was incredibly kind, compassionate, and possessed a witty sense of humor, always ready with an answer. We love and miss you dearly, Dad. We hold onto so many wonderful memories to cherish. A life truly well lived! With love, Mom, Don, and Susan.
A Celebration of Life will be held and announced at a later date.
Messages of condolences can be made online at http://www.flynnmemorial.com.
Flynn Memorial Services is entrusted with the arrangements.
