Obituary of Douglas Grant McGillivray

McGillivray, Doug

Doug McGillivray passed away peacefully on March 10, 2018 after 85 years of robust strength and good health. He was predeceased by his son Paul (Sept. 22, 2017); wife Joyce (Oct. 2002); parents Scotty Hugh, Ethel (nee Middleton); siblings Penny, Barry and Doreen.  Doug will be lovingly remembered by daughters Carolee, Melanie (Stuart); sister-in-law Joan (Don); daughter-in-law Colleen, and grandchildren Amanda (Patrick), Adam, Brandon (Julia), Brad, Logan (Savitri), Sara, and Ben; great grandchildren Mackenzie, Koal, Connor and William. And by his special friend, Gloria, who brightened his heart and days in recent years. Doug is also survived by siblings, Janie (Stan), Brenda and Bonnie. Doug was born on a farm near Keystown, where he began school, and then moved from there to a farm near Pense when he was 10. It was here that Doug cultivated his love of farm life and developed a deep joy and sense of purpose in working with the land, resulting in a lifetime of being a talented gardener, an activity that undoubtedly built and maintained his strength and fitness. Another contributor to Doug’s health, and charm, was a natural sense of optimism, personal responsibility and work ethic. We also suspect Doug’s philosophy of “look good feel good” served him well. Doug had many friends from all over North America, whom he met through his love of sports and innate friendliness and sense of community. It was clear in watching his many visitors to the hospital that he will be missed by all who knew him. Doug was deeply grateful for the many years he got to be involved in his grandchildren’s lives through their varied sports and activities. They were a rich source of his enjoyment of life. At Doug’s request there will be no formal funeral. A celebration of Doug’s life will occur at 2:30 p.m.on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Pense Memorial Rink, 335 Manitoba St., Pense, SK.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.