Obituary of Gordon MacDougall

MacDougall, William Gordon- It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Gordon MacDougall, who passed away peacefully on May 5, 2017 in the Northumberland Veterans Unit, Pictou at the age of 93 with his loving family at his side. Born in Thorburn in 1924, he was the youngest and last surviving child of the late William and Margaret(Munroe)MacDougall. In 1941, at the age of 17, Dad chose to answer the call and enlisted in the army. He served with the West Novas and then with the First Special Service(Devil’s Brigade). As a member of this elite unit, he received many prestigious medals and commendations. In 2015, he was awarded the US Congressional Medal of Honor and most recently, the highest order of France, the rank of "Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honor". Upon returning from Europe, Dad immediately began working at the McBain Mine, married the love of his life Frances, and together they raised five children: daughters, Linda(Barry)MacDougall, Trenton; Susan Hayman, Thorburn; Toby(Kenny)MacDonald, Edgerton; sons: Allan(Brenda), New Glasgow; Stephen(Kathy), New Glasgow; 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Dad was a member of St. Alban’s Church, Thorburn, past president of St. Alban’s Men’s Club, and past Noble grand of Moore Lodge, Thorburn. He was instrumental in the formation and development of the Thorburn and District War Memorial Association where he served as president for 12 years. Dad proudly marched in every Remembrance Day Parade until he was no longer able. As an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 for over 50 years, he proudly ran the poppy and wreath campaigns for many years. Dad had a powerful singing voice and will be fondly remembered for spontaneously breaking into song at any given moment, his beautiful smile and his love of the Blue Jays. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 58 years Frances(Pitts); his parents William and Margaret MacDougall; sisters Anne, Hazel and Susan; brothers Clifford and Charlie, and son-in-law Mike McCarron. Special thanks to the compassionate and caring staff at the Northumberalnd Veterans Unit where dad spent the last few years of his life. The family will receive visitors from 2-4 and 7-9pm Tuesday May 9, 2017 at the H.W. Angus Funeral Home, New Glasgow from where a memorial service will be held 11am Wednesday with Rev. Darlene Jewers presiding. A reception will follow the service in the funeral home. Burial will take place in the Thorburn Cemetery following the reception. The Royal Canadian Legion will gather at the Funeral home at 6:30 pm Tuesday to conduct their service of remembrance. Family flowers only by request of the family. Donations in memory of Gordon may be made to the Thorburn War Veterans Association C/O Warren Mason or to a charity of one’s choice. www.angusfuneralhomes.com