George Raymond Doucet

George Raymond Doucet, age 84, formerly of Halifax passed away at Windsor Elms Village in Falmouth, Nova Scotia on Tuesday January 23, 2024, following a courageous battle against Alzheimer’s Disease.

Predeceased by his loving wife, Virginia Ann (MacMaster) Doucet [March 26, 2019]. Beloved father of Dennis (Colleen) of Stillwater Lake, NS; Brian (Karin) of Summerside, PEI; and Carla (Jeff) of Peterborough, ON. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren Jack and Ian Doucet, Reilly and Thomas Doucet, and Connor, Owen, and Lauren Guest

Born in Quebec City on March 28, 1939, George was the son of the late Herbert Louis and Mary Agnes (Boudreau) Doucet of Kenogami, PQ. Growing up in a military family, George was raised in Val Cartier, Quebec City, and Edmonton.

George attended St. Francis Xavier University and enjoyed his time there so much he graduated twice – first in 1959 with a Diploma in Engineering and in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science. Following graduation, he and Ginny were married in Boylston, NS on May 20, 1961. Their marriage spanned 58 years taking them to Quebec City, Baie Comeau, and back to Nova Scotia. Ginny was a life force well matched to his, and a source of adventure and strength.

George had a long and varied career in education and politics. Early in his career, George taught at St. Patrick's High School in Quebec City, later moving to Baie Comeau as principal of the local English school.

Moving back to Nova Scotia, George was a trailblazer on several fronts. In 1972, he was the first principal of newly built Sackville High. Passionate about giving back, George was elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature in 1974 representing Halifax Cobequid where he served as the first Acadian Speaker. George was a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association representing Canada on delegations to Greece and Britain. He served on the Canadian Regional Council and is an Honorary Member of His Majesty’s Executive Council for Nova Scotia.

In 1993 George left Sackville High to become Supervisor of Schools for the Western sub-system. In this role, George was equally at ease in kindergarten classrooms and city councils, travelling back roads and highways visiting the many schools under his wing. He mentored many young teachers throughout his career.

George retired many times, but it never stuck for long – whether it was taking on a role in the Liberal Caucus office, volunteering at Pier 21, or substitute teaching.

George was a man of deep faith and an active parishioner of St. Pius X (Fairview), St. John Vianney Church (Lower Sackville), and St. Agnes (Halifax) where he served on many parish and diocesan committees, and as a reader and greeter.

A devoted family man, George was a lifelong Canadiens fan, avid Bridge player, and loved to socialize. He was kind, level-headed, with an easy laugh and a great sense of humour. He had a gift of listening closely, making others feel heard, and seen. George will be greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched including his surviving siblings, Carol-Ann (Alistair) and Gerry (Phraz) of Shediac, NB, and Gerrine (Ron) of Montreal.

The family extends our deep and heartfelt gratitude to Windsor Elms Village staff for excellent and compassionate care.

Visitation will be held at J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax on Tuesday January 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A celebration of life service will be celebrated at JA Snow on Wednesday January 31 at 2:00 pm. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.