Wilfred Edward MacDougall

Wilfred Edward MacDougall was born in Sydney, N.S. Aug. 2, 1926, and died of cancer in his own home in Sydney on Aug. 20, 2016, aged 90 years. Wilfred died as he lived, content with his home, family, faith and life. “They call me Lucky Willy,” he often said, “and I am.”

Wilfred was one of 14 born to the late Duncan MacDougall and the late Margaret Morrison, from Judique and Cleveland, N.S. Wilfred was predeceased by all his siblings, whom he loved: Duncan; John; Lawrence; Joseph; Agnes; Rita; Alice; twins Mary and Martha; Euphemia; Jessie; Christie; and a brother who died in infancy.

Wilfred grew up on Richmond St., and raised his own family there. He married the beautiful and feisty Elizabeth LeBlanc of Petit Etang on April 15, 1952, and they were married 64 years, until his death.

Together, they had six children: Wilfred David (Pearl); Michael; Allan; Glenda (Christian); Donald; and Stephen. Wilfred was the grandfather of five: Joseph (Debora); Cindy (Clayton); Kelly; Jenna and Carly. He had seven great-grandchildren: Steven; Alexander; Alyssa; Isaac; Aedan; Naomi; and Edward, his namesake. Many friends mourn him, especially the members of the Ashby branch of the Royal Canadian Legion Br 138, of which he was a member.

Sixteen-year-old Wilfred went to work at the steel plant in July 1942 to support the war effort. He then served his country during the Second World War in the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserves from 1943 to 1945, beginning his service at age 17. A kind military superior discovered his youth and sent him to serve at HMCS York, in Toronto, until he was released. He enjoyed those years; Willy was a handsome fellow in his uniform, “and the girls noticed,” he said.

He retired from Sydney Steel Co. in March 1984, and greatly enjoyed his long retirement. Wilfred loved time with friends and family; a good pint of beer at the legion; a challenging crossword puzzle; various games of chance; and most especially watching Jeopardy! in his favourite chair.

He died happy.

A special thank you to the nurses of the Victoria Order of Nurses, and the doctors and nurses of the Cape Breton Regional Health Authority palliative care program, for making Wilfred’s wish of dying at home possible.

Visitation at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney, on Wednesday, Aug. 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial Mass at St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church, 381 Whitney Ave., on Thursday, Aug. 25 at 11 a.m., with reception to follow at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 138 Ashby, 35 State St. Wilfred chose to donate his remains to the Human Body Donation Program at Dalhousie University’s Medical School. No flowers; please donate to Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton or organization in his name. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com