Douglas William MacEwan

Peacefully, in his 100th year, Dr. Douglas MacEwan passed away at his home in Winnipeg on April 1, 2024. He was predeceased in 2007 by his wife, Elizabeth, with whom he shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. He was predeceased by his brother Ross (2017).

Doug is survived by four children - Joanne (Dennis), Elspeth (Grant), Eleanor Wiebe (John), and James (Gwen); eight grandchildren – Laura, Grace, Michael, Rachel, Alison, Jack, Stephen, and Sarah; and six great-grandchildren.

Unassuming, soft-spoken, and humble, Doug lived a remarkable life characterized by his love and devotion to family, service and giving to his profession and his community. He had an insatiable curiosity about and interest in all and everyone he encountered. He was quietly amazing.

Doug enlisted in the RCAF (1943). He served as a Flying Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force Coastal Command 407 Squadron until the end of the war.

Upon his return to Montreal, Doug obtained a Bachelor of Science in Honours Chemistry (1948) and a medical degree (1952) at McGill University. He subsequently pursued a specialty in radiology (1958). Doug began his career as a radiologist at Montreal Children’s Hospital before joining the staff of Montreal General Hospital (1963).

Doug and Elizabeth were married in 1951. Throughout their 55-year marriage, Elizabeth was an unending support to Doug. They were an inseparable team.

Doug became the Head of the Department of Radiology at the Winnipeg General Hospital and Chair of the Department of Radiology in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba (1966-83). Under his leadership, a radiology residency at the University of Manitoba became a coveted position and the Department of Radiology developed a reputation as one of the leading radiology departments in North America.

Doug continued to teach in the Faculty of Medicine until 1999. In addition, he was a visiting professor and/or guest lecturer at over 26 universities throughout North America and a speaker at both national and international radiology symposiums.

Throughout his lengthy career, Doug’s commitment to the continuing education of radiologists and the advancement of his speciality was manifested in his involvement in radiological associations and colleges including the Canadian Association of Radiologists, the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Most notably, he served as President of the RSNA in 1984, received a Gold Medal from the RSNA in 1991, and was invited to become a Fellow of the ACR in 1999.

Doug and Elizabeth generously supported local charities. They were regular subscribers and donors to many arts organizations. Doug was proud that Winnipeg has one of the finest and most varied arts communities in Canada. In the summer of 2020, when that community’s viability was threatened by the pandemic, he set out to raise $96,000 by walking one kilometre a day for the 96 days leading up to his 96th birthday. His campaign raised $124,000 and was shared between the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and Manitoba Opera. For his efforts, he was named one of The Globe and Mail’s Arts Heroes of 2020 and received the Winnipeg Arts Council’s 2021 Arts Champion Award.

Doug was an avid cross-country skier, gardener, and curler, continuing the latter two activities well into his 90’s. He spent many happy hours at the family cottage, where he enjoyed sailing, blueberry picking and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Doug’s dedicated health aides for their exceptional care over the last two years. Special thanks to Fanny, for the extraordinary devotion, care and support she offered Doug and his family for over 30 years.

A funeral service will be held on April 16 at 2:00 p.m. at Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor Street. "The funeral service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@westworthunitedchurch8433 for those unable to attend in person.”

If desired, donations may be made to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet for the MacEwan Scholarship (380 Graham Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4K2) or to the University of Manitoba for The Douglas and Elizabeth MacEwan Endowment Award or the Dr. Douglas MacEwan (Radiology Lectureship) Fund (Donor Relations, 100-137 Innovation Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3T 6B6)