Douglas Maurice Stoddart

Stoddart, Douglas Maurice-75, son of the late Arthur and Jean (Keddy) Stoddart, passed away at Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital, Musquodoboit Harbour on Sunday May 4, 2014, after a difficult winter. Doug began his working life at Hedley O’Brien’s grocery store, where Peter Myers taught him to cut meat. He worked at Blake Arnold’s grocery store and then went on to work for all the major chains: Dominion, IGA, Sobey’s and the Superstore. Doug usually held two jobs at one time. He began office cleaning in the 60’s and continued through the 70’s with several part-time employees. He repaired roofs with Al Webber and he painted with Fred Myers. He spent several winters making ice at the Dartmouth Curling Club. He was one of the first employees of the Dartmouth Sportsplex, becoming the Zamboni Man and earning his stationary engineer’s ticket. During the middle to late 80’s he and his son Andrew operated A & D Cabinets and Vanities. After retirement from the Sportsplex in 2000, he moved to his country home in Myers Point, but did part time work at the Superstore and IGA, etc, as well as the arena in Musquodoboit Harbour.

Doug was an active member of the Kinsmen Club in the 70’s. He was a 32nd degree Mason, past Master of White Ensign Lodge. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, NS Consistory, Keith Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix, Victoria Lodge of Perfection, and the Philae Temple. He once played in the Shriner’s band. He was a member of the Woodlawn Lodge at the time of his death. Doug was a man of many interests. He would try anything once. He hunted with his father-in-law Harry Blaxland in the early days. He made beer and wine and he liked to cook. He worked with stained glass, wood and metal. His continuing passions were gardening and photography. He read to find out how to do something. He enjoyed travelling, especially to New England and Cuba. He liked his TV news. He loved his new home and workshop, but most of all he loved his family. He was one of the first Dads to volunteer for school field trips. He often said “I’ve lived a good life, I’ve done what I wanted to,” and he did.

Doug is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nola (Blaxland); sons, Andrew (Belinda), Lake Echo, Glenn (Sonya), Ottawa; grandsons, Anthony and Alex Berakos; great-grandson, Dominick; brothers, Albert (Elaine), Lantz, James, BC, Ronald (Linda), Eastern Passage, Murray, Truro; sisters, Helen Arnold, Lantz, Rita (John) Moxsom, Hardwoodsland; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters, Shirley Stoddart, Geraldine Hart and Joan Langille.

Visitation will be on Wednesday May 7, from 2-4 and 7-9pm with a Masonic Service taking place at 6:30pm in A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland Street, Dartmouth. Memorial service will be held at 11am Friday May 9, in St. James Anglican Church, Dolby Hill, Head of Jeddore. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery. Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Twin Oaks Hospital. To view or place an online message of condolence please visit www.mattatallfuneralhome.com