November 20, 2021
1956-2021 ~ It is with broken hearts the family of Tom McDougall announce the passing of their dear Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and friend who passed away on November 20th at the Palliative Care Unit in Nanaimo, BC. Thank you to the palliative team for your gentle care and compassion in Tom's final days.
Born in Brandon, MB Tom was the fifth born child of Jock and Connie. At the age of five, Tom's family moved to Calgary, AB where he finished growing up on 32nd Street SW.
Tom played high school football for Viscount Bennett and after graduation went on to play in the Canadian Junior Football League for the Calgary Mohawks. Tom carried his love of football with him throughout his life.
His sister Ivy introduced Tom & Jan on a blind date and so began the next chapter. They were married in Brooks, AB in November of 1979.
Tom became a journeyman plumber/gas fitter and before long they started a family. In 1984 they found themselves moving to Taber, AB where Tom was the first plumber on site building a new hospital.
It was during those years that Tom was asked to join the coaching staff of the Taber High School football team, The Rebels. He went on to organize and coach a junior high school team in Taber who were called the Kinsmen Cowboys.
After the hospital job, Tom worked for Jac Hoppenbrouwers of Bow Island. Work was scarce so when his brother Lex called in the spring of 1987 and asked Tom to be his partner in a Home Hardware dealership, there was no hesitation. Off to Nanton, AB they went.
These were busy years with expanding the business and raising kids. They were fortunate that not only could the cousins all go to school together, but Grandma & Grandpa McD lived there as well as Aunty Kathy & Katie and of course there were lots of visits from all the other families.
Eventually Tom & Lex dissolved their partnership and Tom moved his family to Vancouver Island. There he tackled the biggest challenge of his life, turning around an old worn out hardware store in downtown Ladysmith, BC. After numerous renovations including actually "raising the roof" there wasn't anywhere left to grow. So he did the next obvious thing and built a new store. Through all this Tom remained this calm, gentle man who loved to help people and problem solve.
By this time, Tom & Jan had discovered Horne Lake and found retirement calling. Tom's health had started slipping so the decision was made to retire. The last ten years of Tom's life were filled with love & laughter, kids and grand babies, chasing the sun in Arizona, boating, hunting, hiking and more.
Tom always treated people with warmth and respect. Everyone who knew him knew he had such a big heart and would always make you feel like you were such good friends. He had a wonderful sense of humor that would make anyone laugh. Many will fondly remember the legendary 'kitchen parties' where Tom had the whole room laughing at his jokes and stories.
He was loved deeply by his family and friends, and we all feel comforted knowing he is at peace after a wonderful life well lived.
Tom was predeceased by his parents Jock & Connie McDougall, his brother-in-law Michael Fauth (Louise) and a sister Ivy Berting.
Tom is survived by his wife Janice of 42 years, daughter Shannon LaRiviere, daughter Tammy & Clay Wilcox and a son Murray & Leah McDougall. His grandchildren Thomas, Emma, Lila, Mack, Alice, Grace and Lawson.
Two brothers, David & Nancy McDougall of Kelowna and Lex & Jenn McDougall of Okotoks. Four sisters, Kathy Lockton and Louise Fauth of Medicine Hat.
Brenda & Steve Griffith of Colorado and Sharon Ianson of White Rock Plus their respective children & grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Vision Quest Recovery Society. 1-604-946-1841