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Mac and Jennifer Cosburn planted 3 trees in memory of Douglas McGill
Saturday, June 24, 2023
3 trees were planted in memory of
Douglas Scott McGill
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Too soon. Much more left to contribute. Will be fondly missed. Our thoughts are with his family.
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Mustafa planted 5 trees in memory of Douglas McGill
Friday, June 23, 2023
5 trees were planted in memory of
Douglas Scott McGill
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Despite my insistence on a gift, he humbly suggested donating to a food bank, displaying his kindness, generosity, and commitment to helping others
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Anonymous planted 3 trees in memory of Douglas McGill
Friday, June 23, 2023
3 trees were planted in memory of
Douglas Scott McGill
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A tribute to the outdoorsman that Doug was, With love from Vi, Colleen, Beth and Christina
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Jacqueline Wells pledged to donate to CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada
Friday, August 18, 2023
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Neve and Dave Tsai donated to CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada
Friday, August 18, 2023
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Catherine Westbrook donated to Lakeridge Health Foundation
Friday, August 18, 2023
Anne, sending sincere sympathy, love and strength to you and your family. May memories and the kindness of others guide and support you through the days ahead.
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Angela & Scott Coleman donated to CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada
Thursday, August 17, 2023
With our deepest sympathies to the McGill family: may the love and kindness of family and friends surround you during this time.
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Manoharan Philipupillai uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, August 17, 2023
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I have known Doug from 2009 when he along with Nadine became Consultant Block Manager to the Vaughan Development Block that I was working on. Outside work, we had similar interests, in Science, Technology and Politics. Soon we started sending/ receiving many emails on Science and Politics.
When I was hospitalized in 2012, I received from him several science expository books such as “why does E = mc^2 by Physics Professors Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw, "Your Inner fish" by Paleontologist and Evolutionary Biologist, Neil Shuman and “The Quantum Man”, a book on Richard Feynman.
His emails would include links to readings, music, videos, podcasts on science, Perimeter lectures, politics, satire, and humor. Perennial favorites were links to “The New Yorker’s Horowitz Report” and the “Randy Rainbow song parody”.
Doug was big on advocacy, led campaigns and wrote to politicians on matters of public interest. He prepared signs and participated in the Science March in Toronto on Earth Day, April 22, 2017.
Doug had a broad understanding and knowledge of Science and Medicine and a keen follower of scientific developments. One of his emails was on “What a Pool of Chemicals is Man” with You Tube videos about DNA replication in the human body, ATP manufacture in the cells and about enzymes. He concluded the email thus: “After considering this think about how most people attribute ill health to various causes never guessing that this is what is going on inside them”.
Reading Tim Pychyl’s tribute to Doug I now know the origin of Doug’s private email signature since 2019, “Keep Calm and Carry On”.
Since Doug’s treatment started and due to Covid lockdown our meetings were limited to Zoom. Doug’s email with the new signature in October 2021, expressed relief that his treatment was over and was optimistic.
We had planned to go to talks given by British Physicist Brian Cox in March 2022 and by Physicist/ Mathematician/ New York Science Festival Organizer Brian Greene in January this year, but Doug couldn’t make it because of his medical appointments.
After months of trying Doug finally managed to host a “Dim Sum” lunch in January 2023. Doug, Nadine, Mirela and I met to celebrate milestones in Developmental work in Vaughan. Doug was in good spirits.
My wife and I were away for 6 weeks in March and April travelling in Asia. When I checked back with Doug, on our return, it was apparent that things had taken a turn for the worse.
We had a long chat when I visited him in late May. We spoke on the phone in early June. His last email was on the same day forwarding a copy of his email to a Federal political leader!
Farewell Doug! We will “Keep Calm and Carry On”.
Our thoughts are with Doug’s family and friends.
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Scott McGill and Family posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Doug was my cousin, and a part of my life since my earliest memories.
Our families spent a lot of time together when I was a boy and Doug was often talking about, or doing something fun and interesting, like running a model steam engine or showing me his trains, or my favourite, throwing his canoe into my parents pool!
Despite our 16 year age gap, he always had time to check out any new toys I had when we visited. He looked at them with the same excitement I did and that meant a lot to me.
My family nickname was Bear when I was young but as I grew older, people stopped calling me that…. except Doug. I could always count on Doug to call me Bear, I believe well into my thirties! I never minded though.
My current memories of Doug are the same as when I was young, he was still doing something fun and interesting.
He often had some words of wisdom to share with me, and his words helped me through some difficult times.
I’ve always admired Doug for his passion and dedication to the people in his life, his sense of adventure, and his strength and optimism, especially in the last few years.
I’ll miss you, Doug. Rest in peace.
Love, your cousin…. Bear
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Debbie & Jody Hamade donated to CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada
Friday, August 11, 2023
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Mary Morrison donated to CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada
Thursday, August 10, 2023
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Susan Choy posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Living so far away in California, we don't get to see the McDougall-McGill family nearly as often as we would like. Nevertheless, we have many happy memories of times together in Whitby and at Lac Manitou. We especially remember our wonderful trip to the Arctic with Anne and Doug. Also memorable was the McDougall sibling reunion in Algonquin Park when Doug patiently carried all four of our canoes over a short portage when he could no longer stand watching us struggle.
We treasure our memories of Doug as a kind and intelligent man who loved the outdoors, but who loved his family over all. He will be sorely missed.
Love, Ron and Susan Choy
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Manoharan Christy Philipupillai donated to CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada
Friday, August 4, 2023
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Tim Pychyl uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 27, 2023
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In late October 2017, my canoe-tripping partner, Bill Ramore, and I were crossing Bonnechere Lake in Algonquin Park when we spotted another canoe heading in the opposite direction with paddlers of the same vintage (fellow “old farts”). We met in the middle of the lake for a chat where we learned we had much in common, particularly our love for Algonquin and canoeing. Given that my camera is always in my pocket, I captured a photo of that brief encounter with Doug and Fernando Spigarelli, his steadfast canoeing partner. Fortunately for me, we exchanged enough information that Doug and I got in touch later that fall and a friendship began.
A memory that stands out for me is from the fall of 2019 when I was diagnosed with cancer. Doug sent me a gift – a bright red t-shirt with the silhouette of a canoe being portaged and the words, “Keep Calm & Carry On.” I loved that shirt, and I wore it to every radiation treatment. When Doug learned this and that my family liked the shirt as well, he sent spares for me as well as shirts for my wife and two children. In a very real sense, he was with me throughout that treatment and recovery. His support and kindness were unwavering. I learned, as all his friends do, that Doug was a very generous and thoughtful friend.
Unfortunately, it was only about a year later that Doug called me to tell me that he was now wearing the t-shirt, that “he had joined the club,” and had begun treatment for cancer. With COVID and the effects of treatment compromising his immune system, face-to-face visits were few and far between, but we kept in touch with emails, text messages and phone calls. And, as he recovered, we did what he loved to do, we paddled. I’ve added some pictures of a short trip in the fall of 2022 with Fernando and Doug’s son, Eric. What a joy it was to paddle and camp together. It is where Doug thrived, as so many friends have written already.
Four days before Doug died, paddling partners reunited for a tour of Opeongo Lake together and a picnic on the shore where Algonquin Park Wardens joined us to thank Doug for his generous support throughout the years. In fact, they pulled up at the outfitter’s dock in a boat that was propelled by Doug’s very generous donation of a 150 horsepower Yamaha outboard. They were so genuinely happy to meet Doug, to be able to tell him what a difference he had made with this gift, as well as others – such as the fund raiser he organized to purchase two Jon boats and camping gear for the wardens’ interior work in the park. Doug had a keen focus on the interior of Algonquin – on all wilderness really – and he was always looking for a way to contribute to its maintenance and preservation. Among the pictures I’ve shared of this wonderful last day together, my favourite is the one of Doug leaning back in his chair after our picnic lunch soaking up the sun. Although struggling with cancer, he was always so very much alive.
I will miss my friend Doug McGill very much. His intelligence, curiosity, humour, generosity, kindness, spirit of adventure and fun enriched our lives. He will be with us in spirit always.
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Steve Schaefer donated to CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Doug will be greatly missed by us all. He was a great teacher, mentor, innovator and leader. While we definitely had many great working times together, Doug's love of the outdoors, whether canoeing, biking or sledding seems to be where he found a great deal of pleasure so this donation seemed to be most appropriate on his behalf. Doug has left a long lasting impact on me that will never be forgotten.
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Adam Marinelli donated to CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Doug. A great friend, storyteller, and intelligent thinker. I won't forget the many memories of canoeing with Doug through my entire life. A very generous and thoughtful person who will truly be missed. Thoughts go out to the McGill family during this tough time.
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Tom DeKay uploaded photo(s)
Friday, July 7, 2023
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Doug, you were a great friend and a great source of advice, information, and insight on everything. Working with you was an absolute pleasure but having you as a friend was even better.
Tom
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Ute Repple donated to CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Dear Anne and family,
On behalf of Dennis and I, please accept our sincere condolences. I wish we had the chance to meet Doug. He sounds like he was an amazing man. Thinking of you and sending hugs and prayers.
Love Ute and Dennis
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John and Janet Foster donated to CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Dear Anne, Laura, Eric and family, we are very saddened by the loss of Doug. We have so many canoe tripping memories and memories of our families sharing holidays together, camping, canoeing, tubing down the rivers and our wonderful houseboat vacation and one of the best northern lights experience!! Doug will be very sadly missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with you and your family. John and Janet
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Fernando Spigarelli uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
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Ginetta and I would like to convey our sincere condolences to the family. It is hard to express my feelings on the loss of my best friend. Doug was an intelligent, passionate and generous individual. We met in 1985 and enjoyed countless outdoor adventures -mostly in our canoes. Paddling my canoe will never be the same without him. I will miss our many camp fire chats. You will always remain in my thoughts and heart.
Fernando Spigarelli
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Uncle John & Aunt Donna McGill uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
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Our hearts are broken. We are very saddened by Doug’s passing and we will be forever grateful that we had a chance to visit with him on the Sunday before he passed.
Doug’s family was always very important to him. Over his years, he would never regret the times he spent with them, no matter what they did together. Recently, he experienced his grandparenting role and couldn’t say enough about his little granddaughter, Amelia. She brought a lot of bright light to Doug when he spent time and spoke about her. We could tell that she made him very proud. He told us lots of stories and shared many photos. He had patience and talked in fun about when he and Amelia would spend time together paddling in his canoe, times at a cottage, picnics in the backyard, and baking cookies together. He even talked about when they played My Little Pony and dolls. Doug was always up for a challenge. He built Amelia an amazing playset in his backyard so when she visited her grandparents, she could enjoy it. She loved it.
We believe that when Èlodie arrives, that as she grows up, she will learn many great life experiences and hear stories about her Grandfather.
Douglas was the first-born grandchild, on both the McGill and Ramsay sides of the family. Our families were always very close, which offered many great times over the years. As both sides of the families grew, we shared in dinners, family gatherings, holiday celebrations and much more. Doug was a very thoughtful, caring and giving person. We had many great phone chats, more so in the past year, sometimes while Doug was having his dialysis three times a week. We reminisced and shared lots of stories.
Our thoughts are truly with his family and friends. He has left a legacy of love and strength.
Always take care of each other.
Rest in Peace, Doug
“There is magic in the feel of a paddle and the movement of a canoe, a magic compounded of distance, adventure, solitude and peace.” ~Sigurd F. Olson
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Urbantech donated to CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
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Shelley Tackaberry donated to CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Anne and family - my heart breaks for you and your loss of a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. You have my deepest condolences.
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Catherine Munro donated to CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
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Mirela planted a tree in memory of Douglas McGill
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
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In memory of Doug McGill!
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Mirela Sula posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
I would like to express my sincere condolences to McGill Family on the loss of Doug. It was great pleasure to work with Doug. May he now rest in peace.
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MELANIE KLUMPER uploaded photo(s)
Monday, June 26, 2023
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One fond memory we have of Doug diving into our backyard pool with the yellow lab Yoanna to get some awesome underwater dog photos. He loved all the foster pups that Anne cared for from The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. Doug printed a beautiful photo story report booklet one of their first pups Yoanna, and he gave our family a copy. We will cherish this booklet and all the wonderful pictures now more than ever! Rest in peace Doug. Your kind disposition and legacy will continue to shine bright through your children and grandchildren.
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The Klumper Family ~Melanie, Mark, Rachel and Matthew planted a tree in memory of Douglas McGill
Monday, June 26, 2023
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Dear Anne and family, No words can express our sorrow and our thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Monday, June 26, 2023
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Monday, June 26, 2023
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Monday, June 26, 2023
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Monday, June 26, 2023
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Monday, June 26, 2023
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Monday, June 26, 2023
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Monday, June 26, 2023
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Monday, June 26, 2023
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Monday, June 26, 2023
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Monday, June 26, 2023
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Monday, June 26, 2023
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Monday, June 26, 2023
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Monday, June 26, 2023
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Monday, June 26, 2023
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Dave Gariepy uploaded photo(s)
Monday, June 26, 2023
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Heather and I want to extend our deepest sympathies to Anne, Laura and Erik on Doug’s passing. This is much too soon. Doug and I shared many great adventures over the past 40 years - paddling northern lakes and rivers, portaging through forests, hiking high mountain ridges and most importantly, engaging in lively discussions on all range of topics by the evening fire - discussions with Doug were always a great adventure! Enthusiasm, generosity, humour, compassion, intelligence and curiosity are all words that come to mind when I think about Doug. I will miss Doug dearly and will be forever grateful for his friendship and will cherish the memories of all the wonderful times we shared. Farewell my friend.
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Doug Miller posted a condolence
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Flora and I want to send our deepest sympathies to the McGill families on Doug passing. It was a 2019 Lady Evelyn/Temagami canoe trip that I first met Doug and Eric, and I was so impressed with Doug’s openness, generosity and wealth of knowledge on Canadian history and canoeing. He lead a wonderful life and has certainly left an indelible mark. May he now rest in peace.
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John & Brenda Paul planted a tree in memory of Douglas McGill
Sunday, June 25, 2023
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A tree is planted in memory of Doug Scott McGill.
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John T. Paul posted a condolence
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Brenda & I are still getting over Doug’s recent passing. I first met Doug in 2005 after moving to Canada from the Atlanta region. We would see each other from time to time at social gatherings; spending time talking history, politics, & on occasion finance. I had gotten to know Doug better over the last two years. We would alternate house visits. Topics as above lasting hours. We often loaned each other books. We had planed to meet unfortunately on his last day. He was a great guy. We shall all miss him. John & Brenda Paul
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Margot Carter posted a condolence
Sunday, June 25, 2023
When my sister, Anne, met Doug in a whitewater canoeing club, my late husband, Bruce, and I knew that she had met her match! Here was a man who loved the outdoors and had a sense of adventure, just as much as she. What did they do on their honeymoon? Why, they went on a challenging canoe trip on the rugged Stikine River in Northern BC! A perfect match!
As we got to know Doug, we were impressed by his intelligence and vast general knowledge. We realized that if we wanted to debate something with Doug, we had better have our facts straight!
Something else we learned pretty quickly about Doug was how much he loved his family. We could tell that he and Anne and their kids and grandkids had created a very close-knit family and were always there for each other.
What will I remember most about Doug? He was a very special man whose life was one well lived and he will be greatly missed.
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MIKE MCLEAN uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, June 24, 2023
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After meeting Doug about 22 years ago, we’ve stayed friends and shared thousands of miles of snowmobile trails together. He would always impart the gems from his latest read and highlights from his ‘other’ travels. Most often we’d commiserate and banter about our work or other struggles and share successes in some frozen paradise. His keen sense for unique adventure took us to many out of the ordinary locations. Parent, Cap-Chat, Perce, Amos, Saguenay, Rapide-Sept, Murcochville, Val-d’Or and especially Belleterre were treasured stops in the winter.
At work, he’d taught me the simplified approach to Earthworks, and not to accept the muse of “part art” being an inherent fudge factor. He told me the shortest path to becoming a superstar, was not to avoid it, but to jump into a pile of $h!t. Legend has it that he was banned from the TRCA’s offices for a while as his tenacity for a purely rationale solution was an unwelcome approach to the problems at hand.
In our time together it was clear that Doug quietly had a deep love for his family, in particular Anne, Eric and Laura, but something about Amelia caused him to be more obvious. He lit up talking about having her over to play in the yard after school next door.
I’m not sure of all the things Doug put energy into raising funds for, but it seems to me his love for Algonquin was top of the list!
Champion, Legend, Mentor and Friend, you will be missed! Thank you Doug!
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Louis Greenbaum posted a condolence
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Our condolences to the McGill family on the loss of Doug. May you know no more sorrow; and may his memory be for a blessing. Sincerely, Louis and Mark Greenbaum
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Mustafa Ghassan posted a condolence
Friday, June 23, 2023
I had the honor and joy of collaborating with Doug for the past three years. He was an exceptional individual and an outstanding professional. Witnessing his passion for his work was truly inspiring, and his expertise in his field was nothing short of genius. Working alongside him was a genuine pleasure, and I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing.
Doug was a constant source of humor in his conversations. He had a remarkable ability to find the lighter side of things and never allowed negativity to bring him down. His clever use of memes to add a touch of levity to any situation was always a delight. Doug's infectious positivity and uplifting spirit were truly uplifting and made every interaction with him a joyful experience.
May his soul find eternal peace, and my heartfelt prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.
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S Fisher donated to CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada
Friday, June 23, 2023
We are so very sorry for your loss, Anne, and for your family's loss. We hope that wonderful memories of fun times with Doug bring you peace. With love, Sue and Steve Fisher
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The family of Douglas Scott McGill uploaded a photo
Friday, June 23, 2023
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