Obituary of Robert Ian MacDougall
On Saturday May 1st, 2021 a great man left this life for another with much better weather.
Loving husband to Joan.
Caring father to Lisa (Jim) and John (Denise).
Adoring grandfather to Meg, Owen and Jean.
Elder Brother to Don, Mavis and Mary.
Affectionate Son of Robert and Cecile.
Bob was born in Noranda, Quebec, eventually moving to St. Catharines and then close to Niagara Falls where he attended and graduated from Niagara Falls Collegiate Vocational Institute in 1955. During his time at NFCVI, Bob played basketball and was on the All-Ontario Championship team, winning that title in 1953. He continued his schooling at The University of Western Ontario where he attained the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Bob also played basketball at university. For him, basketball was a passion.
Bob began his teaching career in 1959 at The Annex while Lakeport High School was being built, although the majority of his 32 years of teaching was spent at Sir Winston Churchill High School in St. Catharines. While Bob taught several subjects, History was his focus. At Sir Winston Churchill Bob also coached the Senior Boys Basketball team for a number of years. Bob was a diligent teacher because he believed that education was important.
Throughout life Bob was an avid golfer. A long time member of the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club, to him golf was transcendent. It was much more than a game. Upon retirement from teaching, Bob was able to continue his pursuit of golf, achieving twice what many don’t achieve at all – two holes in one. In addition to golf Bob was active in keeping fit and attention to a healthy lifestyle. When winter rolled around in Canada, he always looked forward to fleeing the Niagara Peninsula for the warmer climates of Florida and Georgia with golfing friends and family. The annual family get together, known as MacDougall-palooza, was a highlight to all. Whether in St. Catharines, The Finger Lakes, Cape Cod or Saratoga Springs, these were times for the family to come together and for Bob to watch his grandchildren grow.
Bob had a unique sense of humor. Not quite subtle, but then, not quite obvious either. He made you smile because he knew a smile is good medicine for everybody.
