Robert (Bob) Allan McDougall

We are saddened to announce the passing of Bob McDougall at Gateby Care Home, Vernon, after a difficult 20 year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Evalynne, his children, Greg (Kim), Colin (Victoria) and Nona (Ted) and his six granddaughters, Kate (Ian), Alex, Samantha, Annica, Aislinn, and Quinn. He was predeceased by his infant sister, Marjorie, his mother, Vi, his brother Ron, and his father, Frank. Bob was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan near the beginning of the Second World War His father was a senior officer in the South Saskatchewan Regiment, and so he spent most of his early childhood moving between Canadian military bases. After the war the family settled in Moose Jaw, where Bob attended high school and then the local Teachers’ College. In 1961 he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Education, and in 1965 from the University of Calgary with a Masters in Education. He began his first teaching job at a high school in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan when he was nineteen. He continued in the field of education for the next forty years, instructing in elementary school, high school, and then at Mount Royal College in Calgary, (now Mount Royal University). There, he served as Chairman of Humanities for many years, and finally as Dean of Arts. After his retirement in 1995, he and his wife moved to the Okanagan where he was Education Manager of the Okanagan Indian Band until he retired a second time in 1998. While working on the Reserve he became a strong advocate for the development of new education programs and among other things, was instrumental in the building of a much needed preschool facility. Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease about 2000, but continued to be independent and active maintaining his fitness as his best defence against the increasing disability of a terrible disease. However, in 2013 a crisis in his condition placed him in extended care at Gateby Care Home, Vernon. Until then he continued to travel, hike and fish, mentor students as well as host a weekly gathering of a circle of close friends. He spent hours learning the intricacies of turning beautiful bowls and other objects on his lathe and he especially liked to spend time in his favourite place, a showpiece garden. Even after being confined to a wheelchair he still enjoyed outings with his family and care aides who became his friends, and his exercise buddies who helped him continue classes in the Schubert Centre next door. He was known among the nursing staff for his quick wit, one liners, and the humour and stoicism with which he bore his Parkinson’s Disease. Above all he cared deeply for those whom he felt responsible, whether it was a kindergartener, a college student, one of his staff, or especially a family member. One of his greatest joys was the success of his children and the foundation they have given his grandchildren. A job well done, and we will all miss him. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, a formal memorial cannot be held at present. Bob was an active member of the Parkinson’s Society of BC and closely followed the research into the causes of Parkinson’s. Instead of flowers, a donation to the Parkinson’s Society of BC Research Fund would be much appreciated. Arrangements in care of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, Vernon, BC. 250-542-4333.