In Memory of Jack McDougald

John (Jack) Andrew McDougald passed away at Maple Creek on May 31, 2020 at the age of 94 years. Jack was born August 27, 1925 to James and Florence (Cumberland) McDougald in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan and was raised, along with his two younger brothers, in Maple Creek, while spending time on the Y Bar ranch south of Maple Creek.

In 1939, at the age of 13, Jack joined the Reserve Army. That year, his unit, The 14th Canadian Light Horse, was the last unit to take horses to camp at Dundurn. In 1943 he enlisted in the Canadian Army, taking basic training at Saskatoon, Kingston, and Hamilton. World War 2 ended just as his unit was completing their training, so his hope to go overseas did not come to be. He remained in contact with unit comrades ever since. He was forever proud to be a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, as it was the Legion that ensured that the young soldier would complete his Grade 12 at Regina, and helped former soldiers get into agriculture.

After finishing with the army and high school, Jack returned to Maple Creek and began ranching. He was always open to innovative ideas regarding range management and cattle breeding. Being interested in good grazing practices led him to become an active member of the Society for Range Management for many years. Jack became active in the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association in 1956. Opposition to the idea of a marketing board for the cattle industry was para¬mount in those years. He served as president of the association in 1961 and 1962. In recognition of his contribution to community and the livestock indus¬try, the Saskatchewan Livestock Association present¬ed Dad with an Honour Scroll in 2014.

Jack believed in a strong community through active participation. He served in various capacities with the Rural Municipality of Maple Creek, Cypress Lodge Special Care Home, Maple Creek Union Hospital, Saint Mary’s Anglican Church, Southwest Oldtimers Association, International Order of Odd Fellows, and the Royal Canadian Legion. For a number of years he drove for the Handi Bus, Seniors Taxi, and Meals on Wheels.

A story from Christmas Eve 2018 gives us a picture of who Dad was. A news reporter, fresh to Maple Creek, had heard that the Anglican Church was putting on a supper for those alone at Christmas. He approached the church with apprehension. It seemed too quiet. There were no signs. Perhaps he was mistaken… A voice called, “are you here for supper?” The newcomer answered, “why yes I am.” “Well it’s this way, follow me, I’m Jack by the way. Come, I’ll show you where you can put your jacket. I’ll find you a place at the table, you can sit next to me.” And so it went that a newcomer was welcomed into the community. This account was in the newspaper the next week. Dad was forever welcoming, always meeting new people, and he loved learning and sharing.

We know that Dad had a network of friends, young and old, greater than we will ever know. Going out for a cup of coffee with friends and neighbours was a great pleasure, if a game of crib or whist was on, so much the better. Music was important and there was a great variety via radio, home stereo, dances, theatre, jazz festivals, music cafes, and internet radio. The telephone kept him in touch with friends and relatives constantly. He lived independently until recently, and took his last driving tour about Maple Creek in early March.

In 1954 he married Ivy Park. Together they ranched until retiring to Maple Creek in 1987. They were active in the community. Dad rode his bike about Maple Creek for many years, and forever made a point of having a daily walk. He was a regular at the curling rink for many years. They did a good bit of traveling until Ivy passed away in 2003. Jack continued to do some traveling, and spent several winters in Victoria.

Jack is survived by sons John (Renata), Angus (Darlene), Ray (Noelene), and daughter Claire (Doug Wilson); grandchildren Jolene (Mike), Cory (Nicole), Angela, Alexandra (Shawn), Jim (Louise), and Shaun, and numerous great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces and nephews, and sisters-in-law Jean McDougald and Evelyn Park. Jack was predeceased by his wife Ivy, brother Alex, and brother Dan & his wife Jackie. Jack was also predeceased by brother-in-law Cecil Park, sisters- and brothers-in-law Bernice & Clinton McPhee and Margaret & Bill Herbert.

Due to COVID-19, a private graveside interment was held June 4, 2020, with the Archdeacon Peter Boote officiating. A memorial service will be held in the future as covid-19 restrictions allow.

Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to condolences@saamis.com, subject heading Jack McDougald. Those who wish to remember Jack may do so with a gift to St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, c/o Mary Anne Friday, Box 353, Maple Creek, SK, S0N 1N0, or the charity of one’s choice. B