We, the family of Doug McGee, are heartbroken to announce his death on Friday, June 11 at home surrounded by his family.
Doug was born on March 23, 1950 in Antigonish to the late A.D. and Annie McGee. Doug graduated from St. F. X university in 1972 where he was editor of the student newspaper. He continued in the journalism field working at many papers in NS, NB, and Saskatchewan. Doug was editor of the weekly Scotia Sun in Port Hawkesbury from 1978-1984during which time he won a national award from the Calgary Press Club for best news story in a community newspaper. He and his family then settled in Sydney in 1984 where Doug briefly was a staff reporter at the Cape Breton Post. Several years later he became the associate editor, a position he held until his retirement. Doug took enormous care in writing his editorials and his integrity and intelligence shone through in every piece he wrote. Doug was one of three finalists for the National Newspaper Award for best editorial. Although he did not win the award and was proud of the recognition of his peers, he believed his true jury was the public he served daily. Doug was nominated for the Atlantic Journalism Lifetime Achievement Award by the newsroom of the Post and won this recognition in 2011.
Although Doug devoted long hours to crafting his well-researched editorials, his first love was always his family. Doug is survived by his wife of almost 47 years, Bev (Crossman). Together they faced the best and worst that life had to offer and never faltered in their tremendous love for each other. They were soulmates and best friends. Doug leaves his two sons, Danny, Sydney and Sean, UK. His pride in their accomplishments and in the men they have become was evident each time he spoke of them. He spent his life supporting their goals. He respected their choices in life and taught them all he knew. They had no greater champion than their father. And the love he had for them was returned tenfold. They referred to him as the solver of all problems and their superhero. Danny’s wife, Jill became the daughter Doug never had. Their relationship was built on mutual love and respect…and humor. His three granddaughters, Abbey, Hannah and Mya brought not only joy and laughter to his life, but also his new name. Abbey named him Ginky because Grandpa was too hard for her to say. Ginky he became and Ginky he remained for Hannah and for Mya. He took them to school skating, taught them to ride bikes and never missed a basketball or soccer game. He improved his photography and light room skills to capture their special moments. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than helping his sons and granddaughters with special school projects. He loved watching them learn new skills.
Doug made the most of every minute of retirement. He and Bev made 5 trips to the UK, Europe and Eastern Europe. His sister-in-law, Sharon accompanied them on several of the trips. He reread Shakespeare in its entirety, taught himself enough Middle English to read Chaucer in the original, singlehandedly sided his home and walked countless miles in the woods with his son’s dog Winnie. He cycled long distances and, most recently, was teaching himself classical guitar. Doug and Bev spent many hours reading and listening to music together. Doug believed there was something new to learn in each new day.
Doug is also survived by his sister Kathleen (Charlie Green) Port Hawkesbury, his brother, Ronnie, Creignish, and his three nephews, Christopher, Shamus (Jamie) and Darcy as well as by many cousins. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sister-in-law Karen, his nephew David and his beloved Gunnar.
There will be no visitation or service, cremation has taken place. We, his family, will celebrate his life everyday by sharing his memories and holding him in our hearts. If you would like to honour his memory, please consider taking a walk in the woods (preferably with a four-legged companion), reading a book or learning something new. As a polio survivor, Doug would want to urge everyone to get their Covid vaccine. Donations in his memory may be made to the Cape Breton Library adopt a book program or the SPCA.
Doug’s motto for life
“If something is worth doing, it is worth doing right.”
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Doug McGee 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia