Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Nova Scotia for funeral details
It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Douglas MacNeil Rigby “Doug”, age 74, announce his peaceful passing, at home, surrounded by his family on November 23, 2023.
Doug was born on December 11, 1948, in the back of an ambulance traveling from his beloved Big Pond to St. Rita’s Hospital. He was the middle son of the late Charles Lawrence Rigby and Sadie Cecilia Rigby (Mac Neil).
Douglas spent his youth in Big Pond and in later years moved to Ashby, hailing from 273 Townsend Street. It was here he met some of his lifelong friends where some secrets still lie of the good times….not necessarily legal.
Dad had a love affair with cars and the speed at which they could attain, even opening his own shop in his early 20s, Doug’s Motor EEE Shop. Doug loved one thing more than cars, Valerie, his wife of 52 years. A 16 yr. old Doug spotted Val one afternoon walking her mother’s boxer up Townsend Street and he was smitten. They married November 20, 1971, and together had three children, Kate, Charlie and Morgan. Doug built the family a home on the Morley Road and took a job working for the City of Dartmouth traveling back and forth to Cape Breton on the weekends to be with his family and complete the many chores his mother had for him at 37 Charlotte St. when he arrived home.
Doug always had a joke to share and unfortunately they were not always “G” rated and/or appropriate for most. He had a love of music and always had some underdog cowboy song playing by Waylon or Ian Tyson. He was outgoing and generous to a fault; many have experienced his kindness and his way of going above and beyond what was expected.
After many years of traveling back and forth over the causeway, Doug purchased a home in Ashby and started two businesses, Pockets Billiards Room on George St. and Eastern Building Inspection Services Ltd. Dad worked as a building inspector until six months before his passing. He could not, not work. He took such pride in his profession and was highly regarded as one of the best in his field.
“Doug” as he was known to his grandchildren, was beaming with pride when speaking of each of them: Brady 25, Asher “D” 20, Gabrielle 17, Sadie 15 and Thea 12. He loved his family unconditionally and was always boasting about their accomplishments. Both Brady and Asher spent a lot of time with their “Doug” after their father, Shane passed. He was a constant for them and had an amazing bond that will never be broken.
Doug is survived by his wife of 52 years, Valerie (Piercy); daughter, Kate; sons, Charlie (Erin) and Morgan. Also left to mourn is his sister-in-law, Sharron; nephews, Lawrence and Craig Rigby, all of Sackville. Doug also had a special bond with his cousin, Marion (Sandy) Amy of Halifax who was always his biggest fan.
He was predeceased by his parents, Charles L. and Sadie Rigby; brothers, Sandy and Charles; and son-in-law, Shane Johnston.
Cremation has taken place and a private family memorial will be held at a future date.
Special thanks to the amazing staff at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, especially Dr. Beecham and Dr. Khodadad. The kindness and care shown by Dr. Ritter and RN Leah Burns from Palliative Care was appreciated beyond words. Also, a special thank you to Dr. Ev Fuller for his care and humor, along with the amazing staff at the CBRH emergency dept. and also to Dr. David McFarlane for giving hope.
Memorial donations, if one wishes, may be made to Palliative Care or the CB Cancer Centre.
One quote or one song does not encompass my father, so if you are so inclined I’ve attached a playlist that he would play on repeat. Take a listen if you wish.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.com
2023
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia
death notice Douglas Rigby 2023
obituaries notice Douglas Rigby 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Douglas Rigby 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
