Obituary of Dr. Douglas Black

BLACK, Douglas Gordon MDCM CCFP Passed away in his 95th year on Monday, March 11, 2013 at Annapolis Valley Nursing Home. Born in O'Leary, PEI in 1918, he was educated at O'Leary School, Mt Allison Academy, then taught school briefly before entering Prince of Wales College from where he graduated in 1938. Joining the Canadian Army, he entered a wartime accelerated program at Dalhousie Medical School graduating in 1944 and marrying the love of his life, Isabel MacLeod. Transferring to RCAF, Dad served a number of positions in the Maritimes, retiring from RCAF in 1946 when he moved to a Medical Practice in Bear River, and then to Digby in 1949. In 1960 he took a leave of absence to pursue his passion for surgery, spending a year in New London, Connecticut, where he completed a Residency Program in General Surgery. Dad returned to Digby in 1961 to continue his Practice until a partial retirement in 1976 when he retired from active Surgery. He continued to practice Family Medicine until his official retirement in 1993. He and Mom spent many happy winters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and summers at the cottage. He was a Member of the Canadian and NS Medical Societies, served as CPR Medical Officer and Medical Officer for Health and Welfare Canada and for CN Railway. He served on the Provincial Medical Board for 5 years, and was a Medical Examiner for Digby County. Dad also served on various medical committees at the Digby General Hospital. As a member of Grace United Church and long time member of the Choir, he served on various Church boards and Committees. He was a Past President of the Kiwanis Club, Digby Curling Club, and served on the Digby Town Council as Deputy Mayor, and on the Digby Regional School Board. An avid curler and golfer, he was a member of Pines Golf Club. He was a Mason, a member of King Solomon Lodge, and a Shriner until he resigned due to illness. He was predeceased by his wife of almost 68 years, Jeanette Isabel MacLeod in 2012, his parents, Gordon and Juanita Black, as well as his sister, Elizabeth. Surviving are his children Margaret Mish (Len), Dr. John Black (Linda), Barbara Vaughan (Rev Canon Kenneth), Donald Black (Donna). Survived by his grandchildren: Dr. Sandra Mish, Stuart Mish, Dr. Jonathon Black, Cynthia Longmire (Brock), Rev. Thomas Vaughan (Krista) , Douglas Vaughan (Suzie), Hannah Black, Matthew Black , Carla Ellis, Andrea Nsiah (Sam), Rory Ellis (Lucy), Sam Ellis (Becca), and Miranda Thibeault. Surviving are his great-grandchildren: Kaiden, Sawyer, Callum, Gwen, and Quintin Longmire, Joy Isabel and Ivy Hilton-Vaughan and Maya Ellis. Also surviving are brothers, Judson Black (Audrey), and Robert Black. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Kaulbach Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Annapolis Royal. A memorial service will be held later in the Spring. Memorial donations may be made to Lupus Society of Nova Scotia (Box 38038, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1X2), or any charity of you choice. The Family wishes to thank Dr. Buchholz, and the kind and caring Staff at the Annapolis Valley Nursing Home for the love, compassion, and expert care given to Dad, as well as the love and support to the family. "When tomorrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart, For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart."