Doug and I were good friends during his days in Montréal. Doug was very kind to me during difficult days and in happier ones. He married my wife Elizabeth and I - and was known to my children (Kaitlyn and Brendan) simply as “Uncle Doug”. We shared many lunches, martinis, Bloody Caesars and cups of coffee together - and a variety of church events (The Valois Bazaar, Christmas Eve in matching chasubles, trips to “The Holy Hardware Shop”, events with Arlen Bonnar at St. James, early morning trips from Pointe -Claire on the train to McGill for a course he was teaching in which I was one of his students, there were lunches with Father Joe Sullivan and Father Jim MacDonald - and trips to the Shrine at Rigaud together…and many moments too numerous to mention. When I graduated from McGill - I did not want to go to the graduation ceremony - good friend that he was, he convinced me to go - he knew that I was to receive a prize - something I knew nothing about! He was frightening to drive with on the autoroute - he would drive very close to the bumper of whatever car was in front - all the while enjoying his cigarette! I know no one kinder, more principled, or caring than Doug. He was a very good preacher and teacher. We only discussed our dying - in a personal way - twice. Once he said - out of the blue - “Scott Hunter - it’s hard to believe I only have about 15 years of life left.” I asked, “Does that frighten you?” He said, “Not at all - how do I know I won’t like it?” That stayed with me. Another time he spoke of his mother and father’s passings - and said he looked forward to seeing them again.

I have missed Doug terribly since he moved back to Antigonish - but I know he was treasured and loved - appreciated there - as he was here in Montréal by so many.

I keep his sister, his family and his friends in my prayers during this sad time - knowing that he is in the loving arms of God.

He loved a song - “May songs of the angels welcome you and guide you along your way. May the smiles of the martyrs greet your own as darkness turns into day. Ev’ry fear will be undone and death will be no more. As songs of the angels bring you home before the face of God.”

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Scott Hunter

Minister,

Valois United Church,

Pointe-Claire, Québec.