Obituary of Douglas Clyburn
It is with great sadness that the Clyburn family announce the passing of Douglas Ross Clyburn on October 29, 2023 at the age of 70. He passed away in the ICU surrounded by the love of his life Shelley and his loving children Amy Clyburn, Josh Clyburn, Adam Clyburn and Alycia Dooling.
Douglas was born August 10, 1953 in New Glasgow to parents Anita (Feltmate) and Douglas Clyburn.
He was the definition of a big brother being the oldest of ten children. He started working at a very young age at Trenton Works and was there for 34 years. He also worked for Andy’s Taxi - he loved sharing the stories about the interesting people he met on those taxi rides. He worked for MacEachern’s Pizza where he was affectionately known as “Bristles”. His final job before retirement was with Steel Pro. He loved to play darts, and played for many years at New Glasgow Legion Branch 34 where he made many great and loyal friends. Doug had many hardships he overcame through his life, including his second battle with colon cancer in 2020. He survived such a long journey and came out in the clear. So, it’s no surprise he was always viewed as such a strong man who would indeed fight until the very end.
All Doug’s greatest achievements, however, could be seen within his family, beginning with his loving and beautiful relationship with his wife Shelley for 47 years and their wonderful marriage for 44 years! They have been by each other's side through all of life’s joys and pain. He was a devoted Dad to his three children, building lasting memories and true character in them all. There truly was nobody more selfless and devoted to everyone in a family than he was. He was always there to help each and every person who needed him. His favourite people in the world, though, called him Papa. He spent every chance he could soak up with each of his beloved grandchildren. From making sure Layla had a beautiful four years of life, full of love and joy, his daily phone calls and beach time at Seafoam in the summer with Charlee; teaching his grandsons to fish, watching all their tricks and parkour moves, to playing ‘peek a boo’ with his hat with little Ellie. No matter how he felt he would jump up when he heard “Papa come chase me”! When anyone hears the name Doug Clyburn they know it represents the kindest soul, the most loyal friendship and the greatest man they’ve ever known. He will be greatly missed by so many people who were blessed to know and love him.
Doug is survived by his loving wife Shelley Clyburn (Halliday); his children Amy (Warren MacDonald), Josh, Adam (Alycia Dooling); adoring grandchildren Gabriel, Noah, Isaac, Charlee and Ellie; his fur babies, Spud “Spuddy” and Gus; brothers Ronnie Clyburn (Rose), Robbie Clyburn (Shawna), Henry Clyburn (Janice), Greg Clyburn (Dorothy), sisters Susan “Susie” Mason (Sandy), Donna Spears (Tim), Linda Lynk (Dennis); many nieces and nephews who were all very loved; sisters-in-law Diane Rehill, Dawn Matheson (Johnny), Susan Halliday; brothers-in-law Allie Halliday (Margie), John Halliday (Gloria), Rick Halliday, Delbert Kehoe; and many more aunts and uncles whom he adored, including special family members John MacPherson and Shirley MacDonald; Shaun and Tanya Henderson; Dora and Stanley Murchison.
He is preceded in death by his parents Anita and Douglas Clyburn; mother- and father- in law Mary and Cecil Halliday; sisters Laura Parker and Margie Kehoe,; brothers in law Billy Halliday, Reg Rehill and Bert Matheson; as well as his beloved granddaughters Layla and Karman MacDonald.
Special thank you to the wonderful nurses in the Aberdeen Hospital ICU for taking such great care of him and ensuring his comfort in his final moments, thank you for the compassion you all showed our family through this difficult time.
Doug is resting at Eagles Funeral Home with visiting on Saturday from 2-4 and 6-8. His funeral service will be held Sunday at 2 p.m., from Eagles Funeral Chapel, Westville with Rev. Joanne Neal officiating, interment to follow at St. Bees’ Cemetery, Westville. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the family to help cover costs for Doug’s funeral. His funeral service will be streamed and may be watched by clicking on the following link https://www.youtube.com/live/HLCcKS_PIG4?si=XDlpIKv9jIRcUhJx