Obituary of Christopher Doucette
It is with broken hearts that the family of Christopher David Doucette, 40, of Bedford and formerly of Stellarton, announce his passing on April 19, 2024. Chris never wanted his experience to be termed a “battle”, for this implied a fair fight, and when it comes to brain cancer this is simply not the case.
Raised in Stellarton with his parents and sister, Chris had a happy childhood. He spent many days at soccer games, at family gatherings with his large extended family and playing outside with the “Claremont Crew”. He completed high school in 2002 and then attended Mount Allison University for his Business Degree.
Chris met Kaitlyn Watters working as a summer student in 2005. They began a friendship rooted in shared values, love of family and Pictou County pride, which quickly evolved into an unbreakable bond. After both completing their Masters degrees in Halifax, they got married and moved to Bedford to create their home and family.
Chris began working at Property Valuation Services Corporation and became Chief Operating Officer. While Chris enjoyed his work, what he missed most following his diagnosis were the people. He always held the relationships he made at PVSC close to his heart as his colleagues became more like family.
Chris’ biggest accomplishment came in the form of his two little princesses, Nora and Avery. The most doting father, the pride he had for his girls was apparent from the moment they were born. They taught him patience and how to live in the moment. He continues to teach them to be resilient and to always be grateful. While their time spent together was much too short, the memories made will forever be cherished and his spirit will live on in them. They will miss Daddy’s big hugs and his laughter echoing through the house. They will miss him playing the “Rainbow Brite” theme song to wake them up, dancing to music in the kitchen while cooking, flying kites, playing soccer in the field and doing the Doucette cheer. Truly a foursome forever, one of the members now just has wings.
Chris left an indelible mark on all those who knew him, and will be remembered for the mischievous twinkle in his eye, his infectious smile and his magnetic personality. Fun just seemed to follow Chris, no matter what room or situation he entered. His kindness, intelligence and humour were unmatched and his ability to make light of every situation was truly a gift.
Chris will forever be missed by his best friend and soul mate, Kaitlyn, his daughters, Nora and Avery, his mother, Patricia Doucette, sister, Lisa and niece, Tessa Hurley. He was also embraced as a son and brother by his second family, mother and father-in-law, Kelly and Richard and sister-in-law, Sara Watters (Patrick Hennessy). He was a cherished nephew to many aunts and uncles including Stephen and Robert MacDonald, Lorna (Gerry Wadden), Gerry (Evelyn), Ken (Denise), Leon (Sue), David (Karen), Paul (Shirley), Robert (Carol) and Brenda Doucette, Mary Jean Hoare, Joan MacKay (David) and Patsy MacKinnnon (Glen). He will also be missed by many cousins and countless friends.
Greeting him as he arrived in Heaven were his father, Gary Doucette, his grandparents, Sarah and Leo MacDonald and Anna and Marcel Doucette, uncles, Joey, Eric, Richie Doucette and Vernon Hoare, aunt, Faye Doucette and grandmother-in-law, Ann Duggan.
Chris’ family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Dianne Boudreau, Dr. Mary MacNeil (Nurse Hannah), Dr. Liam Mulroy (Nurse Angela) and the entire Oncology Team at the QEII for their expertise and care. They gave Chris the gift of stability for a period longer than his initial prognosis, and that was our miracle.
The wonderful care and compassion of Dr. Jeffrey Dempster and Nurse Cindy Bell (Palliative Care team) and the VON, along with the support of family enabled Chris to be in the comfort of his home and surrounded by love until his passing.
Additionally, gratitude is extended to the many family members (especially Ken and Denise Doucette), friends, neighbours and co-workers who have shown such kindness over these past three years and especially now in this time of grief.
Visitation will be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax on Thursday, April 25th from 6 to 8pm. Visitations will also be held at Eagles Funeral Home, 1611 North Main Street, Westville on Saturday, April 27th from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm. Funeral service will be from the Eagles Funeral Home Chapel with Father Peter MacDonald officiating on Sunday, April 28th at 4pm. The funeral service will be live streamed and may be watched clicking on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/live/fRzw7cmcd9Y?si=Pkc3swtO4piL2-2V
While Chris’ journey was difficult, he could never fathom a child having to endure it. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chris’ memory can be made online at IWKfoundation.org Please then send an email to foundation@IWKfoundation.org asking that the donation be directed to the Brain Tumor Clinic in the Hematology/Oncology Program for Patient Support.
In one of the many discussions between Chris and Kaitlyn over the past three years, he expressed “I’m just a chapter in your story.” Kaitlyn would like to remind him now as she did in that moment, “Without you, there would be no book.”