Obituary of Doug MacConnell

Douglas Sheldon MacConnell 52 of Pleasant Valley passed away Dec 15th after a very brief illness. While holding hands with the Love of his Life he slipped into the loving awaiting arms of his Mum , his first love. Born in Tatamagouche, to the late Rae and Helen MacConnell (Tattrie), he was brought home to the family farm, the youngest of five, and later moved to Durham where he grew up and met friends, made memories and became a member of the community. Doug went on to Vocational School for machining and worked in Halifax & Montreal before returning home in 1990. A natural teacher, Doug spent most of his life engineering the brilliant ideas that spilled out of his head and onto paper; creating and thinking of new innovative ways for things to be done better. Doug was a loving husband and had devoted his life to his wife of over 30 years. Together, they created a life in Pleasant Valley, where until his death, still resided. Creating memories that are forever engraved into the DNA of the land he owned. Doug was great at many things and was the man to call when you needed help with anything. He had a green thumb and his gardens were always overflowing with vegetables and flowers. His love of nature, was only compared to the love of his wife and family. Doug loved the outdoors, where he enjoyed fishing, trapping, camping with Tim, birdwatching and helped many friends with their farm work . He excelled at sports such as volleyball,hockey and also played baseball for the Durham Bucks as well as the Greenhill Trappers along side some of his life long friends . Doug loved to work, and got great satisfaction in fixing problems. He worked for Hawboldt's Machine Shop for over 20 years and became part of the Hawboldt family as a Journeyman Machinist/Quality Control Inspector, where he was always the guy to go to when you had a question. He was a loving father to many fur babies over the years . Doug was an avid learner from the beginning, having been a Boy Scout, Cub and a member of 4-H. Always a boy scout at heart, he was always prepared and jumped at the chance to help out anyone at every opportunity he got. He took that energy and passion he had as a boy, and put it into everything he ever did in his life. Doug had many health problems but faced them with bravery and grace. He was a recipient of a kidney transplant in 2013, and made the best of everyday no matter how he was feeling. Strongest, kindest, most generous, and sincere spirit. Doug is survived by his loving wife and best friend Kathi (Peddle),constant companion Caper& Dale, sister Janet (Peter) MacKenzie Port Hood, brother Robin (Maggie) Durham, sister-in-laws Melissa of Millsville, Ruth of Durham, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, inlaws and special family friend MacLellan Rae "Clully" Besides his parents he was predeceased by brothers David and Rollie, and his Mother in-law Nancy Peddle. Visitation will take place Tuesday December 19th 2-4pm 7-9pm at the Durham Presbyterian Church where his funeral will be held Wednesday December 20th at 1pm, with Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson officiating. No flowers upon request. Donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation or The S.P.C.A of Pictou County .