Book of Memories for Douglas Gordon MacIver

Memorial Candle lit by Kim and Dave Turnley

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:20:04 EST

Kim and Dave Turnley

Story shared: Uncle Doug

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:25:11 EST

Being taken under the wing of the MacIver family everyone becomes family - I have some great childhood memories of Doug and his children. I remember being a small boy and he was the tallest human I thought I've ever seen, he was a great Uncle and his kids became childhood playmates - I miss not having made my way up to Winnipeg again but my memories of Doug and his family are still fond and treasured ones. He will be missed

Memorial Candle lit by sister tracy

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 04:57:07 EDT

sister tracy

Memorial Candle lit by

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:50:03 EDT

sister tracy

Condolence From Brian Patrick

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:43:00 EST

I worked for Doug in Sales in the early-mid 1990's when he took over Willowdale Dodge. His fresh, larger than life approach to selling cars is why I was successful and remained in the car business. Most of the Sales Rep's who worked for Doug during this time have remained in the business and done well for ourselves. I can attest that none of us would have done half as well without his influence. He pushed and he pushed and he pushed...and how happy was Doug on the months when we beat Ontario Chrysler! We had a lot of fun! We made a lot of money! Notwithstanding how long ago that was, he taught me more about the car business than than all others combined. Many of us owe Doug a debt of gratitute for his influence. For Charlie Lai, Doug Dam, Dale Dever, Kathy Macklin, Mike Borkowski, Paul Meshkat, Roy Bateni, Chris Smith, Malcolm Donaldson, Mike Buckberrough and everyone else Doug's influence and heart touched, thank you and God Bless You.

Condolence From Ted & Denise Williamson

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:49:28 EST

Ted & I are deeply saddened for your loss. May you all find the strength to cope with the pain of losing such a great loving man. He will be miss by all that knew him.

Condolence From Kathy and Grieve

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:07:34 EST

For the Gillis family, Windsor Park was a terrific place to grow up and the McIvor family helped make that true. Doug was always larger than life and could be counted on for a quick quip and a good laugh. To all of Doug's family ( and especially Ian) Ross and I extend our condolences.

Condolence From Laurie McFarlane van Elslander

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:50:23 EST

The McFarlane family is sad to hear of Doug's passing. My family was close to Doug's family - his Dad being my fathers best buddy for years - sharing alot of time at their family cottage at Falcon Lake. I grew up with sisters Kim and Jackie. My condolences to the family.

Condolence From Rick Pangman

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:01:28 EST

To the friends and family (Hi Ian) of the late "DOUGIE" MacIvor...you have our deepest sympathies. I went to school with Dougie...then moved on to play some serious pool against him as we grew up... Later we moved apart but always managed to stay in touch every few years...we even bought a car off him. Both loved and hated him during his football career...but we always managed to exchange civilized barbs...lol You'll be sorely missed by every person who knew you...you big lug...oh and thanks for letting me try on your Grey Cup ring at Juniors...it was a real highlight for me...and so natural for you!

Story shared: A Champion, An Honourable Man, And A Friend

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:39:30 EST

We were kids growing up in Windsor Park in the sixties. We weren't in the same grade, but Doug's home was just around the corner. Twenty years later, I chose Doug, when buying a vehicle, and both he and the vehicle, never let me down, and in life's surprising ways, he was there, helping out to the end. I met Doug's mother several years ago, and those brief reminiscences, are a lot closer to home, and much more precious today. I extend my sincere condolences, to his friends, family, and loved ones, at this time of our loss.

Condolence From DEREK MCKAY

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:08:24 EST

SANDY, I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF YOUR BROTHER DOUGIE. HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND I REMEMBER WHEN WE PLAYED FOOTBALL AT WINDSOR PARK FIELD, HE ALWAYS BROUGHT A SMILE TO MY FACE AND OH HOW WE TEASED THE LITTLE GUY.. I MISS HIM ALREADY..TO ALL THE FAMILY MY CONDOLENCES ON YOUR LOSS...

Condolence From George and Gay Hordienko

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:43:25 EST

Our deepest sympathy to all the family on Doug's sudden passing. Our prayers and heart-felt thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Condolence From The Hamin family

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:47:55 EST

Very saddened to hear of Doug's passing, our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.

Condolence From Doug Philpott

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:39:44 EST

Evelyn, Doug Jr., Andrew and Alexandria, my wife Joanne and I are sincerely saddened to learn of Doug's untimely passing. Doug and I first met in 1976 as we both were in our rookie season with the Toronto Argonauts, Doug as a lineman and me hving left my sportswriting job to be become the club's director of communications and promotions. Doug was the consummate professional athlete both on and off the field. I continually enjoyed his dry sense of humour and great one-liners that endeared him to teammaes, members of the media and fans alike. He never turned me down when I asked the "Big Guy" to do personal appearances for charities or youth groups. There were dozens of them, some on very short notice. Doug took them on never complaining. An extremely intelligent individual, he never ceased to amaze me with his ability to handle tough questions from the media and on the other hand endeared himself to our fans and sponsors with genuine down-to-earth sincerity. He made time for everyone and he certainly made my day-to-day job much easier as the team struggled in the win column during all three seasons he wore the Double Blue. I missed him when he moved west to continue to play in the Canadian Football League. Upon his retirement as a player we renewed our acquaintance when he returned to Toronto as a Grey Cup champion to successfully direct Willowdale Chrysler Dodge in North York. I had moved on after six seasons with the Boatmen and another six years with the CFL and was back in hockey. With Doug Jr, Andrew and Alexandria, all avid hockey players, Doug and I were frequently able to talk football and hockey while my Jeep was being serviced or just to have lunch. All these years Doug never changed from just being himself. "Hey Brother" you are already missed by so many. Doug and Joanne Philpott

Condolence From Cal Murphy

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:09:41 EST

We were very sorry to hear about Doug’s passing. I always admired Doug, the football player (Bucket Head) when we played against him when I was in Edmonton, and very happy when he was part of the Blue Bombers, when I coached there. He was a very instrumental part of the 1984 Grey Cup win. He played hard all the time. Doug was also a “good guy” and I had occasion to contact him over the years and he was always a pleasure to be associated with. He was also a big help to me and my family with transportation when I was back in London, ON, for a heart transplant. Our sincere condolences to Evelyn and family. RIP CAL MURPHY

Condolence From Campbell MacIver

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:25:30 EST

Some thoughts about my too soon-ended life with Doug……. For those who don’t know, Doug’s Dad and my Dad were brothers. They were quite different in their approach to life, and Doug and I shared that similarity. Doug was 2 years older than I as Jack was older than Bruce, and like those brothers, Doug and I didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but we never let that interfere with our relationship. Usually after we had disagreed, and one of us had stormed out, shortly after that all was forgiven, until next time. Doug was firm in his convictions, and I liked him that way. When I was young, Doug was the cousin that pulled me aside and explained how family worked. In our paternal family Alec John was our Grandfather and Doug (remember Doug was older than I) seemed to know quite a lot about him, his relationship to my father and his, and family secrets that I had no knowledge of. This made me jealous and gave Doug great stature in my estimation. Doug also did manly things like play professional sports which only served to heighten his image even more, and I never told him, but I liked to be around him then. I was the little brother-always tagging along. I followed him to Regina, Montreal, Toronto, all the places I had never been before. We had a lot of fun together-Doug was a lot of fun to be with. When we were young we both worked together for my Dad. One day we were cleaning the snow off cars, and I accidently knocked a mirror off. Doug quickly kicked it under a nearby car “Lot damage” he said. For those who don’t know, lot damage is that nebulous account where dealerships charge damage that happens where nobody knows how it happened. I looked around, thought about it for a minute, and went back to cleaning cars. I learned more than a few things about the car business from Doug. I was still learning from him just last week. Doug learned a lot about the car business from my Dad. At least I’m pretty sure he did. I was never asked to join them and only got a sense of what they talked about later, but they met often. My Dad was pretty conservative in his approach to business and Doug was always on top of the latest car business schemes out of the U.S. Why Doug wanted to pick my Dad’s brain I’ll never know, because I never saw them agree on anything! Doug had a voracious thirst for new ways to do things and was always up for trying something new. In those days things were gleaned mostly from travelling, industry publications, or networking on the phone. I’m sure cellular phones were invented with Doug in mind, but before them he was relentless in his search for new and sometimes crazy, ways to sell cars. Well needless to say the two of them didn’t see eye-to-eye, but for a young guy looking to find out the inner workings of the car business, seeing two greatly opposed points of view was very educational for me. My genetic code had me siding with my Dad, but I wasn’t sure. My Dad’s way of looking at things was kind of boring but Doug’s way? It seemed as though you could sell cars and have fun too-who wouldn’t like that? When we were in our 30’s we had the occasion to be in Toronto at the same time, working. I was working for my father, and Doug was working for himself. He had bought his own Dodge franchise, which was quite a feat, and boy, was he something to watch. Just a “pinch north of Finch”, Willowdale Dodge was more than once a top volume dealer for Canada received so many awards they covered all his office walls, and all this out of a location that was hardly bigger than a postage stamp. Doug’s quest for recognition, his bottomless energy, and relentless marketing had that place running faster than most people could fathom. I swear he never slept; he was driven like no one I have ever known. But he was living his motto-he was selling cars, making money and having fun. He loved it. We had our children around the same time. Heather and I had occasion to visit Doug and Evelyn at their home in Toronto in the mid-nineties. There was always so much going on, it was utter chaos, but I’ll never forget the love Doug and Evelyn had for each other and their children. It was something I had never really seen in many other families, the little secret glances, the teasing, the hugs, and laughter. It was so genuine, and Doug led it. Sure he was always getting into some kind of trouble with Evelyn for working too hard, or always being late, but he was such a big teddy bear, you just couldn’t stay mad at him for long. He expressed his love for his family so openly and honestly, you just knew at the end of the day, he was the glue…….it would all work out somehow. As long as they stuck together, it would all work out. I can’t tell you the number of times I went somewhere and someone would see my name and ask, “Are you Doug’s brother/cousin/or relative?” He was a true people person-everybody knew Doug. Everybody had a favourite Doug story. People like Doug just don’t come around that often-he truly was an original. As I wrote this I wondered, “Should I mention Doug’s struggles with his weight?” Sure it was a problem. We talked about it many times, or I did. Doug didn’t really want to talk about it. Maybe I shouldn’t be bringing it up now either. But I wanted to say…it didn’t define him….he was so much more than that. When I remember him I want to see the twinkle in his eyes when he was setting you up for one of his one-liners….he always greeted you with something corny. It was one of his traits that made him so “Doug.” If I had the occasion to ask Doug what he would like me to say at his funeral, I know he would laugh….he’d say something like ah, haaa…..brother just don’t talk to long-they’re waiting for the sandwiches!!.....Doug was always joking….but if he stopped joking for a minute, he’d say that he tried to be a good husband and father….a good brother…..a good son….a true friend to many……a Christian……but I wouldn’t say that he tried. I’d say that he succeeded. He scored big in the game of life. Just ask his family….. Bubba, you lived big and you loved big. The world’s a better place for having had you in it. We’re all going to miss you very much. Nunquam Obliviscar.

Photo shared: 2010 MB Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:04:59 EST

Here's Doug with some of his teammates from the 1984 Winnipeg Blue Bombers, on the occasion of the team's induction into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame (November 6th, 2010).

Condolence From Lohr Family, Oakville

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:09:03 EST

Jackie, we are so sad to hear of the loss of your brother. Our hearts and thoughts go out to you and your family as you struggle to deal with this terrible tragedy. Wish you weren't so far away.

Story shared: Quiet remembrances from Doug’s brother Sandy

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:54:16 EST

In the past 12 months Doug was there to celebrate Windsor Park’s 50th and our extended family came from far and wide to enjoy 3 family reunions complete with grandchildren including a Christmas party in early December 2011 with my mom [Doug was recovering from gall bladder surgery] – Doug and Ian had a very special and close relationship over the years given the ages of Doug’s boys and Ian’s sons and their connection as car dealers in Ontario and Manitoba and Dad and Uncle Bruce [and Campbell] with Parkside Ford. Recently, Doug and his wife Evelyn attended the Dominican Republic with family in mid-January [less than 2 weeks ago] to witness Laura’s son Ryan’s nuptials with his wife Maya. On his return he had stated his renewed intention to lose more weight, get on an exercise and diet regime and was doing well in his new business venture with Evelyn and his sons Doug Jr. and Andrew [with help from daughter Alexandria] For those of us old enough to remember the Jimmy Dean’s song ‘Big Bad John’ – well, we had changed the words to ‘big, big Doug’ He stood six foot six and weighed two forty-five, ‘Kind of broad at the shoulder and narrow at the hip and everybody knew you didn't give no lip to Big Doug.’ In many ways Doug was bigger than life –‘and like a giant oak tree just stood there alone, big Doug’ [What other CFL player can say that they had a fight on the field in front of the nation’s television cameras.] – his hang out as a young man was the Red Top @ 219 St. Mary’s Rd and the owners loved him and always had a seat reserved for him – it was hard not to love him. Doug had a presence and he filled a room wherever he went mostly with a sense of humor and a welcome hand extended to all And now we can say ‘At the end of his life lies one hell of a man---Big, Big Doug". He is loved by a host of individuals especially his wife and children and their spouses, his mother, his brothers and sisters and their spouses, all his nephews and nieces, all his many cousins and his many, many, many friends. You left all too soon and you will be missed – we will enjoy another family reunion sometime in the future love you, bro

Condolence From Leo Ezerins

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:45:56 EST

I would like to pass along my personal respects and of the CFL Alumni Association and our membership. Doug was a WARRIOR both on and off the field. He certainly wasn't the most gifted athlete but what he lacked in athleticism he more than made up in intensity and heart. I fondly remember our days playing days with the Bombers. He will be missed and truly remembered by anyone that crossed his path. As wwell, he has left a lasting legacy to world with the donation of his brain to research. Our thoughts and prayers of with the Evelyn and the family.

Memorial Candle lit by Thomas Ballingall

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:34:46 EST

Tom and Brenda Ballingall

Photo shared: Douglas_MacIver_Back.jpg

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:03:57 EST

Photo shared: Doug_MacIver_obit.jpg

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:03:31 EST

Photo shared: ian doug dad and sandy at st. andrew's nite .jpg

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:12:26 EST

Photo shared: doug's children with nephews and nieces - a new set of cousins.jpg

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:10:46 EST

Photo shared: seven of us at doug's wedding_4 (2).jpg

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:08:35 EST

Photo shared: MacIver_Free_Press.jpg

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:34:22 EST