Dr. Douglas Joseph McKelvie

Eldest son of the late Dr. Silas and Martha McKelvie.

Dad wrote:

I was born and raised in Shelburne, Ontario, a small town about 65 miles north of Toronto in a predominantly agricultural area. My father was a veterinarian and most of his practice was with horses, cattle and pigs. Rarely would anyone bring a sick dog or cat for treatment, perhaps in an emergency situation.

As young lads (there were four of us in the family, Jack, Allan, Bob and myself) we went on many calls and were required to help, if necessary. I’m sure this is where I became interested in the profession.

After graduating from high school, I spent 2 years at OVC and then went into the RCAF for 2 years and served as a navigator with the 434 Squadron, and within a week of my release I was back in College.

One of my first jobs was in Essex County to be the Veterinarian for the newly formed Cattle Breeders Assoc. After a year I went to work for the Health of Animals branch in Stratford, Ont. and was there for several years. I did some meat inspection at Whytes Packing Co. and then did field work such as testing cattle for TB and Brucellosis.

I became itchy to be on my own in a practice so when the opportunity arose

we moved to Hensall, which is about 40 miles north of London in a good agricultural area. In spite of the good surroundings the practice did not work out to our satisfaction. An opportunity came to become a partner at Essex Animal Clinic so we moved to Essex in 1956. The practice then was almost entirely large animal with only 5-10% small animal. The practice grew over the years to become mostly small animal.

By the time I retired, after a career of 40+ years total, we had 2 more veterinarians working for us.

Then we moved to London and eventually to Halifax to be close to our children in Nova Scotia.

Survived by Doris (Wakefield) his beloved wife of of 65 years this August.

Doug will be sadly missed but leaves behind a lifetime of memories and “Pearls of Wisdom” for his son Robert (Margaret Guy), daughter Anne (John Jordan), grandchildren Sean and Emma McKelvie, Sarah (David MacDonald), great grandson Everett Douglas MacDonald, several nieces and nephews, brother Bob (Barb), sister-in-law Helen. He was predeceased by his brothers Jack (Betty) and Allan. His many friends from far and wide will miss his sincere friendship and the “twinkle in his eye”.

At the memorial service held on Saturday, January 21 at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church, these readings and words of remembrance were spoken by family.

He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;

Who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children;

Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;

Who has left the world better than he found it;

Who has looked for the best in others and given the best he had;

Whose life was an inspiration

Whose memory is a benediction

Robert Louis Stevenson Read by: David MacDonald, Grandson-in-law

Remembering Doug:

Douglas McKelvie

...was my Papa. And was I ever lucky that he was. Not very many people are fortunate enough to know their grandparents let alone know them so well and for so many years.

During my life I was able to spend lots of time with Nana and Papa and I have so many wonderful memories. I want to share some of these with you along with some of those pearls of wisdom alluded to in Papa's obituary.

One of my earliest memories of Papa is one shared by many. Whenever a photo was being taken, particularly of children, although it certainly wasn’t exclusive to photos of children, almost without fail, he would pull a penny (or a copper as he called it) out of his pocket and stick it on his forehead (like this) and more often than not sticking his tongue out of the side of his mouth and crossing his eyes to get us to smile. His goal was always to make us laugh.

Many of the condolence messages I have received over this past week have mentioned Papa’s sense of humour. He was fun and never took himself too seriously. He made people feel comfortable with a joke and his easy manner and it is no coincidence that Nana and Papa made friends wherever they went – who wouldn’t want to have them around?!

Another simple memory I have of Papa is that he was always interested in picking up the Globe and Mail, especially on a Saturday. If Papa wasn’t at the piano, he was usually reading something. He took advantage of any opportunity to read magazines, books or the paper. And he paid attention to what he read which led to a wide knowledge in many areas and usually useful for a crossword clue.

This knowledge and interest extended to the kitchen where Papa often made oat cakes, Scottish baps, sourdough cinnamon rolls with almond paste and bread. And whenever Robert or Sean were making steaks or salmon or something, Papa would be out there checking out their method.

Of course Papa’s presence around a piano is one that is at the forefront of most people’s minds when they think of him. He could play almost anything by ear and if he didn’t know it, he could play the right chords to follow along with the singers. My memories of Papa at the piano are standing over my shoulder while I played. Usually when I started playing he would get up out of his chair and walk over to see what I was doing. I have never progressed to his level of proficiency at the keys, but he enjoyed listening to me try out new pieces. When I’d play out of the United Church hymn book, I was always amazed that Papa could literally ‘name that tune’ or name the origin of the piece, like “that’s a German or Scottish tune”. He had an ear and an appreciation for music that most can only wish for.

Last year (2011) as many of you know was a special year for our family in the birthday department. Papa turned 90, my mom turned 60, I turned 30. To celebrate, we went on a Caribbean Cruise in January. We also all took a trip up to Northwestern Ontario to my cousins’ place for a family reunion fishing trip. When I would tell people about these trips, they were so impressed that my grandparents were able to come with us and weren’t held back from going ashore at the ports on the cruise and going out fishing with us at Hyatts. I guess I never really thought of Papa as old because he was never one to sit still for long.

Many people have commented on Papa's attitude toward other people. He treated others with respect and that is unfortunately a trait that is not found in abundance in this world. He told me once that when he was in the war the Frenchmen from Quebec that he served with told him that they appreciated the way he treated them in that he acted the same way toward them as he did with everyone else and that meant a lot to them. This mindset continued on during his practice of veterinary medicine when he would visit the farmers out in the country. Everyone knew they could count on Doc McKelvie and he earned their respect because that is what they received from him.

A few of those pearls of wisdom that I learned from Papa...

- how to identify soy beans growing in the fields of Ontario when we would drive from London to Shelburne;

- that when a horse chews on a fence it is because they are lacking something in their diet;

- when you approach a strange dog, make a fist and put it out in front of you. They will be able to smell your hand, but they won’t be able to bite your fingers;

- when driving and taking a left hand turn, step on the gas and get around that corner;

- how to wash windows with newspapers because it gives them a nice shine;

- how have you ever noticed it’s smooth down that way and rough up this way?;

- and of course, his appreciation for music.

He was truly the genuine article. In honour of Papa, I encourage you to read whenever you can, listen to good music, treat others with respect, and if there is a photo being taken of some children, try the penny on the forehead trick.

We loved him so much and I know he loved us and was proud of us all. By Sarah MacDonald, Granddaughter

Oh, Sarah. What a lovely tribute to Dad's memory!

Dad has given us many gifts in his life.

Although there are many I will touch on three.

His love for family

His strong work ethic and intellect

His musical gift

Dad was always there for us. He gave us unconditional love and support all our lives.

Dad was never selfish. He put others first, expecially Mom and the family

Dad shared his time also with his community and the churches where he lived.

Besides his love another big gift was the musical talent he shared with all.

My fond memories include singing harmony with Dad at church, sitting beside him on the piano bench at home as he played through the hymn book, and at sing songs at many a party over the years.

Dad also introduced me to the CBC radio, classical music as well as jazz and the old fiddle tunes. Dad could play anything...by ear or by note...if he didn't know the piece you only had to hum a few bars and he'd get it.

When I left home I had to get my own copy of The Messiah as it was a part of our music connection.

I often marvelled at how Dad could still play so well. Mom says he would play the piano for her each day. He arranged his medley of waltzes for Mom. And Mom would sing along to many tunes but her favorite was "He Touched Me".

Dad had a very strong work ethic which set a very high standard for us to follow.

He never complained about going to work....and their clinic was on call 24/7!

Dad never even complained when he got a call in the middle of the night to go out in a storm to a cold barn to deliver a calf. When he got back home it was often time for work to begin at the clinic and away he would go....no complaining.

He never stayed home from work sick...except one time that Mom made Dad stay in bed.

Dad's business was a big part of our lives. We answered the phone, helped out when Dad needed us to hold a dog for an x-ray or to asist with a country call.

And Dad treated his clients with respect. He took his job seriously. Dad always wore a shirt and tie and jacket. And the bow tie was one he tied himself.

Dad created a recipe for a horse linament that was our home remedy for a chest cold. How specail it was to have Dad rub your chest and you would know you were going to be okay!

Dad was always learning new things and had an open mind. He would quiz the new vets who would work with him so to keep current in his practice.

Dad was very intelligent and knowledgeable. You could ask Dad for facts on most topics and he knew the answer. I would marvel at this and he said he remembered reading it in the Book of Knowledge when he was a boy at home.

Dad was loving and gentle and caring. I have so many precious memories of how being with him made me feel special. Like riding in the car over the back roads to a call....windows down, dust flying and CBC on the radio. Sharing that time together was precious.

We also shared a bond since both of us went to the University of Guelph. Dad kept in touch with his class mates and will be sadly missed this summer for the OVC class of '47's 65th reunion.

When Dad came out to Saskatoon for my internship graduation that was a special time. People didn't travel as much then. Mom had gone out to see me in the winter so Dad came alone. Afterwards, we flew to Calgary. And then we drove up to Lake Louise and discovered wild flowers and enjoyed the ice fields along the way. Sharing that vacation with Dad....it was the first time we had gone on a trip together, just the two of us. ..was perhaps the start of our adult relationship...not just father and daughter but also friends. We've had many wonderful trips together since then often golfing at the Pines and recently cruising the Carribean.

Family was so important to us. We would go to Shelburne, Ontario every other Christmas when Dad was not on call. But he would have to work that day before Christmas and he would get home, change his clothes, pack the car and grab a bite to eat and off we would go no matter what time or what the weather. Dad was still like that...whether coming down to Shelburne, NS or picking us up at the airport...he would drive...no matter what time or what the weather. It didn`t bother him.

The love Dad gave extended to friends. Dad showed a genuine interest in others. Our friends were always welcome. He accepted everyone. Both he and Mom are so friendly that if you sat beside them for longer than 5 min you would be talking to them and may even become fast friends. Several of our school friends and others over the years have adopted Mom and Dad for their own parents and even Canadian grandparents.

Dad was an honourable man, even before they went out together, Mom says her father knew that....she tells of how Mom and her girlfriend Jeannie wanted to go out to a dance in a neighbouring community and her father wouldn't let her go with one fellow but when she ran into Dad and he offered to take them Mom told her father that Doug McKelvie would drive them and Mom's father immediately said, yes, she could go with him.

Mom says she knew Dad truly loved her above all else. That love was what made our family the strong unit that it is.

Even though none of us wanted Dad to leave, EVER, when we were gathered around his bed that Friday night that love wrapped us in a warm embrace. Together we shared that precious experience - a gift we could give Dad.

Perhaps I can add to Sarah's list for honouring Dad in the days ahead. This past week Mom reminded me that she and Dad would always kiss each other before they went to bed each night and first thing every morning.

What a simple and yet powerful expression of love...those sweet kisses are!

Will always love you, Dad! and as Vera Lynn would sing...We'll meet again....some sunny day!

By Anne McKelvie, Daughter

Well girls you sure are a tough act to follow but fortunately in this case Papa left us with lots of material.

When you lose your father is always a difficult pill to swallow, and when you lose a great friend it’s difficult as well. When you lose both at the same time well…………… His life is worth celebrating.

I received a great education travelling around the countryside to farms meeting farmers. I learned the value of respect for others, treating people the way you would like to be treated. Learning how not to be afraid of hard work or difficult circumstances.

Learned how to eat fast at warp speed a bad habit I still retain today. I was allergic to my own father

His driving lessons when I was 16 are still fresh in my mind. I wasn’t allowed to drive on the highway until I could drive 60 mph on the gravel side roads. He was well known for driving fast and often the police would show up to the clinic a few minutes after he arrived because they couldn’t keep up with him. Learning how to pass a vehicle for the first time, it was “give it some gas, we don’t have any time to waste” Still saying the same thing. Don’t waste time going around corners, if you are going to do something do it.

Courage to stand up for yourself. One time we drove into a long driveway of a farm and 2 huge ferocious dogs where chasing the car…….Dad said, “Don’t make any sudden moves and act normal”. I couldn’t get out of the car initially. Dad said, “Robert get out, don’t worry they won’t hurt you”… that’s when I saw the postmortem knife in his hand. After completing his work and we got back in the car the dogs were once again at it…barking and chasing the car down the lane.

One particular trait that I discovered early on was Dad’s pragmatism. His philosophy of wanting to know how things work, the consequences of his actions and thoughts were very important, there had to be a logical reason for things that happened.

Perhaps this resulted from his work with animals in his veterinary practice. Although he loved all animals from fish to fowl he began his career working with large animals was perhaps more rewarding in the fact that decisions were more business related and therefore treatment was often based on whether the cow was able to produce milk etc.

He hated to see animals suffer. When he was unable to physically handle the large animals and as the family farm began to decline his work shifted to a small animal practice. This kind of work often left him somewhat frustrated because he not only had to treat the family pet but the family pet owner as well and often the decisions to keep them alive. We all have had family pets and they become family members, the emotional attachment is much greater than a cow or pig.

I remember once a couple brought in their budgie bird to be treated. The owner was a large woman who, when Dad asked her to hold the budgie, refused. Her little husband stood to one side and did not volunteer to hold it so next thing I hear is, “Robert, get over here and hold this bird but don’t hold it tightly”. Of course I was nervous trying to keep the budgie in my hands and not let it go and not hold too tight. When my Dad turned around to start work on the bird it’s little head drooped to one side. It was dead! The woman started wailing but I noticed her husband just gave me a little nod of approval and away they went.

And of course

In the end near the end of his life, his pragmatic philosophy helped us with important medical options. He knew the consequences of is actions and we knew he wanted comfort care as opposed to some aggressive radical treatment that might keep his alive. In an ironic twist of fate he didn’t want to see us suffer.

Well almost everything…….he was a long suffering Toronto Maple Leafs fan and a frustrated golfer. I remember the first time we went to play at the Highland Links with a bunch of long haired 20 somethings in the mid 70’s for one of the first Pink Shirt Opens, travelling with Kevin Ryan, Don Connolly, Ron MacIssac, Stephen Boyd, Jim Munson and others. Probably where he became a friend more than a father.

Now fortunately we have all become somewhat more mature and respectable citizens but at the time our antics could be described as forgettable.

But that didn’t dissuade him or my mother from returning annually for over 30 years the Pink Shirt and Fall Classic. They enjoyed the magnificence of golf course and the surroundings but loved the commaraderie and friendship of their fellow golfers the most.

And he didn’t want to give it up. Last summer within hours after receiving a cortisone shot in his knee from his Dr. Dave which until then had left him unable to play for a year he called me to tell me he wanted to play golf. Are you sure, why not give it a couple of days. No he was ready to try it out and of course after 2-3 holes he started to swear under his breath for his poor play. I said how long has it been since you’ve had a club in your hand. His look told it all.

Can’t play like Tiger without playing and practicing. He loved the game of golf.

The McKelvies were perhaps North of Ireland Scots who settled in county Armagh, one of the 6 counties that make up Northern Ireland in the province of Ulster.

I was about 8-9 years old and sitting in my Aunt Anna’s front room with Doug, his 3 brothers and their mother I had to laugh. Both Grandma Mckelvie and Aunt Anna were well educated, well read. They could speak intelligently about politics, religion, sports (big boxing fans). It was hard to get a word in edgewise and if you were talking and had the slightest pause in your voice someone would take over the conversation. This was pure entertainment for me, sounded like an argument.

And it wasn’t until a few weeks ago I heard Canadian author Neil Ferguson description of what an Ulsterman is really like. He said that., “most people speak and then they listen, An Ulsterman speaks and then can’t wait to speak again” His definition was a real epiphany for me because it explained exactly how things worked in a McKelvie conversation..

I’ll leave you some of his pearls of wisdom.

If someone sang off key and he had a great ear for music he would say , they were “Flat as Pee on a Plate”, if one of his clients would haggle over a bill, he would be “tight as bark to a tree” and one of the best ones,

Never let a little bit of BS get in the way of a good story. And this little story captures the essence of that in spades. Did you know he was a miracle worker?

Sitting in the barber shop, you know the one with the barber pole, big red chairs, sharpeneing their straight razors on the strap, Cliff Cox, a local legend in the town of Essex proclaimed to everyone that Doc Mckelvie was “a miracle worker”!

Cliff explained how his dog was very sick and there was something about Dad taking out his heart and massaging it and then, miraculously the very next day that dog was up and jumping around like a puppy…!

We could continue on talking about Dad life and the impression he made on others. And we will immediately after this service at his favourite restaurant (McKelvie’s) where we can all continue to celebrate the life of this special person. But for now Doug…for all us it’s, “Over and Out.”

By Robert McKelvie, Son

MCKELVIE Dr. Douglas Joseph DVM-VS - 90. It is with broken hearts that we, the family, announce his unexpected, but peaceful, passing on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at the QE II in Halifax. Eldest son of the late Dr. Silas and Martha McKelvie, Doug was born in Shelburne, Ontario. Doug enlisted in the Air Force during World War II and served as a navigator with the 434 Squadron. After returning home, he finished his university degree and graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph in 1947. Doug practised both large and small animal veterinary medicine in Ontario for 40 years, a profession perhaps best described by humourist Will Rogers as “The best doctor in the world is the veterinarian. He can't ask his patients what is the matter - he's got to just know”. Affectionately known as “Doc” by many of his clients, his Stetson hat and pipe were his signature calling card. In 2010 Doug received his 65 yr pin from Lorne Masonic Lodge in Shelburne, Ontario. A community minded individual, he was Charter President of the Hensall Kinsmen Club and President of the Essex Rotary Club, where he became a Paul Harris Member. It was at the Rotary Club where he was introduced to the charity Sleeping Children Around the World. After moving to Halifax, he became a member of the Western Air Crew Association and the Halifax Probis Club.

Doug’s many interests included golfing in the Cape Breton Highlands, curling, bridge, Dixieland jazz music, baking bread and especially playing the piano and organ. Although in demand at church events, sing songs and kitchen parties, it was his one night stand on Bourbon Street that was the highlight of his piano playing career. A single malt scotch was always a welcome treat. Survived by Doris (Wakefield) his beloved wife of of 65 years this August. Doug will be sadly missed but leaves behind a lifetime of memories and “Pearls of Wisdom” for his son Robert (Margaret Guy), daughter Anne (John Jordan), grandchildren Sean and Emma McKelvie, Sarah (David MacDonald), great grandson Everett Douglas MacDonald, several nieces and nephews, brother Bob (Barb), sister-in-law Helen. He was predeceased by his brothers Jack (Betty) and Allan. His many friends from far and wide will miss his sincere friendship and the “twinkle in his eye”. Special thanks to all the Doctors and Nursing staff at the QE II Health Sciences Centre. A service will be held on Saturday, January 21 at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 3 Dakin Drive, Halifax at 11:00 am. A reception will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Sleeping Children Around The World, the St. Peter Anglican Church or a charity of your choice.

* * * * * * * * * *

MCKELVIE Dr. Douglas Joseph DVM-VS - 90. It is with broken hearts that we, the family, announce his unexpected, but peaceful, passing on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at the QE II in Halifax. Eldest son of the late Dr. Silas and Martha McKelvie, Doug was born in Shelburne, Ontario. Doug enlisted in the Air Force during World War II and served as a navigator with the 434 Squadron. After returning home, he finished his university degree and graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph in 1947. Doug practised both large and small animal veterinary medicine in Ontario for 40 years, a profession perhaps best described by humourist Will Rogers as “The best doctor in the world is the veterinarian. He can't ask his patients what is the matter - he's got to just know”. Affectionately known as “Doc” by many of his clients, his Stetson hat and pipe were his signature calling card. In 2010 Doug received his 65 yr pin from Lorne Masonic Lodge in Shelburne, Ontario. A community minded individual, he was Charter President of the Hensall Kinsmen Club and President of the Essex Rotary Club, where he became a Paul Harris Member. It was at the Rotary Club where he was introduced to the charity Sleeping Children Around the World. After moving to Halifax, he became a member of the Western Air Crew Association and the Halifax Probis Club.

Doug’s many interests included golfing in the Cape Breton Highlands, curling, bridge, Dixieland jazz music, baking bread and especially playing the piano and organ. Although in demand at church events, sing songs and kitchen parties, it was his one night stand on Bourbon Street that was the highlight of his piano playing career. A single malt scotch was always a welcome treat. Survived by Doris (Wakefield) his beloved wife of of 65 years this August. Doug will be sadly missed but leaves behind a lifetime of memories and “Pearls of Wisdom” for his son Robert (Margaret Guy), daughter Anne (John Jordan), grandchildren Sean and Emma McKelvie, Sarah (David MacDonald), great grandson Everett Douglas MacDonald, several nieces and nephews, brother Bob (Barb), sister-in-law Helen. He was predeceased by his brothers Jack (Betty) and Allan. His many friends from far and wide will miss his sincere friendship and the “twinkle in his eye”. Special thanks to all the Doctors and Nursing staff at the QE II Health Sciences Centre. A service will be held on Saturday, January 21 at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 3 Dakin Drive, Halifax at 11:00 am. A reception will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Sleeping Children Around The World, the St. Peter Anglican Church or a charity of your choice.