William Joseph "Willie Joe" Doucet

It is with the deepest of sadness that we, the family of the late William Joseph Doucet, announce his passing on January 16, 2015. “Willie Joe”, as he was so affectionately known, filled the role of dad, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to our family for almost a century and we will sadly miss his daily gifts of jovial conversation, humor and wit. His superb musical voice was known throughout the county and far beyond as people travelled on many a Christmas Eve to hear his rendition of “Oh Holy Night” at midnight mass. “Guno’s Ave Maria” and “Panis Angelicus” were also sung with such purity at so many weddings that he was honoured with the title of “Entertainer of the Century” during the Inverness Centennial Year in 2004. He loved to share his gift of music and was choir director at Stella Maris Parish for many, many years. Being bilingual and a superb conversationalist he excelled at his career choices, which ranged from, managing the three Margaree Co-ops to being Freight Porter at the CNR station in Inverness for over 30 years. As a veteran of World War II, Willie Joe was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 132 taking on the role of president as well as the other executive positions during his lifetime. He served as a member of the Inverness Co-op Board, volunteer during the formative years of the Inverness Oran and a dedicated volunteer for the residents of the Inverary Manor, writing letters, reading and running errands with pleasure. It was at this wonderful manor that ironically Willie Joe spent the last six years of his life. During this time, he received such exemplary care by the staff of the Inverary Manor, that words cannot express how deeply grateful we all are. From the housekeeping and dietary staff right through to nursing and administration, Dad was treated with such respect and caring. His every need was met 24/7 and he created such wonderful friendships with the staff that his daily bantering back and forth with them became a joy for him.

A special thank you to Dr. Bernie for all his past years of medical care. To Dr. Lok, the words “thank you” are just not enough to express our sincere gratitude for the special care and the highest quality of attention you showed Willie Joe at the Inverary Manor and especially in his final days at ICMH. You went above and beyond to improve his comfort level on a daily basis. To the staff at ICMH a huge thank you for your understanding, patience and professionalism.

Willie Joe was pre-deceased by the love of his life of 59 years, Clara (MacIsaac); his parents’, John Louis and Vitaline (Leblanc) and his three sisters, Alice (Deneumoustier), Josephine and Catherine (Ryan). Willie Joe is survived by his five children, Redmond (Patricia), Claire (A.R.) Fraser, Kenneth (Josephine), Keith (Donna), Eric (Joan), all of Inverness. He adored and cherished his 13 grandchildren, Laura, Ryan, Redmond, Melissa, A.R., David, Kenneth, Norma Lee, Keith, Clara, Cara Lynn, Eric, Julene. His 13 great-grandchildren were the apple of his eye. He was a dear “Great Grampy.” His many nieces and nephews will sincerely miss him, especially Jerry and Jackie who considered him a father figure as well as his adopted son “Malky Due.”

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 20th from 9:00-10:45am in Stella Maris Church, Inverness, followed by a funeral mass at 11am to celebrate Willie Joe’s wonderful 98 years. Cremation has taken place. Burial to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Inverness Inverary Manor, Central Inverness Palliative Care Society or the Stella Maris Parish Building Fund.

As we bid a final farewell to Dad we know that he has taken his seat in heaven’s choir and is looking forward to a drink of Glen Livet with his family and friends. “Til We Meet Again.”

On-line condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com