Dr. Ronald Keith Dougan

Born November 4, 1930 to Harry and Nina Dougan in Saltcoats, Saskatchewan, our Dad spent much of his early life in Edmonton and the surrounding area before adopting Calgary and its view of the Rockies as his home.

Ron proudly served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as an Education Officer and was later promoted to the rank of Pilot Officer (2nd Lieutenant) then reclassified as a Chaplain. In service to others, he helped countless people as a hospital chaplain, United Church minister, and industrial/organizational psychologist. Specializing in career testing and planning, Ron mentored many students and his passion for this vocation continued well into his 80s.

In his youth, he played the violin and saxophone, returning in later life to the violin. A selftaught double bass player, he was part of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and also played in dance bands for several years.

A huge supporter of the arts, Dad attended as many classical musical performances as he could fit into his busy life, with a particular fondness for chamber music, especially the string quartet. A distinct favourite to which he returned multiple times was the week-long, immersive experience of the Banff International String Quartet Competition.

Dad loved to draw. After seeing Disney’s Fantasia – merging his passion for classical music and drawing -- his dream was to become a Disney cartoonist. Though he did not follow that path, he did throughout his life enjoy visual art, all types of comics, animated movies, and a good pun!

Ron was predeceased in 2003 by his second wife and psychological practice partner, Catherine, and is survived by her children, Jonathan, David (Tammy), and Jenny (Arlin). He is survived by his first wife, Vivian, and their children, Janet (Pam), Barbara, Laura, and Les (Jessica), together with 15 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and his colleague and good friend David Hart.

He was predeceased by his mother, father, and brother, Ken, as well as a stepfather and four step-siblings.

Our Dad did not wish to have a public service. An intimate celebration of his life by immediate family members will be arranged at a later date.

If desired, in memory of Ron, you might consider donating to your favourite charity or to the Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC).