Douglas Milton Brennan

BRENNAN, Douglas Milton – 93, East Dover, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Shad Bay in 1919 to Edmund and Edna (Duggan) Brennan. Doug was a loving husband to his wife of 59 years, Joan (Murphy) and a wonderful father to their children, Daniel (Ronda), Porter’s Lake, Deborah MacKenzie, Halifax, Eileen, Halifax, Paul (Jeanette), Shad Bay. He is also survived by his sister, Edna Flinn, Shad Bay; grandchildren Kate (Kyle) Dunnington, Sam Brennan and Patrick MacKenzie, and numerous nieces and nephews. Doug was predeceased by sisters Maude (Omer) Slaunwhite and Alice (Lloyd) MacLaren, by his brother, Sam Brennan, and by his son-in-law, Robert Sampson. Dad served overseas during WWII with the Calgary Highlanders, where he was wounded in action. A hospital stay in England then “saved his life” while his troop suffered heavy casualties, before he returned to the front. This may explain why Dad never wore the war medals he was awarded. Dad worked many jobs, but his main career was as a fisheries inspector and later a chemist for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Thirty years after completing grade 9, Dad entered SMU as perhaps the original grey-haired “mature” student, graduating with BSc Chemistry at 52 years old. Dad enjoyed his family, fishing, boating, golfing, gardening, carpentry and furthering his wisdom and knowledge through books. Exceptionally patient and sweet-natured, as far as any of us know, Dad never raised his voice in his life. His big smile, big heart and warm hugs will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax on Friday, December 14 from 4 – 8 pm. Funeral Mass is Saturday, December 15 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Shad Bay. Reception to follow in the church hall. Family burial later. In lieu of flowers, donations to Feed Nova Scotia would be appreciated.

Special thanks to Dad’s wonderful home caregivers over recent months, especially to Sheila Hayes. Special thanks also to Uncle Jack, who brought Dad to East Dover after a young bachelor binge, and who always remained a true and dear friend.

To express words of comfort to the family, please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com