Alexander Dougald (Doug) McArthur was born Sept 22, 1936 at St. Michaels Hospital, Toronto, the first of three children to parents Virginia (Jean) Raeburn and Harold Daniel McArthur. Dougald passed away peacefully, with his wife by his side, on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at Markham Stouffville Hospital.
At age 10 he won the Dow Reward for bravery and the Royal Lifesaving Silver Medal by saving the much larger Johnny Zettle from drowning. Zettle weighed 144 lbs, twice as much as Dougald.
Dougald attended public school in Caledon. and High School in Orangeville. After graduating from Royal Military College in 1959 with a B.Sc. he was posted to RCAF Uplands, where he flew on CF-100 and CF-101 all-weather jet fighters. He was scheduled to fly the ill-fated CF105 Arrow operationally and was appalled when it was scrapped. Disgusted by Diefenbaker’s politics, he left the RCAF in 1962.
While serving in the RCAF, the RCAF Officer’s ceremonial Sword, authorized personally by HRH Elizabeth II, was presented to Dougald by Governor-General George Vanier on behalf of VC winner BGen. Paul Triquet
After leaving the RCAF Dougald began a business career which took him to Scandinavia, South America and the USA as well as Canada. At the same time, being an avid racer, Dougald won the Ontario championship for Formula Cars in 1966. He also built six race cars before retiring from racing.
Dougald served as a Director of the Canadian Manufacturers Association Export Forum for 4 years, becoming Chairman in 1982. During that time he led a group of businessmen to AB Bofors, Sweden and another group to Dallas, Texas.
Relocating to the USA in 1985, he founded a company that quickly became a leader in its industry segment. Returning to Canada in 1988, he continued his career in packaging security and Industrial applications of Bar Codes.
After retirement and moving to Ballantrae, he derived great enjoyment from boating, golfing (with 2 holes-in one) and spending time in Florida with his wife and true love of 45+ years Florence Smith.
Dougald is survived by his wife, Florence Smith, son Ian and wife Susan and Ian’s son Daniel, daughter Danielle and husband Murray, and Danielle’s children Annika and Nicholas, son Andrew, sisters Virginia TenCate, Christy and husband Donny White, nieces and nephews.
You are sorely missed.
A visitation for Doug will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 from 10 - 11 a.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, ON L4G6W8, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. The Service will also be livestreamed for thoses who cannot make it in person. Please go to www.thompsonfh-aurora.com to find the link under services.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Whitchurch-Stouffville Food Bank and Parkinson Society of Canada.
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