Born in Halifax in 1941, Doug was the son of the late Thomas N. and Madeline (nee Markley) Tobin. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Theresa Marie (nee MacAvoy); his son Thomas and wife Wendy of Ottawa; his daughter Jennifer Mary of Halifax; his son William and husband Eric of Los Angeles; granddaughters Megan and Lauren of Ottawa; and special cousin Dorothy MacDonald of Halifax.
Doug was devoted to his family and enjoyed great success in his personal and professional lives.
A life-long Roman Catholic, Doug was educated in Halifax at St. Thomas Aquinas School, St. Patrick’s High School, and St. Mary’s University from which he graduated with a B.Comm. A former member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant in N.S.
Doug practiced public accounting in Montreal and Halifax before working for Revenue Canada and the Government of N.S. where he advanced to the level of Deputy Minister. At one time he worked with Archbishop James Hayes to organize the finances of the Archdiocese. Late in his career he spent several years as a consultant to the Government of the Bahamas and performed consulting work in Ottawa.
Over the years, Doug served on numerous boards and committees both charitable and business orientated including Children’s Aid Society of Nova Scotia, Sisters of Service, Halifax Metro Centre, Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Saint Mary’s Alumni Association, and C.J.E.I.
Doug had a keen interest in the military and in history, and loved music, wine, cigars, and Christmas. A life-long supporter of the Montreal Canadiens, for many years the highlight of his weekend was playing hockey with friends in the Saturday Hockey Group at SMU.
Although not initially drawn to it, Doug converted a delivery van to a camper and the family enjoyed many camping trips over the years, in one case camping all the way across Canada and back through the USA. After the family camping years came to an end, Doug and Theresa enjoyed travel to further fields such as Japan, Russia, most of Europe, the Yukon, and the Caribbean.
Most of all, Doug loved his family and they loved him right back. That includes the big MacAvoy clan that welcomed him when he married Theresa. He cherished the times he spent with his granddaughters and all the laughter, which was very special to him. Doug lives on in our hearts, and in our laughter.
Funeral arrangements are by the JA Snow Funeral Home. Because of current pandemic restrictions, arrangements are delayed and will be announced at a later date.
If you wish to make a charitable donation in Doug’s memory, please consider Brunswick Street Mission in Halifax.
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