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DOUGLAS GEORGE MCDONALD
Date of Passing: Apr 20, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDOUGLAS GEORGE MCDONALD
It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of, Douglas McDonald (Dougie), who died peacefully surrounded by his family on April 20, 2026, at the age of 84.
Douglas was born September 2, 1941, in the City of Winnipeg, to George and Anne McDonald (née Stoyka), and was the eldest of five children. He is survived by his siblings Darlene Gray (Gary), Bruce McDonald, Georgina McDonald and his brother-in-law Ronald Coggan (Calgary) and sister-in-law Hugette Coggan (Montreal). He was predeceased by sister Sharon McDonald and brother-in-law Donald Coggan. Douglas is also survived by his many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Brenda, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage until her passing in 2021, and his cherished daughter Rachel, who passed in 2022.
Douglas is survived by his daughters, Leah McDonald and Sarah McDonald (Ryan Horvath) and his treasured grandchildren, Zaiden and Ava McDonald-Horvath.
Douglas grew up in Winnipeg, where he spent much of his early life at his parents’ restaurant, the B&B, located on the corner of Sargent and Balmoral. It was there that he developed an early love of cooking.
He went on to dedicate 30 years of service to VIA Rail Canada where he was known for his humour, his strong work ethic. Above all, for being someone others could always trust and rely upon. He was given the nickname “Rocket Man”, a name that stayed with him.
In the 1980’s Douglas and Brenda moved to her childhood home on River Road. During this time, he could often be found outside working in the yard on his riding lawnmower, keeping busy in the garden. The girls were frequently recruited to help, and anyone who knew Douglas knew there was never a shortage of “jobs” when he was around. Later in life, Doug and Brenda purchased a cottage in Grand Marais, where they found peace and embraced the simple life.
Douglas was a true Scotsman at heart, and he always had an eye for a good deal, constantly looking for what was on sale and never missing an opportunity to save. On Saturdays, he could be found looking for garage sales, because in his words, you just never know what you’re going to find. He was a family man who truly enjoyed the simple life, whether it was happy hour with Brenda, short ribs with mashed potatoes, a good bottle of red wine, or a strong cup of Starbucks coffee in the morning. He was happy living an ordinary life and found beauty in that.
He was an avid music lover. His lifelong hero and favourite artist was Bob Dylan, whose music he deeply admired throughout this life.
He took great pride and was committed to driving his grandchildren, Zaiden to hockey and Ava to cheer. He took great joy in being part of their lives, always showing up and supporting them in everything they pursued.
Doug was known for his humour, we will forever his remember his joke, “Did I ever tell you about the time I drank water? I’m still sick.”
He enjoyed lively conversation about the stock markets, politics, religion, sports and cars. He was polite, kind and sharp right up until his final moments.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday May 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, located at 3030 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg, MB. Following the service, an interment will take place at St. Vital Cemetery.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 02, 2026
