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Robert McDougal Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert McDougal
Sponsored by A friend.
James Pace
June 2, 2024
Miss you every day Bob. I find myself relaying to people who never knew you exactly what a special person you are with ethics that I will try to instil into my own daughter as she grows up.
James Pace
June 2, 2023
Bobbby boy ...: not a day goes by that I don´t think about you. I miss you and if there is a hereafter, it will be great to reunite with you....
Always, Jimmy
John Bendell
June 3, 2021
Dear Friends of Bob, Bob lives on, through his many friends made in the diverse pursuits of his life. One part of his life concerned his service in the USNR. On that aspect: the president of the minesweeping museum in Stockton, CA, reviewed photos of Bob’s made-from-scratch scale model of the USS THRUSH, MSC-204, on which Bob served. He was extremely impressed, naturally. What a patient, dedicated, meticulous craftsman Bob was. If ever the current owner of this model would like to donate that model to the minesweeping museum to honor Bob, feel free to contact David Rajkovick, President, at [email protected]. He would display it proudly with Bob’s carved MSO/MSC insignia plaques. A note: Bob’s name will be one of several, inscribed on the recently acquired deck gun during the museum's restoration of the USS LUCID.
James Pace
June 2, 2021
Your spirit and perspective was sometimes too good for this life.
I am often reminded of our growth through childhood and the qualities you possessed then which transitioned into the wonderful and caring adult you became. My world is less enjoyable without you here. Miss you every day
John Bendell
August 14, 2020
Here is an introduction to Bob’s collection of minesweeping plaques, now at the Stockton Maritime Museum in Northern California:
These plaques of USN MSO and MSC ship insignias were created by Robert Walton McDougal, (1951 - 2014), who served honorably in the USNR, after graduating from the Naval Training Center in Orlando, Florida.
Bob’s collection of minesweeping memorabilia was bequeathed to one of his oldest friends, who in 2019 contacted the Stockton Maritime Museum and arranged to donate the complete collection, with the request that it remain whole and undivided.
Thus, the colorful and stirring collection was delivered to the most appropriate resting place imaginable, a museum at which a USN minesweeper, the USS LUCID, MSO 458, was being methodically and carefully restored.
A little about the creator: Bob’s character, in naval terms, could be described as "Steady as She Goes." He served faithfully on two USN Minesweepers as a BM2: the USS THRUSH, MSC-204 (1971 - 75), and the USS IMPERVIOUS, MSO 449 (1976).
Bob’s reputation as being orderly, meticulous, and even-keeled goes back to grade school, keeping an impressive collection of baseball cards complete with hand-written stats on selected teams and players. Later, as a hardworking youth-league and then high school football player, he learned the science of the game and applied it at practice and during play, winning unanimous respect from teammates and coaches.
After high school Bob joined Southern Bell, where he worked for decades until retirement. Steady as She Goes, Mate. His conscientiousness installing, splicing, and logically harnessing intricate communications cabling made his assigned jobs easily identifiable and led other workers to refer to his finished sites admiringly as being "Dougal-ized."
Concurrently with Bob’s work at Bell, he enlisted in the USNR, plying the Atlantic from Key West to Virginia and learning all a sailor of a wooden ship should, from knots to navigation. Onboard too, his pride in the quality and thoroughness of his work distinguished him among Officers and men.
And the pride in Robert W. McDougal’s service to his country carried on throughout the rest of his life and can be seen in his choosing to craft the plaque collection displayed here at the Stockton Maritime Museum.
Steady as She Goes
YouTube Tour #3 of restoration process of a USN minesweeper, where Bob's collection resides.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdOinaA4IlQ
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John Bendell
June 3, 2020
Bob, you added so much good to the world around you. You truly live in the hearts of so many of the people you touched. You remain a teacher by example. Memories of you are always close at hand.
James Pace
June 3, 2020
Bob ...: my oldest and dearest friend. Not a day goes by without my drifting into my thoughts. Your humanity has always guided me through lifes difficult decisions. I spread your Earthly ashes at a place I know you felt near and dear to you. Love you always brother
John Buckner
June 3, 2020
Bob was a Facebook friend, but as we learned about each other we became good friends. Bob was a compassionate caring man, I always said he was an old soul who walked amongst us. He is a constant reminder to me that we are all just passing through.
maria
June 3, 2020
Forever remembered!
George Brown
June 2, 2020
man who led a good life and is still thought of often .
Marc Silverman
June 2, 2020
Robert was a wonderful caring person who will be deeply missed. He was a great inspiration to many.
George Brown
June 5, 2019
Gone Home but not forgotten here .
Coco Plum 1990
Dean Smith
June 4, 2019
Just wanted to say you are missed!
Maria Hernandez
June 4, 2019
Your good nature and selflessness will forever be remembered by those that knew you. Always,
Mari
John Buckner
June 3, 2019
Bob you were an inspiration to us all, a good man and a great friend!
Jim Pace
June 2, 2019
5 year anniversary of your passing...miss your presence as much as ever. You are in our thoughts every day .. RIP my dear friend.
Bob Sutton
September 4, 2014
It was a pleasure to work with you. I just wish I could have known you better. You were a class guy.
Marc Silverman
July 25, 2014
Bob,
You will be missed by many. You were a caring gentle man with a huge heart and loved my all.
Carolyn Gregg
June 30, 2014
I was so shocked about the news of your passing, The Crumpler trio are thinking of you and your family. I promised to get you a NCIS t shirt to you in Miami and never made it. I enjoyed catching up with you on Facebook. You will be missed. Sincerely Carolyn Crumpler Gregg. Love to send some pictures from south beach and prom but there pre digital
John Bendell
June 19, 2014
Bob,
You had to practically raise yourself yet you grew into the most well mannered, fair minded, thoughtful human being we ever knew. No anger; instead, understanding and patience. Respect for women. Heartfelt feelings for the unfortunate and dispossesed. Always walking in the other guy's shoes. What an example you set for us to follow. You didn't leave us; any moment of any day, some one of your many friends will be reliving their time spent with you. What a remarkable man. You live on, old friend. “Call me when you get a chance…”
Jeanne Gamboa
June 16, 2014
Bob I am so missing you as I pass by your house. It was so great talking with you through the 36 years that I've been your neighbor. You were such a talented guy and I loved your tree.
You are so missed and I know that you are resting in the palm of God.
Goodbye dear friend.
Linda Dellerson
June 15, 2014
Robert was always so helpful to me with helping to set up our group from Coral Gables High School. He was a fellow Cavalier and truly a great guy. Always willing to help. What a wonderful person. He will truly be missed by so many of his fellow classmates and friends.
Sandra de Quesada
June 14, 2014
Bob was a wonderful neighbor to my elderly parents. May he rest in peace. God bless you Bob.
David Steger
June 14, 2014
Bob, May you RIP. You will be truly missed my your family, friends and loved ones. May God Bless You.
June 13, 2014
June 13, 2014
June 11, 2014
I did not know Robert McDougal. I did a lot of audits in the warehouse in Mimia in the 1980s. It is always sad to hear when a fellow Bell or AT&T person passes. Glenn Bexley Newnan, Ga
Daniel Crawford
June 11, 2014
So sorry about the passieng of Bob. It seems like I just saw him at his brothers funeral (Paul) Passed by his home to see energy turbine. Quite fascinating. Then I noticed the tree with beautiful carvings and paint. Just saw post on FB when he planted tree. RIP. Dan Crawford
Maria Fonticiella
June 11, 2014
Rest in peace Robert McDougal. May god bless you and your family.
Ken Dierickx
June 10, 2014
A great friend, a great spirit. Bob was full of life and had a special gift of caring. Loved the outdoors. I will miss him dearly.
Terri and Bob Ferrara
June 10, 2014
I menat to note we will definitely make a donation in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project-one of our favorite charities
Terri and Bob Ferrara
June 10, 2014
A very nice man who always posted great pictures on the BellSouth Alumni page in Facebook. Very said to hear. Our sympathy and thoughts to his family.
Valerie Goodman
June 10, 2014
You couldn't find a more Good-natured, caring and gentle soul to call your friend. He was a devoted sports fan who shared his enthusiasm with his friends even if they weren't into it. Somehow he made it sound interesting. Bob always saw the brighter side of things. I will truly miss his love and wisdom and cherish our friendship forever.
Larue Goodwin
June 10, 2014
Bob, you brightened the day every time I had the pleasure to cross paths at work. I always loved winding up o the same street and visiting. You truly have been an example of the kind of person we could all emulate. R.I.P. Now we have another angel to call on.
A typical day in Bob,s manhole.
June 10, 2014
Bob planted this tree that evolved into Arbolina, his pride and joy! Bob carved, painted and decorated Arbolina for the Holidays.
June 10, 2014
Key West in the 80's
June 10, 2014
Here's to you my friends!
June 10, 2014
Valerie visiting in the late 90's, couldn't have asked for a more loyal and lifelong friend. I miss you so much!
June 10, 2014
Bob and Valerie in the good ole days of 1983
June 10, 2014
George Brown
June 9, 2014
A wonderful human being I had the great pleasure of knowing in Southern Bell life . God Bless and keep Bob and his family and friends in this time of our loss .
@ James Pace Wedding in November 2013.
June 9, 2014
You will be missed my friend. What a great memory you had. We had alot of fun reminiscing at Jimmy & Janet's wedding in November. Here is a great photo of the both of you. Rest in Peace.
Elis Statom
June 9, 2014
I remember our days at the Boys Club and Gables high. This was a good, good man. He was my friend. I will truley miss him.
Eric Munoz
June 9, 2014
Bob I alway's looked forward to your post's In F/B and especially all the post's on Old Ma Bell.Met you several times and all I can say Is that you were a true gentleman and you will be sorely missed. Prayers for your family. See you soon.
Emilia Diraddo
June 9, 2014
Always in my heart! RIP my dearest Bob!
Patty Thornton Spain
June 9, 2014
He will be missed by many people from around the world but will live on in the hearts of many.
Bob & John
Kurt Howell
June 8, 2014
Such a nice guy with so much to give to others. You will be missed by all of us.
Rey Santiago
June 8, 2014
RIP Bob,a good friend and shipmate onboard USS Impervious ( MSO-449 )
John Buckner
June 8, 2014
I meet Bob on FB. we became instant friends.It was my great honor to be your friend. The world has lost a very kind and Compassionate man. His humanity will live on through the many people he has touched.
Maria Hernandez
June 8, 2014
Forever and always friends!
Andy & Brenda Goforth
June 8, 2014
Have only talked with Bob on FB, but he always made me feel like a good friend. My husband & I are also part of the Bell family. I will miss reading his wonderful posts about our telephone history. You're a great guy, Bob & you will be missed.
June 8, 2014
I NEVER MET YOU BUT WE CHAT MANY TIMES. WE BOTH LOVE OUR CONTRY AND YOUR COOL PAGE HONORING OUR SOLDIER WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. RIP DEAR FACEBOOK FRIEND. NANCY CARDENALES
Carolyn Brownstein
June 8, 2014
A kind and gentle neighbor - you are sadly missed.
Carolyn Brownstein
June 8, 2014
Carolyn Brownstein
June 8, 2014
Pat McHugh
June 8, 2014
My prayers are with your loved ones. We can all use more of your gentleness of spirit. Fair winds and following seas.
Christine Pedersen-Van Ness
June 8, 2014
life has so many twists and turns that leave us wondering "why"...you will be missed by everyone...
heaven is getting another great guy..sure you and Larry are already sharing splicing stories ..rest in peace
henry lucente
June 8, 2014
rest in peace
Kelly Villar
June 8, 2014
Bob u'll be missed. The neighborhood won't be the same without you.
June 8, 2014
Prayers and blessings to your family...You were such a wonderful person Bob. With greatest Sympathy, Sharon Shikany
Roberta McDougal
June 8, 2014
Bob, your laughter and loving spirit will be missed. With love,
JAMES PACE
June 8, 2014
Love you Bob...you will always be in our hearts and mind FOREVER....James and Janet Pace
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