Gerald E. McDougall Sr.

GERALD E. MCDOUGALL, SR. - after fighting a courageous battle against cancer for 18 months, Gerry passed away Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada, on March 2, 1938. Gerry was the son of Rhea Phyllis Jenkins and John Martin McDougall of Prince Edward Island, Canada, and was one of ten children.

Gerry was an avid horseman and rode with the Calgary Stampede before making his home in Stamford in 1958. He was a Paratrooper, serving in the US Army 101st Airborne Division and the National Guard from 1960-1966, before receiving an honorable discharge. A graduate from J.M. Wright Technical vocational school, he excelled in the Pipefitters program and was a former member of the Local #311 Plumbers & Pipefitters Union from 1964-1986. Gerry was proud to have worked on a number of nuclear power plants as well as most local hi-rise buildings and schools in Stamford and surrounding areas. From 1986, he owned and operated "McDougall Excavating" with the support of his business contacts, many of with whom he developed life-long friendships. Gerry loved ice hockey. In his youth, he enjoyed the sport with his family, all of whom shared the thrill and love of the game. As a father, he both coached and sponsored teams in Stamford and Fairfield Youth Hockey associations.

Gerry was a friendly, loving man who always assumed a "can do" mentality regardless of what stood before him. He was a "stand up" man of integrity, honesty and great strength. Standing at a modest 5'8", it was not at all unusual for him to be referred to as "Big Ger" due to his brute strength and commanding presence. Most who knew him, loved him. All of whom knew him, respected him. Gerry touched everyone's life in a unique way; he was a wonderful man and will be missed immensely.

Mr. McDougall was predeceased by 2 of his sisters; Joanne and Thelma, 2 brothers; Stan and Jack and his son; Gerald E. McDougall Jr. who unfortunately passed in 2002. He is survived by his loving, former wife Diane Uva-McDougall, his son Darryl, and his 3 lovely daughters; Jessica and Elaine McDougall, of Stamford, and Elise Frangione of Sandy Hook, 7 grandchildren and Mrs. G. Jackman. He is also survived by 3 brothers; D. Hoover MacDougall and C. Frank MacDougall of Nova Scotia, Darryl W. McDougall of B.C. Canada, 2 sisters; Edna Roach and Marina Anderson of Nova Scotia and 26 nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 5-9PM on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2006 at Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien, CT. Funeral will be at St. Mary's Church, Stamford at 9AM on Friday. Burial to follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Rd., Stamford.