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Douglas MacGregor Obituary
When he was 39, he took up running again after 17 years away from the sport and was among the top runners in New England in the 50- and 60-year-old age groups. He was elected to halls of fame for running at UNH and at the New England 65 Plus Running Club.
Very concerned about environmental issues, he served on the Lebanon Conservation Commission, helped to start recycling in Lebanon, and belonged to the Sierra Club. He also belonged to the Lebanon Historical Society and attended the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Upper Valley (UUCUV).
For 15 years after retirement he worked part time as a custodian for the Lebanon School District and the Lebanon Libraries. He loved watching New England sports and ran the clock for Lebanon High basketball games for many years. He especially enjoyed going to activities of his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed gardening, x-c skiing, snowshoeing, walking, traveling, reading, getting together with friends and family, and talking with his many former students when he ran into them.
He leaves his wife of 51 years, Olive, of Lebanon, son Paul MacGregor (Heidi) of Littleton, MA and their sons Andy and Thomas; daughter Karen MacGregor of Tilton, NH and her son Nathaniel Wilson; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Crossman and Betsy Swan; and five cousins.
In lieu of flowers, Doug preferred that any donations be sent to the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council, 10 Campbell Street, Lebanon, NH 03766; UUCUV, 320 Route 5 South, P.O. Box 1110, Norwich, VT 05055; or the Lebanon Public Libraries Foundation, 80 Main Street, West Lebanon, NH 03784.
Calling hours will be 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. at Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon on Friday, February 3, and a memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Route 5 in Norwich at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 4. Burial will be in the MacGregor plot in the Park Cemetery in Tilton at a later date. Messages of condolence may be expressed with the family through an online guestbook by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas MacGregor
Walter Atherton
January 25, 2025
Remembering Crazy-legs
Lois (Courtemanche) Kerr
January 26, 2019
I often think fondly of my fellow colleagues who are no longer with us. Every time I'm in certain parts of Lebanon, I smile thinking about Doug and his running exercise. He always had so much energy.
Richard Ruck
July 4, 2017
To the MacGregor family,
I met Doug while friends with Karen as we attended NHTI in the 90's. I always recall his persistence in life and fondness for running. I'm sorry to learn of your loss.
Marjorie Rose
February 11, 2017
The Etna Gospel Group were so saddened to hear about Doug--we love singing to him and Olive on our visits to Genesis.
Marsha Barden
February 8, 2017
As he was missed in the halls of Jr. High, & running and walking the roads of Lebanon; we are thankful for the many good memories Doug has left us. I am so sorry for your loss.
February 5, 2017
We are so sad to hear about Doug. He was a faithful friend as well as running mate. He & I ran in many road races together. I would get a call from either Olive or Doug when the vegetables and fruit were ready for picking & they'd put some aside for us. He will be sorely missed. Ray & Sandy Currier
Laura Ward
February 4, 2017
So sorry for your loss. I really liked Mr. MacGregor's Cubs hat as anyone who knows me knows why. He made it possible for my sister to go to a summer camp one year. She really looked forward to going there and enjoyed it a lot. I too, remember dissecting frogs and worms. He was a great help to Mr. Claybor. He will be missed.
James Bailey
February 4, 2017
Mr MacGregor was one of the best teachers at Lebanon jr. High. I enjoyed learning from him. May you rest easy in eternal peace Mr MacGregor.
To his family, I am very sorry for your loss.
Peggy Wardrop
February 4, 2017
Mr MacGregor was a very kind and thoughtful man! He was a pleasure to know. Our son, Ben and our daughter Katie knew him in junior high in Lebanon. I believe when Katie played basketball he helped as an assistant coach for the girls junior high team. Whenever we would see him at karps or high school games or out and about he would always stop and say hi and ask about the kids! We will miss him!
Lois (Courtemanche) Kerr
February 4, 2017
Olive, Paul, and Karen. I'm sorry to hear of Doug's passing. He was a good person to work with. I hope good memories of him will help you at this sad time.
Jim Boynton
February 4, 2017
Sorry to hear about Doug's passing. I ran cross-country with Doug for 3 years when he help lead us to 5 consecutive state titles. At T-N he was know as "crazy-legs" for his usually running style. I remember he won the Class M state meet at least twice. Jim Boynton 1961
February 4, 2017
Thinking of you and your family in the loss of your loved one.
Sue Oneill
George &Beverly Bisson
February 3, 2017
Olive&theMcGregorFamily Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.We will always remember the fond memories of Doug and you at many races.What a great runner!If he was there all runners knew who would be coming in first.All who knew him always had the best to said about him in his sport and as a wonderful man that he was.How blessed all who have had to know him in all walks of life.May our Lord bring comford and peace to you and your family at this sadden time. Our sincere condolences. George&Beverly Bisson
Dottie Doyle
February 3, 2017
Dear Olive....I was so sorry to hear about Doug. I remember both of you fondly. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Jason Frazer
February 3, 2017
I have fond memories of talking with Doug when I was younger at the Lebanon Jr. High School. He was always so easy to talk to and excited about what we were doing as kids growing up. He will be greatly missed.
Douglas Fillian
February 2, 2017
My condolences go out to you Olive and family. Doug was a very special person to me and my family. In all the years I knew Doug whenever we would meet he would always greet Donna and I with a hello and ask how Kyle was doing. Doug and I worked together for awhile and every night we would sit and talk about Lebanon Basketball. He had a heart larger than words can express. We will miss him greatly. Olive, know our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless.
Patrick and Christine (and family) Flanagan
February 2, 2017
Olive, Paul, and Karen; our prayers and love go out to you and your families at this difficult time. When our family moved to Lebanon 35 years ago we had the pleasure of having you as neighbors. As our family grew, our children were thrilled that we lived across the street from the "real Mr. MacGregors garden." Many happy memories were had there, and THEN they had the opportunity to have Doug as a teacher at the Junior High and as a fan and volunteer at countless basketball games. His endless energy and enthusiasm for life and our community will always be appreciated and fondly remembered.
Allison Sanborn
February 2, 2017
Mrs. MacGregor, I am so terribly sorry to hear of Mr. MacGregor's passing. He was the most kind, caring, compassionate colleague and homeroom partner. I am honored to have known him thankful of the time we shared together at the Junior High. Please know that he was a shining beacon in that school to students and teachers.
Allison
Walter Atherton
February 2, 2017
Sorry to hear this,condolences to the family.Doug(crazy-legs)of TNHS cross country,ace lefty pitcher,baseball,and coach of Legion baseball,Post 48.I'll remember you Doug. Walter Atherton 62
Terri Adams
February 2, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Joe Merriam
February 2, 2017
My condolences are to Olive and the family, Doug, you were a great athlete and an even better person, RIP, my friend.
Bob Maurer
February 1, 2017
Doug was as fine a person as anyone could possibly be. He was talented, yet humble, soft-spoken, but with conviction, and a non-judgmental friend to anyone who desired his friendship. A truly wonderful individual.
Cindy McCarthy
February 1, 2017
Our thoughts are with the whole family. Both my boys had him for science and both enjoyed him!!!
Lori Woodward-Doyle
February 1, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the MacGregor family. Mr. MacGregor was such a nice teacher. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Rob Knight
February 1, 2017
Doug was a running friend from many races where he utterly dominated his age group. I believe he went to the XC nationals as a 50 year old and was either first or second in the country. Despite his amazing racing prowess, he was always modest and a real gentleman. My condolences to his wife (who went to oh so many races) and his family. Doug was a great guy.
Debra Beach
February 1, 2017
Olive, Karen, and Paul - I am so sorry for you loss. Doug was one of the first people to make me feel comfortable when I arrived in Lebanon as a new teacher. He was so kind to me and always willing to help with advice. The world has lost a really good man. He will be remembered by all who knew him with great fondness. My deepest sympathy to your entire family.
Kimberly Meyer
February 1, 2017
MacGregor family,
Mr. MacGregor was my 7th grade science teacher at LJHS. He is a man I will never forget-- or the days of dissecting worms, grasshoppers, and frogs. We even found a mouse in a frog's stomach. He truly had a passion for his craft that he shared with us all, whether biology was our thing or not. We couldn't but enjoy science because of his enthusiasm. To see him engaged around town in various activities and venues showed his dedication to his community, and to his students. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Kimberly Cook
February 1, 2017
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. MacGregor as a teacher and then as a colleague. I have so many fond memories of him and the joy and passion he had as a science teacher at LJHS!! One of my fondest memories was back in 2011, he came into LJHS to help out with the frog dissection unit!! I asked him why, after all these years do you do this? His response was "I am still hoping to find something inside them that I can cash in!"
The world truly lost a kind soul. Rest easy, Mr. MacGregor.
My deepest sympathy to his family.
Jeffrey Bird
February 1, 2017
I wish to offer my sincerely condolences to Doug's family at their time of loss. Leaning of Doug's passing made me think that the greatest epitaph a teacher can receive is to be forever remembered with affection and respect by his students. I think that Doug earned both many times over from the thousands of student who passed through his science classes. In retrospect, I am reminded of his incredible energy, his sincere concern for his students, his awesome vegetable garden, and the white athletic tape that he used to repair the frames on his glasses that seemed to be perpetually broken. Rest in peace Doug, there is surely a special place in Heaven reserved for you.
Scott Lewis
February 1, 2017
A good man whom I had tremendous respect for. My condolences to Olive, Paul, and Karen.
Fred & Jan Haggett
February 1, 2017
Olive, Buzz and I were so saddened to hear of Doug's passing. He will be missed by all his friends and all his classmates. We will surely miss him at our reunions.
lucien trudeau
February 1, 2017
Doug, was a wonderful fellow runner. I enjoyed talking to him over the years. a true inspiration and excellent runner as the records show. I will miss him.
peggy mckinney
February 1, 2017
my sympathy goes out to his family and friends. he used to run up my hill often, off the heater road and when he couldn't run he walked it.he was an amazing man...my children all knew him also..
Jeffrey Boivin
February 1, 2017
so sorry for your loss he was a wonderful person
Elizabeth Schofield
February 1, 2017
The Class of 1957 of Tilton-Northfield High School is deeply saddened at the loss of our beloved "Crazylegs". RIP dear friend and classmate.
Carol Worden (Carnival Queen), me, and Doug with torch.
Jed Williamson
February 1, 2017
We were a small band of x-c runners at UNH. I got to know Dougie from behind during those years - but also as a great team mate and friend!
Picture is of Carnival Queen Carol Worden, me, and Doug. Great torch tradition from the good old days.
Olive, I enjoyed visiting with you two during those years when you took care of our grounds. Best to you and family. With fond memories, Jed
February 1, 2017
Olive and family,we as a family knew Doug
well! No teacher was well liked as he
was. He was a model to us all. we would
hope that he is in a better place now.
we are so sorry and feel your loss.
The Wayne Stiller Family
January 31, 2017
I always enjoyed chatting with Doug. He was a wonderful gentleman. Deepest sympathy to you, Olive.
Terry Grigsby
josh kahan
January 31, 2017
Olive, I am just so so sorry to hear about Doug --
Mary Cantlin
January 31, 2017
Mr. MacGregor was an inspiring teacher. More important was his genuine interest in his students. He would always discuss the softball games with me the next day. I know I was a typical frustrating junior high girl. He always knew how to deal with me and guide me to where I needed to go.. He is one of the reasons I became a teacher.
Carl & Nancy Hussey
January 31, 2017
It is with a great deal of sadness that Nancy and I try to find the words to express our sense of loss over Doug's passing. In 1971 it was my good fortune to be hired by Lebanon Junior High. I applied because I thought the plan to create 3 academic teams was an exciting concept to be part of. Soon I was surprised to be introduced to another team member who had, 10 years before, become quite well-known at the University of NH as a cross country runner. The races were held so that the runners would finish at halftime of football games. Time after time I would see this lone figure emerge on the horizon and finish many yards before the next entrant. Now, and for the next 29 years, we would be on the same team. Blessed with tremendous energy, Doug was a whirlwind. Not only was Doug willing to try most any idea that might help our students, he was more than willing to help anyone at any time. One day I asked Doug where I could buy manure for my new garden. The next weekend Doug showed up with a pickup load of already composted garden enhancer. When l was laid up after surgery one winter, Doug was shoveling our huge driveway at 6:00 am. Doug's sports knowledge was encyclopedic. His interest in Lebanon's people and history was inspiring. Most importantly, Doug was a true friend! The stories I love to remember about him are legion. He will be so missed. May Doug's family find the same joy that we do in reliving so many memories of a wonderful human being.
Vicki L Rogers
January 31, 2017
He was a great teacher and so many of us really enjoyed his classes. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Mr. MacGregor.
Tammie Hughes Decato
January 31, 2017
I have to say you were one of the best teachers. You high spirit and interest in you students was felt by all. I am going to miss you. Rest in peace my dear friend. My sincer sympathy for your family. May God bless you and ease your grief. Much love, respect and sadness to all of you.
Joan & Hugh MacDonald
January 31, 2017
So sorry for your loss Olive. He sounds like he was a remarkable man. I do remember my mother making reference to him. Sincere condolences to you and the family. Love to all and God bless.
George Elder
January 31, 2017
A good man and excellent teacher. Mr. MacGregor left a lasting impression on the many students he taught, and it is one I recall with great fondness. His was a life well-lived.
Tara (Kimball) Cushman
January 31, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you Olive, Paul and Karen. I will never forget Mr. MacGregor as my teacher and neighbor. He was one of the best indeed.
Sandy Goodwin Fontana
January 31, 2017
What an amazing man. What a wonderful legacy.
The Gentile Family
January 31, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire MacGregor family. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Lucinda & Dave & Morgan & Sarah Heller
January 31, 2017
We're so sorry for your loss. He was a good man and will be missed.
Tom & Sandra Murphy
January 31, 2017
Doug has been my dearest friend since 1st grade! I will always remember the fun we had at Spring Training Games in Florida and so many talks about the Red Sox. We never had a disagreement in 70 years. You will be missed!
Darcy Sylvestre
January 31, 2017
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. MacGregor was a great man who cared so much for his students. He will be so missed!
Ed Laurie
January 31, 2017
My condolence to the MacGregor family.
Mr. MacGregor was one of those handful of teachers that impact your life and you always remember. Great respect for Mr. MacGregor as a teacher and as a man. Prayers for the family.
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