It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of (William) Douglas McGuire on January 18, 2026, at the age of 86, with his family by his side. Born in Paris, Ontario in 1939 where he spent his childhood before moving to East York as a teenager, where he became very involved with the De La Salle drum and bugle marching band.

At the age of 18, following the passing of his father, Doug joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in Greenwood, Nova Scotia, working as an electrical technician aboard Argus aircraft. During this time, he met Jacquelyn “Jackie” Medicraft, whom he later married in August 1964. After completing his service in the Air Force, Doug began his successful 30+ year career with Xerox. He and Jackie relocated to Toronto for several years before settling in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where they raised their two children, Kimberley and Patrick.

Upon retirement, Doug and Jackie moved to Shingle Lake, New Elm, where they discovered a shared passion—and remarkable talent—for woodworking. Doug loved to collect wood for turning and was often found loading large sections of trees into the back of his car. His love of wood resulted in beautiful turned bowls, whale salad tongs (Jackie’s specialty), and other wooden treasures that were sold in specialty shops and boutiques throughout Halifax and along the South Shore. He was a member of the Atlantic Woodturners Association and the Atlantic Woodworkers Association. When not in his workshop, he could be found working on any number of building projects, feeding the chickadees, and generally just enjoying the wonders of the world around him. He was an inspiration to his family and was always happy to share his knowledge or act as the technical resource when his children couldn't figure out the next steps in their own projects.

After his wife Jackie’s passing in 2017, his medical condition required a move to Halifax to be closer to the dialysis clinic. For the past eight years, he lived at The Berkeley, where he formed many close, like-family friendships with both staff and residents. He loved to be with people and was well known for his love of music, his caring and gentle nature, and his gift for conversation. Doug could always be found outside in the summer, basking in the sun and checking his tomato plants. A natural storyteller, Doug often shared fond memories of days gone by—such as cruising through the Valley with friends Howie, Bruce, and Ted, tossing donuts into the air and trying to land them in one another’s convertibles. His prized Bugeye Sprite was especially dear to him and famously helped win the heart of his bride.

Doug is survived by daughter, Kimberley (Liam) Nagle, LaHave, NS; son, Patrick (Ellen) McGuire, Hatchet Lake, NS; grandson, Kyle (Bryanna) McGuire, Plainfield, NS; sisters, Ann McGuire, Toronto, ON and Sharon McGuire-Peillard, Kanata, ON, and nieces and nephews

He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Jacquelyn (Jackie) McGuire, who passed in 2017.

Mother, Lillian Lucy (Green) McGuire; father William Stewart McGuire; brother-in-law, Jack Peillard.

The family would like to give special thanks to the nurses and doctors of the dialysis unit at the VG, as well as the staff and friends at the Berkely for his care and friendships.

Cremation has taken place. At Doug’s request, no service will be held. Internment will take place later in Kingston, Nova Scotia. Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting the funeral website, T. J. Tracey.