Dennis Lloyd MCDOUGALL

DENNIS McDOUGALL Dennis Lloyd McDougall, 61, of Morson, Ont., passed away Friday, Feb. 11, 2005 at the Rainy River Hospital in Rainy River, Ont. Dennis was born Oct. 20, 1943 in Elmhurst, Ill. to the late Lloyd and Marion (Englund) McDougall. Dennis grew up in Chicago, Ill., where he built fond memories in Scouting, the love of his family, his grandparents, and aunts and uncles, youth activities at Faith Lutheran where he was a member, and playing football at Taft High School., After graduation from Taft in 1962, he attended Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo. on a football scholarship. He married his campus sweetheart, Jerri Ellen Trout of Garwin, Iowa, on Aug. 21, 1965. After Dennis received his degree in business and economics in 1966, the couple moved to Chicago, where Dennis worked for three years as an underwriter at CNA Insurance. In 1969, Dennis and Jerri, and Dennis’ parents, purchased Grassy Narrows Camp in Miles Bay on Lake of the Woods. For quite a few years, they lived in Canada during the tourist season and then worked at various jobs in Chicago during the winter months. In 1979, when their son, David, was ready to start school, the three immigrated to Canada and made Morson their home. They sold Grassy Narrows Camp in 1988, then built Pier North in Morson, which they have operated since its opening in 1990. Dennis showed his love and loyalty to his new home through his industry. He became a naturalized citizen of Canada, was elected to the Morson council twice, first in 1985 as a councillor, then as reeve of the township the following term. He has been a director and president of the North Western Ontario Tourism Association (NWOTA) and served on numerous NWOTA committees. He felt truly honoured to be the regular emcee for NWOTA’s annual fall meeting banquets. During his 25 years in Canada, Dennis has been president of the Rainy River Lions Club, a founding member of the Morson Community Improvement Organization, and president of Rainy River minor hockey. He also worked as a supply teacher at Riverview Elementary and Rainy River High Schools in Rainy River. During the past several years, Dennis’ civic energy has been focused on the Morson Hall committee. As a member, he helped operate weekly Bingos to raise money to renovate the Morson Hall. Then he spearheaded the renovations by bringing volunteers together, ordering materials, inspiring the volunteers, and planning the work schedule. Only about a week of work was left when Dennis passed away. We are disappointed he was unable to see the completion of what was, for him, a true labour of love. Dennis would tell those of you who have shared his enthusiasm and picked up the project where he left off, “Thank you.” Dennis loved carpentry projects. He guided the Grassy Narrows Camp staff through the building of a new lodge and renovations to all of the cabins. He did much of the construction of Pier North, as well. He was an avid reader, loved NFL football, tried his hand at curling, and loved to travel. Most of all, Dennis loved people and reveled in the company of his family and friends, never missing a chance to share memories and tell jokes. He was a devoted husband, a loving dad, and a loyal friend. Others will do his work now, but no one can take his place. Dennis is sadly missed by his wife and soulmate of 39 years, Jerri McDougall of Morson; son, David and wife, Cynthia (Cindi), McDougall of Baudette, Mn.; sister, Dianne (Dennis) Vanlaningham of Manitouwoc, Wis.; brother, Douglas (Kitty) McDougall of Chicago, Ill.; stepmom, Katie Pentney (McDougall) of Rainy River, Ont.; and sister-in-law, Rebecca McDaniel of Marshalltown, Iowa. Also surviving are Uncle Irvin (Wink) and Aunt Shirley (nee Englund) McDougall of Mendota, Ill.; Uncle Jim (Bertha) McDougall of Denver, Col.; nieces, Yvonne (Kenny Green) Zimmerman of North Carolina and Erin (Ed) Obermueller of New Jersey; and nephews, Shane (Aya) McDougall of Chicago, Nathan McDougall of Chicago; and Erik (Evelyne) Vanlaningham of South Carolina. A memorial service to celebrate Dennis’ life will be held Saturday, March 5, 2005 at 11 a.m. at the Morson Hall. Those who wish to make in memoriam donations are encouraged to contribute to their choice of charity, or alternately to the Rainy River Hospital in Rainy River, Ont. or to the Morson Hall committee in Morson, Ont.