Missing Doug

Johnny,

 

Thanks for the great write-up on Doug.  I actually miss him already, I had a lot of good times visiting him over the past couple years.  It’s our job to make sure those bastards at the city keep up with their promise to keep his land as true green space for hikers, bikers, joggers, etc. and not just another urban park.  It’s too bad we didn’t know Doug when he sold the land to the City.  I’m sure he would have sold it to us with the same commitment to preserve it.  At $200,000 for the 60+ acres I think we could have raised the dough – then we really could have had a full blown outdoor club.  Maybe we could have called it the McNally Mountain Bike and Back Country Ski Club – proprietors: The West Side Boys.

 

It’s too bad we all had work responsibilities after the funeral – Johnny and I would have happily spent the whole afternoon toasting Doug’s spirit with Jim Brickman.  The picture of Dean drinking a beer is pretty incriminating –but I can vouch for him that is actually non-alcoholic.

 

Cheers - Tommy

Doug McNally Passes

Obituaries - Sep. 16, 2006
Douglas McNally 1922 - 2006 Passed away quietly in his sleep, at Freeport Health Centre of Grand River Hospital, on September 15, 2006 in his 85th year. Doug devoted his life to the outdoors on his Tree Farm off Wideman Road, near Erbsville. Doug's passion for the environment inspired him to generously offer his greenbelt, known as the McNally Lands to the City of Waterloo, to be enjoyed by future generations. Doug was an environmentalist long before it was fashionable and remained true to his convictions throughout his entire life. ...... (Doug pictured in his June 2004 visit with the West Side.)

Doug was a friend of the Waterloo Westside Back Country Ski club who supported our outdoor spirt and inspired us to care for the forest he helped to create. We appreciate his enthusiasm, the challneges he encountered in a not so eco-friendly, high growth world. Doug you will be remembered and we will continue to honour him regualarily in the use of the McNally trails. Since he gave us permission to "use the land as long as you take care of it" we have collectively stood up for the environement and responsible use of the surrounding area. Doug beleived that we all must play a role in the use and protection of places where people can enjoy nature and all its wonders.

Doug will be missed. However his spirit and concern for the greenbelt that he has protected will live on as long as the WWBSC is intact. Doug we value what you have nurtured for so long!!!