Obituary of Douglas (Doug) McCULLY

Douglas Maxwell McCully was born May 19, 1943 and passed away peacefully May 23, 2021 at the age of 78.  He was the eldest of two sons born to Jack  and Lil McCully.  He and his younger brother Allan were raised on the family farm near Delia, Alberta where they learned the value of hard work, how to fix and restore equipment, and engaged in many shenanigans that would later yield stories told of good times gone by.  After graduating from high school, Doug commenced work with a bank prior to pursuing post-secondary studies in Political Science at the U of C where he more than helped pay his way through university by shooting pool ¬– often having to rush out a back door.  After graduating university Doug went back into banking and while working at the bank, crossed paths with a young nursing student, Anita Atkinson, from Nanton, which signaled the end of his search for love.

Doug and Anita were married in 1965 and started their family when first son Blake was born in 1968. Sean followed in 1972.  Doug was a champion of the underdog. He was loving, loyal, kind, self-effacing and possessed an insatiable thirst for knowledge; he was also as cheap as they come - except when it came to cars, rationalizing to his new bride the need to purchase a new ’68 Oldsmobile 442 rather than a new washing machine to launder baby diapers.  This decision was appreciated years later by the boys when they were gifted the 442, rather than a washing machine. 

Doug worked his way up to branch senior management in the bank before leaving to pursue small business, many of which centered around his interest and passion for cars.  A serial entrepreneur, Doug was highly competitive and thrived on the challenge and stress of creating new niche business ventures.  In association with different partners, he started and operated a range of successful businesses in 4WD repair, high-performance engines, vending machines and light industrial powder coating.  He was also leader and mentor in starting and managing his businesses, in coaching and managing the boys’ sports teams, and in the family.  Doug involved his boys in various roles within the companies, teaching them life lessons in business, the ethic of hard work, being a jack-of-all-trades – and the value of mastering the art of delegation.   

Although Doug was driven to provide for his family, he also took pleasure in the simple things - a game of pool, coaching the various sports in which his boys engaged, traveling in his motor home while towing his beloved Jeepster Commando behind, camping, canoeing, an annual “can’t miss it” hunting trip, watching a good western, reading a history book or just relaxing on the veranda of the family farm watching the sunset, a place which forever held a piece of his heart. Doug valued friendship and as such, maintained numerous lifelong relationships with friends dating back to his childhood. He believed that old friends were the best kind, unless he found a new one worth turning into an old one.

Doug loved dogs and had many faithful companions over his lifetime. He was also a serious vehicle collector and restorer, but then could never quite bring himself to part with his collection.  His passion for vehicles was not limited to collecting, as he also indulged in dirt drag racing and hill climbing. 

Doug was incredibly proud of his boys and grandchildren and upon retirement, could be found most weekends standing at the edge of the rink, the side of a ball diamond, basketball or volleyball court or soccer field, no matter how far the venue or how inclement the weather.  Even as his health declined, his commitment of support didn’t waiver, taking in the games from his vehicle – and on more than one occasion to the detriment of his windshield. He had a life well lived and we shall miss his presence in our lives.

Doug is survived and will be missed by his wife and love of his life, Anita, sons Blake and Sean (Christine); and grandchildren, Jenna, Caden, and Cooper; as well as brother Allan (Lee); nephew John; and nieces, Joan and Julia and their families as well as his many friends.  

At Doug’s request and in consideration of COVID restrictions, there will be no funeral service at this time. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Doug’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the charity of one’s choice.  

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the many health practitioners who provided gentle and compassionate care to Doug over the years.  

In living memory of Doug McCully, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.