Gary MacDougall

Almost every morning, since Oliver started at Prince Street Elementary School eight years ago, we’ve run into Gary MacDougall, Editor at The Guardian newspaper, on our way up Prince Street to school in the morning. We’ve shared a hello, or a bit of news, and gone on our ways to start our days. I suspect Oliver’s been left with the impression that it’s normal to have almost-daily interaction with the editor of the local newspaper. And surely it should be.

I got to know Gary a little better in recent years as he was instrumental in the establishment of IslandNewspapers.ca – the project simply wouldn’t have happened without his support as a strong believer in the power of the digitized archive of the newspaper as an educational and cultural resource.

Gary’s retiring at the end of this week, we all learned today, and it will be a great loss to the newspaper, the city, and the Island.

I’m going to miss chatting with Gary on the way to school every morning. I sure hope his replacement plans to walk to work.

Comments

Andrew MacPherson's picture
Andrew MacPherson on May 26, 2015 - 12:26 Permalink

I have great memories working with Gary at The Guardian in the mid-90s. Class act.

David Ross's picture
David Ross on May 27, 2015 - 12:45 Permalink

This post reminded my of my experience growing up in Beamsville, ON, when I was fortunate to have the opportunity to chat often with William F. Rannie. In addition to sharing 300 feet of property line with my parents, Bill was the publisher/editor/owner of the Lincoln Post Express and its various predecessors. Both Bill and the newspaper are no longer with us, but his contributions to the community were numerous, both through and outside of the paper. Long live the newspaper, and long live the newspapermen and women who make them what they are.