Obituary of Bernice Jacqueline McDougald

Bernice Jacqueline McDougald resident of Tupper Creek, BC passed away December 26th, 2016 in Dawson Creek, at the age of 89 with her son David by her side. Bernice was born in Vancouver, BC as Bernice Jacqueline Mackie, June 7th, 1927, to Jesse and Stewart Mackie. She was the youngest of four children with brother Jimmy being the oldest and then sisters Cecilia and Joan. Bernice's parents were formerly from Britain and Scotland. Bernice spent her younger years growing up in Vancouver with her siblings, acquiring her schooling and then taking a job with BC Tel as a switchboard/ telephone operator. Bernice had many friends growing up. One friend that stood out was her best friend Betty Nelson. Betty had a boyfriend whom she frequently visited in the hospital, and asked Bernice if she would join her one day. So, Bernice accepted and off to the hospital they went. While Betty was visiting with her boyfriend, Bernice would converse with the gentleman in the next bed who was recovering from a war wound. His name was William McDougald, but he suggested Bernice call him Bill. That's where romance began for Bernice and Bill in Vancouver, 1949. They had a courtship for about a year and were married on June 3rd, 1950, at St. Margaret's Church in Vancouver, just off Granville Street. In September of that year they decided to move to the Peace River Country, where Bill already had a homestead in the Peavine area. So, he brought his new bride from downtown Vancouver to a small log cabin, which was already on the property. There was no running water, electricity or telephone, and Very poor roads. For Bernice, it was a drastic change from city life, but as time went on she adjusted very well and began to love the Peace Country and bush life. Bill was a logger, so he decided to purchase a small homemade sawmill from Albert Stevenson, who lived across the valley, and they began to saw railway ties. Later they purchased parts and a saw from Laforge's in Tupper and built a larger sawmill, which allowed them to cut lumber as well. Now they were in the lumber business and would be for many years. Bernice learned how to peel ties, cut and stack lumber and could work a good long hard day and never complained. She did have a fiery side to her. It came with her red hair and freckles. In 1960 Bernice and Bill began to build a house from lumber they had cut. They moved into their new home 1962. In 1963 they adopted their only child David. As David grew he also learned the art of skinning trees and stacking lumber. He worked alongside his mom and dad in the lumber industry. The family of three also raised chickens, but not cows. They thought it best to leave raising cattle to the neighbors around them. Bernice said, "Bill was no farmer". Bernice and her family worked together and took holidays as well. There are many fond memories of them fishing and taking trips to Vancouver together to see family. On November 8, 1979, Bill passed away and Bernice continued to live on the farm for another 35 years. She was a very strong, determined, hard-working lady who enjoyed life on the farm and neighbors were like family to her. They were always there to keep a watchful eye and make sure she was okay. Bernice was very independent and was never one to ask for help. During those years by herself, Bernice kept busy. She enjoyed traveling in the summer, crocheting doilies in the colder months and attending social gatherings with friends and neighbors in the surrounding communities of Tomslake and Tupper. She became an active member of the Tupper Community Hall and participated in senior's floor curling events and even made it to the interprovincial games with her team. Bernice attended the little log Church of the Nazarene in Tupper, of which she was a member for over 40 years. She was a lady of faith and anyone who knew Bernice new she loved the Lord; a very faithful servant. Thursday was town day for Bernice. She had a standing appointment with Lynn Granger at Brass Scissors for a hair wash and set, then lunch at Co-op with her good friend Mable Pitchko. These two ladies had a special friendship. They really watched out for one another. In the morning, Bernice would call Mable and in the evening Mable would call Bernice. The next week they would switch. This "old ladies plan", as it was sometimes referred to, worked quite well. It let each other know that the other one was okay. In 2014, Bernice had to leave the farm due to her health. She spent about a year in Dawson Creek Hospital and then took residency in Rotary Manor. There she spent her last year under the care of some very compassionate staff. Bernice will be sadly missed by many and in the hearts of family and friends forever. Bernice is predeceased by her parents, Jesse and Stewart Mackie, brother Jimmy, sisters Cecilia and Joan and husband Bill. Bernice is survived by her son David, ex daughter-in-law Carrie McDougald-Kurtenbach, grandchildren Travis, Devon, Emma and great-granddaughter Cassey. For those who live in the Peavine Creek and Tupper Creek area, Mile 5 on the Heritage Highway, will always be known as McDougald Corner. Service 1:00 pm Saturday, January 7, 2017 Bergeron Chapel 10200-17th Street DAWSON CREEK, British Columbia, Canada V1G 4C2