Obituary of Douglas Campbell Mackay

February 25, 1930 - March 1, 2023

Doug has passed away peacefully at his home in Toronto.  Predeceased by his wife Ann, he was the loving and beloved father of Cynthia (Bill Quinn) and Jane (Jacques Vaillancourt).  He took particular pride and pleasure in his four grandchildren, Campbell, Allison, Kelly, and Timothy, and four great-grandchildren, Avery, Teagan, Dougie, and Eleanor.

While Doug enjoyed a remarkable business career, primarily in Toronto, he maintained a lifelong pride in, and contact with, his Maritime roots.  Born and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, and a graduate of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Doug described himself as “a simple Maritime-born businessman living in Upper Canada.”

Doug held increasingly senior positions in the successive firms of W.C. Pitfield & Company, Pitfield Mackay Ross, and ultimately became Vice Chairman of RBC Dominion Securities.  He was considered an industry leader, having managed the launch of some of the largest and most innovative securities issues in Canada.  Doug was known for his analytical prowess and his keen appreciation of financial markets.  He mentored many generations of members within the investment business as they moved through their own careers.  Those who knew him pointed to his trustworthiness, humility and for telling it like it is.

Success in business was equaled by Doug’s belief in ‘giving back’ to the community.  While he generously supported a number of worthy causes, his particular interest lay in the field of education.  He was a longstanding supporter of, and donor to, what is now known as Rothesay Netherwood School in his native New Brunswick, and Dalhousie University where he was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws for his achievements and contribution to Canadian business.  The programs he so generously supported provided lasting benefits to generations of students.

A “do drop in,” celebrating Doug’s life will be held at Shadow Lawn, 3180 Rothesay Road, Rothesay on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM.  A private interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery.