Obituary of Greta McDougall

Lovingly surrounded by family, friends and caring staff, Greta (Margaret) McDougall joined the love of her life Ronald (Sr.) On June 11th, 2017 at Oliver Lodge in Saskatoon. She will be celebrated and fondly remembered by her son Ron, daughter-in-law Gail and grandchildren Cameron (Jessie great grandson Sawyer), Andrew (Barb, great granddaughter Olivia), and Remy; Brother Tom Lamont (Helen), and many nieces and nephews in Canada and Scotland. She was predeceased by her husband Ron, and infant grandson Ronald Scott. Greta's commitment to her community was second to none. Her work ran the gamut from culture and entertainment to church and canvassing. Greta was born and educated in Scotland, living in Milnathort in Kinross-shire prior to emigrating to Canada in 1960 with her husband and son. After brief stays in small towns around Saskatoon, the family moved to Saskatoon, where Greta ran a wool store from 1966 to 1979. Always one to get involved, Greta became one of the founding members of the Saskatoon Boys Pipe Band which, after going co-ed, became the 96th Highlanders Pipes and Drums. Greta never missed an opportunity to promote Scottish culture. For over a decade, she was a host on "Sounds of Scotland" on CFCR community radio. Her amiable rolling brogue could be heard at least once a month when she took her turn behind the microphone. Her Celtic singing group "Four Plus Two" could be seen at all nursing homes and other venues. She was one of the first emcees a Folkfest's Scottish pavillion and continued for over 25 years. Greta was known as one of the best sources of haggis in Saskatoon, and made a batch for anyone who asked for some. She had also knitted more Highland socks than she cared to remember. For several years she promoted her heritage by taking haggis and entertainment to various city library branches for Robbie Burns celebrations around January 25th. Greta was always extremely active in her community from coaching girls softball, to organizing the playgrounds hockey league, to the Home and School Association. A huge passion of Greta's was her involvement with Oliver Lodge, starting as a volunteer, then a staff member and dedicated board member, a commitment that lasted for over 30 years. Greta was an active member of Second Street United Church and her kindness, compassion, acceptance and love of all the people she touched in her 90 years was a direct reflection of her faith and devotion to the church. She was affectionately known as GG to her family, friends, grandchildren and their schoolmates and anyone else who was fortunate enough to be so close to her. Greta's quick wit, exceptional memory, and lively sense of humour lit up any room she entered. She made all feel welcome with her broad smile and warm, generous heart. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all of those who had the privilege of knowing her. We would like to thank Oliver Lodge's caregivers and staff for their outstanding kindness and phenomenal loving care. For all the friends both near and far who shared a friendship with Greta, we say a huge thank-you for being a part of her life. A special thank you to her dear friend Joan Keeler for her extraordinary loyalty and friendship for many years and especially during Greta's times of need. Above all, Greta's unconditional love of her family inspired them to follow the same morals and values she believed in and practiced. In lieu of flowers, donations in Greta's name may be made to the Oliver Lodge Foundation, Neonatal Intensive Care unit at RUH, or Autism Services Saskatoon.