Obituary of Dan Duguay

It is with heavy hearts that the family of the late Daniel Barry Duguay announce his peaceful passing on Monday, August 5, 2024, at his home in Sussex Corner. Born in Campbellton, NB, on January 4, 1950, he was a son of the late Harry and Kathleen (Swindon) Duguay. 

Dan was a beloved teacher and principal, starting his career in St. Augustine River, Quebec, and ending it after many years at Coles Island School in NB. He poured endless passion into classroom teaching, coaching sports, running science fairs, and orchestrating elaborate drama productions. He sometimes wrote the plays and music himself, with one of his plays winning a provincial competition. He thoughtfully typecast the roles for each student, a testament to his natural ability to truly understand and magnify people’s authentic gifts. 

He was a man of deep faith, spending hours praying for others, even when his own health was declining. To those skeptical of the power of prayer but in need of it, he would playfully say, “Do you have any better offers?” 

Dan was a loving husband, devoted father, and cherished grandfather, otherwise known as Grampie, Pow-Pow, and Dan-the-Man. Children adored his stories and poems, dancing to his music, and playing silly games with him. He enjoyed carving driftwood from the Bay of Fundy and had a long line awaiting their custom “kracken,” as he called them. He was an excellent chef and loved the great outdoors, especially fishing with his grandkids, many of whom share his love for it. To him, a life well-lived was a simple life: spending cherished time with his friends and family. 

Rarely did a day pass without a guitar or ukulele in his hand; he brought beautiful music, contagious laughter, and unbridled joy to every room he entered. If you weren’t tapping a toe, clapping, or singing "The Old Oaken Bucket" in five-part harmony by the end of your time with him, you were an anomaly. You didn’t leave his presence without feeling energized, encouraged, uplifted, and like everything was going to be okay. 

He was known for his warm heart, sense of humour, charismatic spirit, and humility. He touched the lives of all who knew him, making everyone feel incredibly special and capable of anything. 

Dan will live on in the hearts of his wife, Karen; his children: Joseph Duguay (Susan) of Beaverbank, NS; Jeremy Duguay (Christie Little) of Upper Kingsclear NB; Kathleen Duguay (Marc Mazerolle) of Richibucto, NB; Louise Simpson (Dave) of Calgary, AB; and Denise Oliver (Jesse) of Strathmore AB; his grandchildren: Dawson, Violet, Daniella, Jayme, Ray, Vance, Logan, Beckett, and Mara; his brother, Donald Duguay (Suzan) of Campbellton, NB; his sister, Debra Duguay of Oshawa, ON; his sisters-in-law, Louise Poirier, Angela Walsh, and Shirley Fletcher Duguay of Fredericton, NB; and Louise Duguay of Oshawa, ON; Brothers-in-law: Brian Walsh (Susan) of Hampton, NB; and Derek Walsh (Lucie) of Spruce Grove AB; as well as his numerous cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Besides his parents, Dan was predeceased by his brothers: Raymond, Roger, and Terry. 

For many years, he shared his talents in the music ministry at St. Francis Xavier Church, where he was a familiar smiling face at the front of the church. No doubt he now has been promoted to the heavenly choir—a role he will take great delight in. We will be watching for the signs and listening for his music on the breeze. 

                   “The tree of life knows that, whatever happens, the warm music 
                         spinning around it will never stop.” – Eduardo Galeano 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Dr., Sussex, NB (506-433-1176). A celebration of Dan’s life will take place at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church (114 Church Ave, Sussex, NB) on Monday, Aug 12 at 11:00 am. Personal condolences to the family, and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com