Frederick Nicholas Doucette

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, at the Highland Manor in Neil’s Harbour, on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Agnes (Barron) Doucette; his brothers Charles (Ruth) and Bert; and his sister Gloria. He was predeceased by his parents, James J. and Margaret (Donovan) Doucette; his brothers Cecil, Albert, Joseph, James, LeRoy, and Wallace (Lisa); his sisters Mary and Frances; brothers-in-law James MacDonald, Frank Powers, and Harold Jackson; sisters-in-law Mary MacGean, Marion Jackson, Marg Fraser, and Evelyn Williams; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Fred was a devout Catholic and, during his time at the Manor, became known for his habit of greeting staff with, “Thank you, and God bless you.”

Throughout his life, Fred worked many different jobs. In his teens, he began as a bell boy and later worked in gardening and grounds maintenance at the Keltic Lodge. He also worked as a service station attendant, a carpenter, and with Parks Canada as both a carpenter and painter. Fred contributed to projects at Ski Cape Smokey, the Wreck Cove Hydro Project, and spent 27 seasons as supervisor of grounds maintenance and gardener with Parks Canada—a role he took great pride in, especially in leading his work crew.

Fred’s many hobbies reflected his love of the outdoors. His passion for gardening was evident in the countless hours he devoted to his private gardens. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. He loved hunting, fishing, building fly rods, and tying flies. Fred also enjoyed feeding the birds and ducks and found peace walking in nature. He was a kind soul, with a special love for cats, and never refused to help others.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses, doctors, and especially the personal care workers at Highland Manor for their dedicated care, as well as to the friends, visitors, and entertainers who came to lift Fred’s spirits with music and song. While it is heartbreaking when loved ones must enter long-term care, Fred was blessed to have been surrounded by such wonderful staff for a year and a half. He bravely faced the long goodbye of dementia.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Fred’s life will be held under the direction of J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, with a funeral Mass on Friday, October 10, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, with Father Jonas Uwaezuoke officiating. A meet and greet will be held at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Donations in Fred’s memory may be made to the Highland Manor graveyard fund or to a charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frederick Nicholas Doucette, please visit our floral store.