Obituary of Herbert Francis Doucet

Herbert Francis "Herb" Doucet of Rothesay, husband of E. Ann (Hossack) Doucet, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at the Saint John Regional Hospital after a lengthy illness. Herb lived with Alzheimer’s disease for several years yet never lost his ability to enjoy life. Born in Halifax, NS on September 15, 1932, he was a son of the late Herbert Louis and Mary Agnes (Boudreau) Doucet. Being brought up in a military family, Herb was raised in Val Cartier and Quebec City, QC, and Edmonton, AB. He worked across Canada installing equipment in microwave towers for Seimens and Northern Electric, which was what he was doing when he met his future bride. He subsequently attended St. Francis Xavier University and the University of New Brunswick where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1961. As a member of the Canadian Armed Forces through the Regular Officers Training Plan, Herb served in the RCAF as a Telecommunications officer at CFB Clinton and CFB Edgar in Ontario, and CFB St. Hubert in Quebec. After returning to New Brunswick in 1964, Herb joined NBTel, where he enjoyed a successful career becoming Department Head of several departments including ten years as Human Resources Manager. During those years he also served as Liaison Officer for the Telephone Pioneers of America, during which he and Ann enjoyed many travels both in Canada and the United States. Herb retired from the company in 1995. When Saint John was awarded the 1985 Canada Games, Herb became Vice President of Facilities, where he worked closely with the Chairman Richard Oland and Saint John now has the Canada Games Aquatic Centre, Stadium, and Track as an endowment from those Games. Following the Games, Herb served as Chairman of the Canada Games Aquatic Commission, and as recognition for his service to his community, was awarded the first Citizenship Award from the New Brunswick Society of Professional Engineers in May, 1986. Herb was a man of deep faith, and was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Rothesay, where he served on many parish and diocesan committees, resulting in his being awarded, on December 22, 2012, the Bishop Dollard Medal of Merit for longstanding and faith-filled service to the church at a special service at which Bishop Robert Harris presided. As a member of the Regional Hospital Spiritual and Religious Team, Herb ministered faithfully to patients every Wednesday for 16 years. He also served on the board of St. Thomas University from 1995-2003, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6766. Herb enjoyed music, even from his youth, having been a member of church choirs as a boy and an active member of the Senior Choir of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Herb also chaired the committee that built the new organ at the church. In his spare time, Herb enjoyed hiking, walking, dancing, as well as taking many road trips with Ann and getting together with his children and grandchildren. He loved life and his "joie de vivre" was infectious to all with whom he came in contact. In addition to his wife of 53 years, Herb is survived by his children, Ann Marie McAloney (John) of Saint John, John Doucet of Rothesay, Carol Chapman (Dr. Michael) of Hampton, Kevin Doucet of Halifax, Teresa Robinson of Fredericton, and Jennifer Cohoon (Willie) of Quispamsis; grandchildren Sara Squires (Duane), Becky McAloney, Nicolas and Sebastien Doucet, Serenna, Ben, Luke, and Grace Chapman, Jake, Mercy, and Willem Robinson, and Lily and Adelle Cohoon; siblings George Doucet (Ginny) of Halifax, Patricia Black (Doug) of Comox, BC, Carol-Ann Syme (Alistair)of Shediac, NB; Gerrine Hughes (Ron) of Montreal, QC, and Gerry Doucet (Phraz) of Shediac, NB and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Herb was predeceased by a sister, Bernice and special brother-in-law, Henry Breau; an infant brother, Tony; and twin granddaughters Kathleen and Elizabeth Robinson. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Sunday, June 2, 2013 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 3, 2013 at 12 noon from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Rothesay. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to the Alzheimer’s Society, Canadian Cancer Society, Grace Maternity Hospital, (Neonatal Unit) Halifax, or Our Lady of Perpetual Help Building Fund would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences and remembrances may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.