Douglas Gilbert Kane

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Douglas Gilbert Kane, who left us on October 28, 2024, at the QEII Hospital in Halifax, surrounded by the love of his devoted partner, Brenda Kinnear and family. Doug was born on April 9, 1945, in Saskatoon, son of George and Doris Kane, the eldest of four children and a cherished brother to Pat, Don (predeceased), and Bob. His family’s journey took them through St. John, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Halifax, shaping his adventurous spirit. He had his first lovely daughter, Jenna, with Pam Devine. In 1979, he married Katherine MacCormick and together they welcomed three daughters: Lindsay, Meghan, and Allison. The family enjoyed many good years in Ottawa before Doug and Katherine separated. In 2010, Doug met Brenda Kinnear while on a group bike trip in Cuba, sparking a beautiful courtship between Ottawa and Halifax. In addition to his love for Brenda, loving bonds were formed with Brenda’s children Hilary, Ian, and Stephen, along with grandchildren. Some of Doug’s fondest times were when laughing and playing with his 16 total grandchildren: Abbie, Aidan, Alex, Andy, Eddy, Erik, Elizabeth (Ely), Ezra, Fen, Justine, Julian, Maia, Pender, Thomas, Tia, and Zack; as well as playing with the beloved dog, Ryder. Together, Doug and Brenda spent most of their time between their home on the Northwest Arm in Halifax, and at a family cottage in Pugwash. Doug’s boundless energy and joy were evident in his many pursuits. He was an enthusiastic member of the Waegwoltic Club, formerly an active board member of the Halifax Farmer’s Investment Cooperative, and a dedicated participant in his book club. He loved playing tennis, talking politics and laughing with his numerous friends - who meant the world to him. Doug grew up wanting to make the world a better place. A lifelong learner, Doug earned three formal degrees: a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University, a Master of Arts in Sociology from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University. Professionally, he made contributions in public policy and planning, focusing on issues related to Indigenous rights, environmental sustainability, and social justice. His career included work at Dalhousie Legal Aid Service, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and other federal government departments, as well as New Economy Development Group. The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate support of his medical team at QEII Hospital during his final days. In celebrating Doug’s life, we honor his unwavering commitment to social justice, kindness, and humanity. He will be profoundly missed but will continue to inspire us all to advocate for a better world and to embrace the joy and kindness that he embodied. In Doug’s spirit of generosity, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Douglas Gilbert Kane

April 9, 1954 - October 28, 2024