John Joseph Doucette

John Joseph Doucette

Born November 27, 1945, John Joseph Doucette passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at Prince County Hospital on July 24, 2026, at the age of 80.

John was predeceased by his parents, John and Melanie Doucette; his brothers, Edward, Raymond, and Gerald; and his sisters, Elaine Graham and Jean Yorke.

He will be lovingly remembered by his partner, Darlene Peters; his children, Robert Doucette (Cecile) and Jennifer Smith; his grandchildren, Carter Smith and Danielle Daigle (Mark); his great-granddaughter, Myla Daigle; and his faithful dog, Otie.

He is also survived by his siblings, Mildred Allain, Karen Handrahan (Roy), Phyllis Freeburn, and Marie Gallant, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

In keeping with John's wishes, there will be no visitation. A private interment will be held at a later date. Details will be announced when available.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Home Care team for their compassionate care and support, allowing John to remain in the comfort of his own home until he was transferred to PCH. They also wish to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Prince County Hospital for the compassion, kindness, and dignity they showed John and his family during his final days.

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A Tribute to Dad

Dad wasn't an easy man to describe, because he wasn't just one thing. He was hardworking, stubborn, funny, generous, and at times, very quick-tempered. He had a sharp wit, loved a good joke—clean or dirty—and could make you laugh when you least expected it.

He spent most of his working life on the sea as a fisherman. It wasn't just what he did—it was who he was. When he wasn't on the water, he was happiest in his woodland cutting firewood, puttering around his shed with his tools, or finding another project to tackle.

He loved his partner Darlene, who always kept him well fed & looked after. He provided for us, and we always knew we were loved, even if he didn't always express it with words. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren, Danielle & Carter and his great-granddaughter. Myla, who all meant the world to him.

He loved his siblings and cherished the many memories they shared over the years. He had an especially close bond with his younger sister, Karen, and their relationship meant a great deal to him.

He had a special love for animals, especially his dogs (Buffy & Otie) and his horses (Buttercup and Friday). They were more than working horses—they were trusted companions. Whenever a northwest wind blew, he'd hitch up a horse and head to the shore to gather Irish moss.

Growing up, we had a dog named Buffy, and according to Dad, the only thing she ever ate was baloney, of course only Maple Leaf. He loved telling people that when Buffy passed away at 15 years old, she had eaten well over 1,200 pounds of baloney. Whether that was exactly true or not didn't really matter—it was one of Dad's favourite stories to tell, and he always got a laugh.

He loved being outdoors, whether he was working in the woods, fishing a favourite trout stream, or simply enjoying the land that meant so much to him.

He loved his tractor, his snowblower, his snowmobile, his four-wheeler, and being out in his dory. He loved apple picking in the fall, old country music—especially George Jones—and, in his younger years, playing guitar and singing. He was especially proud of the time we happened to stay at the same hotel as George Jones after one of his concerts in Moncton, and we even got to have breakfast with him the next morning. It was a story Dad never got tired of telling. And of course, he loved his cigarettes... and the odd toke.

If there was one day of the year Dad looked forward to as much as any other, it was Halloween. He absolutely loved dressing up. Every year he would dream up another costume—often making it himself—and head out around Pleasant View, convinced nobody knew who he was. Watching him embrace Halloween with so much enthusiasm was part of what made it so special. He never seemed to outgrow the kid inside him, and that's something we'll always smile about.

Dad kept everyone on their toes. He could insult you just as quickly as he could compliment you, and you never quite knew which version of him you were walking into. But if you stopped by, there was a good chance he'd offer you a cup of coffee or tea and one of Darlene's homemade biscuits with peanut butter and molasses—his favourite.

Dad loved in his own way. Sometimes it was through his actions more than his words, but those who knew him best knew exactly where they stood in his heart.

He was tough, and he was rough, but beneath that gruff exterior was a kind heart. He never wanted to slow down or admit that age was catching up with him. In his mind, he was still the same strong, tough & hardworking fisherman and woodsman he'd always been.

He wasn't perfect, and he'd probably be the first to admit it. But he worked hard, loved deeply in his own way, and quietly accomplished something remarkable—35 years of sobriety.

Today we remember the whole man—the fisherman, the woodsman, the horseman, the handyman, the storyteller, the prankster, the father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, partner, and friend.

Fair winds and following seas, Dad.

Rest easy

Love always,

Rob & Jen