Sadly, we announce the sudden passing of prominent local businessman, Doug MacNaughton, on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at Kelowna General Hospital, at the age of 80.
Doug is survived by his companion Angela and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: daughter Kathy (Roy); granddaughter Brandi (Chad) and great-grandchildren Fletcher and Goldie; granddaughter Chesley (Jay) and great-grandson Mateo; and grandson Jordan; as well as his son Kelly and grandson Max.
Doug is also survived by his siblings Linda (Morris), Karen Parlee (Gordon), Mary (John) and Miles (Shirley), and many extended family members.
He was sadly predeceased by his brother Danny and sister Audrey, as well as infant brothers Peter and Grant.
Born to Albert and Hazel MacNaughton in Edmonton, AB, Doug was raised on the MacNaughton family farm in Ardossan, AB. He elected to leave school at an early age and started working for various construction companies in Edmonton and Calgary, AB.
This would eventually lead to him being well known as a major developer in the Okanagan. In 1960, Doug married Pearl Jacobi and within a few years they left Alberta, moving their young family to the Okanagan.
Doug enjoyed building but was first and foremost a brilliant businessman. He worked several years as a foreman for E.S. Jonasson Contractors before moving into a partnership with Jim Pierce creating Pier Mac Petroleum. After a short period Doug took full control of the Pier Mac companies and with his son, Kelly, continued building multiple service stations, bulk plants, and numerous 7-11 stores throughout Alberta and BC.
In the early 1980s, as director of the Pier Mac companies and gifted with a vision, he purchased 750 acres of the old Tom Carney ranch near the Kelowna airport. Today, this property encompasses Pier Mac Sand & Gravel, Airport Business Park, Four Points Hotel, Hampton Inn, Okanagan Golf Club, Quail Ridge residential development and much more.
He also purchased 500 acres in Oyama, developing a second gravel operation and proposed future development. Although Doug's daily life was filled with working hard and business, most days ended with him at a favourite "hole in the wall" consuming a cold beverage and enjoying conversation.
Along his incredible journey there were ups & downs, a whole lot of f-bombs and many years and many projects, Doug created a special bond with excellent advisors and loyal and valued long-term employees.
Many names of past and present people come to mind; each and every one played an important role in the success of the companies he directed. With all the remarkable accomplishments he achieved, his legacy will live on through the trusted people he put in place. To no one's surprise, Doug's last day on this earth was spent with his work family; this would have been our blessing for him.
There will be no formal service at this time. The family is hoping for current restrictions to be eased in the near future so that a Celebration of Life may take place. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com
