Elizabeth Christine Dougall [nee Burton]
Elizabeth Christine Dougall
- Date of Birth: February 13th, 1944
- Date of Death: October 12th, 2019
- Accomplishments related to: Thunder Bay Business and Commerce, Cultural Communications, Community Enrichment, Poverty
- Major affiliations: United Way Thunder Bay, St. Paul United Church, Magnus Theatre Thunder Bay, Salvation Army, Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Elizabeth was born February 13th 1944 at the Port Arthur General Hospital to John and Eileen Burton. She attended Fort William Collegiate Institute and the University of Toronto before graduating from Lakehead University with a degree in English. Elizabeth married Hector Fraser Dougall Jr. on June 3rd 1963, and was devoted to her family that grew to include three children, named Hector, Scott and Kirsten.
The Dougall’s role in publication and broadcasting began when Fraser’s father Hector brought radio to Fort William in the 1930’s. Dougall Media grew to include multiple radio and television stations as well as news outlets that continue to provide a wide range of community information to Thunder Bay and the surrounding area. Elizabeth not only supported her husband in running Dougall Media but was also General Manager at Guide Printing, their publishing branch, and assumed the role of company President after his death in 2015.
Though leading a busy life, Elizabeth found time to volunteer and was active in her community. She believed in Thunder Bay and donated her time to improve the city through organizations such as the Rotary Youth Exchange Program and the Lakehead Mental Health Association.
Elizabeth was also Campaign Chairperson for United Way Thunder Bay, with her involvement in the organization spanning twenty six years. Originally recruited as a board member, she joined a male dominated organization but led significant changes with vision as she took on a leadership position when she became its President.
Elizabeth took on leadership roles in many other associations: she was Co-Founder of the Thunder Bay Co-op Nursery School, Superintendent of the CGIT St Paul’s United Church, a Board member of the Victorian Order of Nurses Thunder Bay, Board member and President of Magnus Theatre Thunder Bay, a Fundraiser and Coordinator for the Salvation Army, Member of the Thunder Bay Executives Club, and was a Founding board member of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
Joanne Kembel, formerly United Way Executive Director, notes that “…she was always encouraging, inspiring, motivating, and teaching me. Whenever I asked for her help, she gave it generously, without hesitation… Not only was she very intelligent, representing our community admirably, but she was also a ton of fun to be with... She had an inquisitive mind, had a visionary approach to problem solving, and a capacity to adapt complex approaches to work locally. Her enthusiasm was contagious and her belief anything is possible inspiring.”
Elizabeth was given the United Way of Thunder Bay Ross B Judge Volunteer Award of Excellence acknowledging the extraordinary influence she had had on our community. She passed on October 12th 2019 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center.
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