Donald Arthur Soucy (1951-2025) of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, passed away on October 26 at the Fredericton Hospice. Don was known for his love of teaching. He taught in Halifax and Yarmouth where he sang Sea Shanties and Doo-wop, and participated in local theatre. He was very proud of his vinyl collection and could pull a song from the archives at the snap of a finger. Don was able to spin a great yarn, and his stories will be fondly remembered by all who loved him.
Don received his Bachelor of Arts from Dalhousie University, his Master of Arts in Art Education from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and his Doctor of Philosophy in the History of Education from the University of British Columbia.
Don’s career as a Professor at the University of New Brunswick was illustrious. He travelled the world as an advocate for Art Education and e-learning. He was renowned for teaching pre-service teachers in the fields of Art Education, Teaching and Learning Theories, and for his pioneering work in the development of Internet based education. Don, with his research and development team at the Faculty of Education, developed the first university credit course in North America delivered fully via the World Wide Web.
Don loved the Boston Red Sox and saw many a game at Fenway Park, a most notable spent watching from atop the Green Monster while sipping a Sam Adams. Sunday afternoons frequently saw Don watching the PGA Tour, even travelling to Augusta National for the Masters. He loved cooking, smoking fine turkeys, salmon, and other delights on his BBQ. Don spent years perfecting the art of winemaking, resulting in a scientifically crafted thousand bottle cellar.
Don worked diligently in his yard in Pepper Creek, mowing over more than a few pedometers in his day. He thoroughly enjoyed the years of playing Poker in the garage with the boys from the "hood." Highlights of his life were watching his grandchildren in their extra-curricular activities, including basketball, lacrosse, karate, piano recitals, concerts, musicals, and playing in the park. Legendary, were his annual Boxing Day Risk tournaments.
Don was predeceased by his father, Oscar, and his brother, Bob (Judy). Don is survived by his mother, Lillian, of Manchester, New Hampshire; his wife of 25 years, Anne Higgins; his children Carolynne, Stephen, and Michelle (Jon Rankin); step-children Sean (Mili), Colin (Jeannine), and Chris (Jen) Ryan; he was a proud Pepere to grandchildren Kayleigh and Andrew (Rankin), Joshua, Jasmine, Saffron, Levi, Ruth, Leo, and Anna (Ryan); brothers Chip (Carol) and Dave (Wendy); sisters Denise (Fred Roberge) and Judy Nault; his good friend Smittie; and many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks Dr. Rivera and Nurse Tammy of the Saint John Regional Oncology Clinic, the DECH Oncology Clinic, the staff at DECH Orthopedics Surgery, the Horizon Health Palliative Care Team, and the Fredericton Hospice for their excellent care and tremendous support. You all brought light to our journey.
Donations to the Fredericton Hospice House would be gratefully accepted.