December 1, 1970 – March 18, 2026
It is with broken hearts that the family of Trevor Stairs Macdougall announces his sudden passing on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Rothesay, NB. Born on December 1, 1970, in Saint John, NB, Trevor was the beloved son of Graham and Lynn Macdougall (Spencer).
Trevor was the loving husband of Ali McGill, whom he loved with a steady, joyful, and unwavering devotion. Together they built a beautiful, love-filled home grounded in partnership and deep connection. They shared a passion for time with family, spent countless hours in basketball gymnasiums cheering on their children (Nick, Neel, and Leena), built impressive careers, and travelled to many beautiful places. Above all, they cherished being together and adored one another. Family was Trevor’s greatest source of pride.
Trevor attended local schools and was a graduate of Kennebecasis Valley High School (1988). He obtained a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from Dalhousie University. Trevor then returned to Saint John and began his career in banking and wealth management, building a successful and client-focused business from the ground up. He was highly regarded in the industry by his loyal clients and loved by his colleagues at BMO Nesbitt Burns, who were like a second family to him. He was also a lunchtime fixture in the City Market, where he loved eating at Jeremiah’s and Slocum & Ferris.
During his youth, Trevor filled his days with the people and activities he loved most. He cherished time spent with family and lifelong friends, whether fishing, golfing, or sharing in everyday moments together. Trevor had a keen interest in cars, especially Porsches, and was also a dedicated lifelong student.
Golf held a special place in his heart. As a proud member of Riverside Country Club, he spent many of his formative years honing his skills and competing at both the provincial and national levels. His commitment and talent led to him becoming the provincial champion in 1989, and he went on to compete in several national championships.
Trevor’s sister Leslie fondly remembers the years when he was making a name for himself as a standout golfer. While visiting from away at university, she would often joke that she needed a t-shirt that read, “I’m Trevor’s sister”–a lighthearted reflection of the pride he inspired in his family. In recent years, Leslie and her family were fortunate to return to Shediac in summers, a place that holds deep meaning for the Macdougall family, and to spend more time with Trevor and family. They shared many wonderful years there at a family cottage with their beloved Mum, who passed in 2001 and is missed every day.
Trevor’s true calling and greatest joy was becoming a father to his son Nick. He and Nick’s mother Shelley Macdougall (Whittaker) became parents in 2004. Their lasting friendship and mutual support are reflected in the man Nick has become.
Trevor’s gentle nature, warm embraces, and deep pride in Nick were constant guiding lights in his life. Trevor spent many years with Nick at basketball practices, games, and tournaments, always there in the stands cheering him on. He and Nick also shared a love of fishing, golfing, and fun summers at the family cottage in Shediac. Along with wholesome memories, there was a fun father/son banter, with Nick giving Trevor the loving nickname “Dev”–a blend of “Dad” and “Trev.”
Trevor often spoke with great love for Leena and Neel, his two stepchildren, who affectionately called him “Stev”–a blend of “stepdad” and “Trev,” a nickname he also loved. He often shared how fortunate he felt to hold such a special place in their lives. He wholeheartedly embraced his “Stev” role and played an important part in Neel and Leena’s upbringing. He took great joy in supporting them, especially as they followed in their mother’s footsteps as talented basketball players, leading to many more family hours in gymnasiums, games, and countless moments spent cheering them on. Nick was also lucky to have two adoring little siblings and they have become the best of friends and confidants.
Trevor was a man of many talents, known above all for his kind and generous heart. He deeply loved his family and had a special affection for all his dogs over the years, often speaking to them in his familiar “dog voice”, a small but cherished reflection of his gentle nature. Trevor was well known around Rothesay and could be seen walking his dogs every morning. In doing this, he would get the opportunity to connect with his wonderful neighbours in Rothesay Park, especially his cherished friend Brian Lee (Lola). Trevor had a bright and curious mind and was always thinking of others, taking the time to ask how they were doing. He was committed to being the very best he could be for everyone in his life.
Trevor is survived by his beloved son, Nick Macdougall; his devoted wife, Ali McGill and their children, Neel and Leena Pishe, of Rothesay, his father Graham and his wife Donna Macdougall, Rothesay; his sister Leslie Steeves (Chris) and their children Cole and Avery, Toronto; brothers Adam Rousselle, Rothesay and Evan Rousselle (Erin), Nawigewauk; his uncles Stuart Macdougall (Christine), Vancouver; Drummond Macdougall (Karen Wickerson), Vancouver; Alan Macdougall (Winkie), Oakville and aunts Cathy (Bryce) Belyea, Rothesay and Cindy Paul (St. Catherines) and many cousins.
Trevor and Ali met in 2014, and he quickly came to love being a part of the extended McGill family, where he was lovingly referred to as “T2” as he was not the first Trevor to marry into the McGill family. He is also survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Peter and Barb McGill, Rothesay; his sisters-in-law Charlotte Pierce (Trevor–“T1”), Rothesay and Emily Long (Andrew), Rothesay and brother-in-law Corey McGill (Emily), Rothesay. He was also Uncle Trev to Anna, Tom, Henry, Bridget, Charlie, Freddie, Eviny and Caleigh.
Besides his loving mother, Lynn Macdougall (Spencer), Trevor was predeceased by his grandparents Phyllis and Bud Macdougall, Ottawa and Gerald and Rosalie Spencer, Saint John and his uncles Chris Spencer (Westfield) and Hal Paul (St. Catherines).
Trevor’s legacy lives on in his family and the people he loved and he will always be
remembered for his kind and loving manner. Nobody had a heart that was bigger.
Arrangements and under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). With visitation on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Rothesay, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the church hall. Those unable to attend may view the service via livestream by accessing the link provided in Trevor’s obituary on the Brenan’s website. A private interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery at a later date. Any donations in memory of Trevor can be made to Kids Help Phone Foundation c/o BMO Walk so Kids Can Talk, a charity close to Trevor’s heart and one he cared deeply for over many years. Website: www.walksokidscantalk.ca . Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.
