Obituary of Dr. John R. Doucet

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. John Doucet (“Johnnie”, “Dr. John”, “Uncle John”, “Dad” and “Grandad”) on May 24, 2026, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, following a lengthy illness. John was the second child of Lionel and Patricia (Brennan) Doucet of Bathurst, NB.

John is survived by his faithful and ever-loving spouse, Maribeth MacNutt; his sons, Paul (Ruth) and Adrien; and his daughter, Margot (Simon). He will forever be loved by his treasured grandkids: Louisa, Nell, Fiona, and Albert. John is survived by his sisters, Beverly Palmer (Dan), Karen Stubbert (Sheldon), and Paula; and his brothers, Bernie (Adeline) and Alan (Cindy), in addition to many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will also be deeply missed by his in-laws, Mary Lou (Mike) and John Emery (Peggy).

John was predeceased by his parents, his "Irish twin" brother Calvin (Bonnie), and his wife, Pauline Emery.

John grew up in Bathurst, New Brunswick, in a small house with his six siblings. He developed an early interest in music, mechanics and scouting. He was an avid skier and swimmer. John graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Francis Xavier University. He later moved to St. John’s to pursue a medical degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he won over the affection of Pauline and her feline companions and began to put down roots.

He worked as a family doctor for ten years, supporting many families through his practice and helping countless people in the emergency room. He then decided to continue his education, pursuing a specialty in psychiatry. This became his life’s passion, and he practiced for 25 years. He was well-known for his kindness, patience, and compassion.

After 30 years of making countless friends and raising their three children in St. John’s, John and Pauline moved back to New Brunswick. John’s work in Fredericton with military veterans and first responders touched many lives, and a new community of patients, colleagues, and friends came to know his kind ways. John made many dear friends in the Capital Region, and their support was instrumental in helping him through the unexpected passing of Pauline in 2010.

For the past eleven years John found love again with Maribeth (Mo). Their home in sunshine gardens is surrounded by a community of loving neighbours, pets and natural beauty. Together they said goodbye to special dog Reese and welcomed Ruby. Friday date nights were a time for music and amazing meals – often with beloved friend Liz. Their Halloween displays were epic and a favourite night of the year for kids from all over – especially big kids John and Mo. 

John enjoyed the great outdoors, swimming, a long book, a good joke, and saving his desert for breakfast. He loved people, and people loved him. John truly believed we are placed on this earth to help others, and that is exactly what he did, both professionally and personally. He will be missed by many.

Rest in peace, dear brother, doctor, father, Granddad, partner, and friend.

A celebration of life for John will take place at McAdam’s funeral home on Sunday May 31, 2026 from 1-4pm with words of memorial taking place at 3pm. We invite contributions of photos, stories and memories to share at the event. A private livestream is available at the following link https://vimeo.com/event/5963131. Please use the password "ruby" when prompted.

A gathering for friends and family in Newfoundland will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Fredericton SPCA (https://frederictonspca.ca/) in John’s name are appreciated.