Recently, I had to say goodbye to a good friend whose untimely death shocked everyone who knew him. He was a true entrepreneur who had the courage and foresight to expand his business during recessionary years while others failed.
One of his many attributes was the respect and admiration he had for the underground miner. He made me realize that mining is not merely about taking ore from the ground. It is about the breed of men who risk their lives daily to provide a better life for their loved ones. It is about hard physical labor, often performed under harsh working conditions and which sends lesser men scurrying to the surface. Mainly, it is the appreciation of life shared by miners that bonds them together.
He knew this early in life, well coached by his father, the late Alex MacIntyre, partner Sid McDougall and other mentors such as John Meagher and Paul Whelan.
His name was Douglas MacIntyre and his contribution to mining will not easily be forgotten. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, and by the mining community.
Andrew Condie, North Bay, Ont.
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