Joey Dugas

Michael “Joey” Dugas

Scotch Lake

It is with shattered and forever broken hearts that we must announce the sudden passing of Michael Joseph “Joey” Dugas in Calgary on Thursday, April 27, 2023.  Born in North Sydney on May 7, 1991 to Deborah Anne (MacNeil) Dugas of Georges River/Florence and the late Francis Dugas of Alder Point.

Joey is survived by his mother Debbie, step-father Bill AuCoin of Georges River; sisters Virginia Dugas of Sydney Mines and Audrey Mae Corbett of Sydney; step-sisters Kathleen Bona (Eric) and Christine AuCoin; step-brother Daniel AuCoin (Chelsea).  He is also survived by his maternal grandmother – his loving Nanny - Mae MacNeil of Georges River; his God Parents – his beloved Aunt Margaret & Uncle Ed of Georges River;  his special Aunt Bridgie of Edmonton, who he lived with when he arrived in Alberta, and many other loving and caring aunts, great aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was predeceased by his father Francis Dugas, his paternal grandparents Miriam and Michael Dugas of Alder Point, and his maternal grandfather Alphonsus MacNeil of Georges River/Florence.

Joey graduated from Memorial Composite High School in Sydney Mines in 2009 with his 2nd Year Carpentry Certificate and received a 3rd place Certificate for the Skills Safety Competition.  After graduation he worked in the Sydney area before moving to Halifax to work there in the carpentry field.   In 2011 he obtained his certificates and headed west, where he worked for many years as a carpenter’s apprentice, plumber’s helper, sheet metal worker, swamping, and tank truck driver.

Joey was kind, loving, soft hearted, sometimes shy, funny, and someone who had big dreams.  He loved his animals and would often be seen snuggled up to them in front of the TV.  He especially enjoyed a good family meal, learning to play his guitar with his step dad, and would play Yahtzee or cards for hours (as long as he was winning) with his cousin.  He enjoyed golfing, snowboarding, watching hockey, or just hanging out with his buddies.  He loved his family, although sometimes he was embarrassed to show it, but that didn’t stop us from showing him, and that dimple and the smile that we would get from our display would light up the night sky and melt our hearts.  He was involved in Karate in his younger years and in his teens and into his 20’s he attended the Gym on a regular basis.  Joey always liked to be well dressed and strived to be fit.

Joey’s friends, most of whom are from childhood, especially Kyle and Matthew, are just as heartbroken as his large family.  He went away to follow his dreams and didn’t make it back to us in the way that we wanted or needed him to.

Visitation for Joey will be held from 7-9 pm Monday, May 15, at W.J. Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, at St. Joseph Church, Bras d’Or with Rev. Chinoso Alaribe officiating.  Burial to follow in the church cemetery.  There will be a reception following in the church hall.  Online condolences may be left for the family by leaving a message on the tribute wall of the obituary page at www.wjdooley.com.

Rest in peace our darling “Joe Man”.  You will forever be missed, loved, in our hearts, in our prayers, and in our daily thoughts.

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