Charles Angus McDougall II's Obituary
If you were to look up the words “loving,” or “compassionate,” or “funny,” or even “larger than life” in a dictionary, right next to each word would be a picture of Charles Angus McDougall II, aka, Chuck, Papa, Sweetie Pie and Froggy. Life was never easy, but Chuck never doubted it was good, and meant to be lived out loud.
Chuck’s mother died when he was only twelve years old, leaving behind four young boys and a father dedicated to doing whatever it would take to keep those boys together. As the oldest of these four, Chuck always looked out for his brothers George, Robert and David, but especially his “Irish twin,” George. Chuck really showed the world what it meant to be a good brother: stick up for them, don’t be afraid to tease them, wrestle with them—and always be sure they know how much you love them.
Chuck was an athlete, outstanding as a wrestler and a football player in high school. But despite being the Big Man on Campus, Chuck always stuck up for the little guy, making sure everyone felt valued. Even to his last days, he was kind and generous, and a seriously good tipper. He would ask himself, “Who needs this more? Me—or her?” His generosity to charities like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and his church ran deep and strong.
Chuck was very proud of the fact that he was recruited by Bo Schembechler to play football—and he was good. His father believed he could have gone pro, but things changed: love entered his life, and he decided first to work with youth in juvenile settings, then moved more in the direction of law enforcement. He met and married Gale Johns, and together they raised four children in the Village of Hiram. Chuck became an Ohio State Trooper, a chapter in his life of which he was very, very proud, and would likely have continued for many years, had Ford Motor Company not made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. He became a Risk & Safety Manager for Ford, rising quickly to become not just good at his job—but the best in the world, and being recognized as such. He worked for Ford for thirty years, until retiring in 2007. In his retirement, he and Gale sailed the Red Witch, with Gale as captain and Chuck as her strong, loving first mate.
This adventure on the high seas was cut short when the love of his life contracted cancer. Chuck’s world changed. He never left Gale’s side, becoming her nurse, her advocate and her constant, loving companion. Gale’s cancer was incurable; after forty years of marriage, Gale’s life journey came to an end in 2013. Their love story was one for the ages, and Chuck’s heart was broken.
Beneath that garrulous exterior, Chuck was a deeply religious man. When he met the second love of his life, Heidi Denman, he would explain to people that God had brought them together, and when they hugged for the first time, it was as if all the pain of losing Gale simply melted into the floor. When they married in 2014, he had a second woman to spoil, treating her like a fairy tale princess, lavishing her with flowers and gifts for no reason, picking up on what she liked and surprising her with that. Valentine’s Day and birthdays were tutorials on how to make your partner feel beloved beyond belief. He was a good, good husband, father, grandfather and stepfather.
When Chuck and Heidi married, Chuck slipped graciously into the subordinate role of “the Pastor’s wife.” The congregation at Strongsville United Church of Christ really struck it rich to receive not only a caring pastor to lead them; they also got Chuck, whose hugs are legendary. He pitched in anywhere and everywhere. His smile was warm and easy, and that big belly laugh echoed throughout the building.
Cancer struck again in 2021, this time hitting Chuck literally in the gut. He journeyed bravely for nearly a year before his body simply could take no more. His faith carried him through this passage, as well, as he found comfort in these words from the Old Testament: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Chuck slipped peacefully into the arms of the God he loved and served on October 17, 2022. His spiritual presence remains strong among us.
With Gale, together they created a loving family of four children: Angus (Michelle), Greg (Anais), Mary, and Molly (Patrick) Burns, as well as many, many stray dogs in need of a good home. One dog looked across the road, liked what he saw, and picked up first his food dish, then went back for his blanket and moved to be part of this loving family. Chuck is also survived by Heidi Denman McDougall and her children Derek Denman (Zuleida); Megan Denman, and Blythe Horvath (Steve). Their combined families include a total of fourteen grandchildren: Meghan, Aidan, Garrett, Avery, Allison, Stephen, Kalisteé, Mac, Isla, Eowyn, Paddy, Audrey, Paige, and Helios. The list would not be complete without naming Tucker and Howard, a pair of stray kitties taken in who have no idea how good they’ve got it. He loves them all so very much, and they returned his love with pictures, cards and wrestling matches.
Thank you, Chuck, for the laughter and love you shared so freely. Well done, good and faithful servant. Rest in peace, knowing you did, indeed, make a difference in so many lives. Amen.
VISITATION TUESDAY OCTOBER 25, 2022 3-7PM at JARDINE FUNERAL HOME, 15822 PEARL RD, STRONGSVILLE. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Strongsville United Church of Christ, 13740 Pearl Rd, Strongsville OH 44136 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.
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