Doug MacIver
| No. 64 | |
| Born: | February 20, 1953 1975, Round: 1, Pick: Territorial Exemption |
|---|---|
| Drafted by | Winnipeg Blue Bombers |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1976–1978 | Toronto Argonauts |
| 1979–1981 | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| 1982–1984 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers |
Doug MacIver (February 20, 1953 - January 26, 2012) was a former professional Canadian football player and successful car dealer, known for his tenacity on the football field and innovative spirit in the showroom.[1]
Early life and career
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, MacIver was the youngest son of long-time Winnipeg Chrysler dealer Jack MacIver, MacIver grew up playing football eventually playing for the
Throughout his CFL career, MacIver played as a
Career in auto industry
Growing up in the auto industry, MacIver would work at various dealers selling cars during the offseason. This would include his Uncle Bruce MacIver's Parkside Ford and his fathers Midway Chrysler. Upon retirement from football, he began working full time for his father before earning the opportunity to run his own Chrysler dealership in Toronto. During the 1990s, his Willowdale Dodge dealership whose slogan was "Just a Pinch Above Finch" became the #1 by volume Chrysler dealership in Canada. Over the years MacIver was known for his marketing prowess, this included a marketing partnership with Jesse and Gene. In 1997 MacIver acquired York Volkswagen. By 2003 MacIver had sold both of his stores Willowdale Dodge (now North York Chrysler) and York Volkswagen (now Yorkdale Volkswagen).
Personal life and legacy
MacIver is survived by his wife, Evelyn, and sons, Andrew and Doug Jr., and daughter Alex, who continue to run the family business. Known for his love of selling cars and his fun approach to the job, MacIver was remembered by those who knew him for his endearing personality and his passion for the auto industry.
Health and posthumous impact
MacIver died at the age of 58 in 2012, and post-mortem studies revealed that he had been suffering from "moderately advanced" chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE),[5] a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head trauma. This diagnosis was made by officials from Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CSTE). The diagnosis brought a sense of relief to his family, who had been struggling to understand his difficulties in communication and mood control.
MacIver's family observed notable changes in his behavior in the months leading up to his death, including erratic conduct and issues with body temperature regulation, which they later learned could be associated with the brain damage caused by CTE.
Finally, MacIver had discussed the possibility of donating his brain for scientific research after hearing about the post-mortem study of former NHL player Derek Boogaard,[6] whose brain also showed significant damage from CTE. His family donated his brain, spinal fluid, and eyes for research on early detection of CTE, contributing to the ongoing efforts to better understand and mitigate this condition.
References
- ^ "Doug McIver enjoyed success on the gridiron and in the showroom – Canadian Auto World". 2012-02-09. Retrieved 2023-05-17.
- ^ "Ex-Roughrider Doug MacIver dies". leaderpost. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
- ^ "Former CFL, CIS lineman Doug MacIver dies at 58". Yahoo Sports. 2012-01-26. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
- ^ "Former CFLer Doug MacIver had CTE". The Globe and Mail. 2012-09-17. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
- ^ "Former CFLer Doug MacIver had CTE". The Globe and Mail. 2012-09-17. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
- ^ "Former Blue Bombers nose tackle Doug MacIver had degenerative brain disease". winnipegsun. Retrieved 2023-05-16.