1998 Alumnus of the Year Recipient
Alumus of the Year
A. Douglas B. Moores, B.Comm.'68
At the tender age of 19, with a commerce degree under his belt,
Douglas Moores, B.Comm.’68, (LLB,’71, Dalhousie) was
“too young to go to work.” His intention was to go into
the family business, but his dad thought he should have a little more
life experience first.
“My dad suggested I go to law school. I never really
intended to practice,” Doug said, “but in 1972, at 23
years of age, I opened my own practice in Harbour Grace with no
clients. I remember a friend came in the door and wanted me to
represent him in court. This was my very first client. He asked me
what I would charge and I told him it would have to be at least
$25.”
That was 26 years ago. Today, Doug is a successful lawyer with a
wife, Chris, three kids — Gregory, Ian and Beth — and
very little spare time.
In 1993 Doug was asked to chair the committee responsible for coordinating the Matthew visit during the 1997 Cabot 500 celebrations. He describes the experience as being one of the most positive in his life. “There was a great sense of history and pride surrounding the project. More than 500,000 people visited the Matthew sites, and 75,000 actually boarded the boat. I never heard The Ode to Newfoundland sung with such gusto as I did during the Matthew celebrations all around the province.”
Doug takes great pride in the volunteer commitments he takes on. In 1992, he chaired the host committees of the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games in Carbonear Harbour Grace. “That was a great accomplishment. We built a $3 million sports facility that kids and adults still use today and will use for generations to come. We were also the only games committee in history to have a surplus, which we used to establish a scholarship fund for young people from the area. The legacy of our collective efforts will continue to benefit our youth in the future.”
Aside from his interest in sports and development related projects, Doug has also served as president of the Harbour Grace Board of Trade, chairman of the board of directors of the Carbonear General Hospital and in countless other volunteer roles.
“I’ve always had a sense of obligation to put something back into society,” he said. “I felt I could make a contribution and I hope I have.”
When he’s not working on behalf of a client or chairing a volunteer committee, Doug likes to run. A marathon runner, he says finishing a race brings him a great sense of accomplishment, a feeling similar to the end result of hours of volunteer time on a project like the Matthew visit.
Doug says recognition from Memorial as the 1998 Alumnus of the Year is both humbling and gratifying. “Where would I be today without having had the chance to go to Memorial?” he asks.
Doug’s recognition as Alumnus of the Year complements his
other achievements. In 1997 he was inducted into the alumni
association’s Eaton Society. He was awarded a certificate of
merit from the Government of Canada, Fitness and Amateur Sport, and
also received the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal in recognition of
his contribution to his community and the country. For his role with
the Matthew visit, the Master of the Society of Merchant Venturers of
Bristol, England, awarded him a certificate of merit.