Bruce "DOUGAL" Speir

Please join us as we come together to honor Dougal’s life.

TRIBUTES

Michelle M Scullion

It is with sincere regret that I will not be able to attend Dougal’s farewell today – this afternoon at The Pines. I am still in a hard neck collar/brace due to the Dens fracture injury I endured back in August, and as it is very difficult getting around, and I would be a liability being in the huge crowd that will be there for Dougal and his whanau. Please accept my sincerest heartfelt thoughts and feelings for your loss – I sure will be there in spirit. Dougal was a great person, fantastic musician and pure gentleman showing so much respect to our musical colleagues, and to me. Rest In Peace Dougal – fly high. Best wishes Michelle M Scullion xox

David Rodger

A big regret in my life was never having had the chance to meet Dougal. But I heard about all the good things he was responsible for and I really felt I knew him by following him almost every day in life on Facebook. I just loved his style. I think maybe he and I shared the same anti-establishment genes. I live in Scotland, where all his forebears came from. His mum Margaret was my favourite cousin. Rest in peace, Dougal, – you greatly improved the quality of life for so many people, and have left a legacy behind not only a legacy in your music, but by being a thoroughly memorable and decent man.

Sam Dawson (Watson)

I first met Dougal through my brother and the Wellington music scene… Later on realised that he worked with me at CYF and that he was everything in the world for those he supported…. It was an absolute pleasure to have known you, I send my love and deep respect to your family who he was sooo in love with and proud of … I wish you love and peace and I hope you RIP Doug’s …. One of the best, you will be greatly missed.

John Niland

Thanks Dougal:-)
Wonderful lifetime of music memories and chats.
And we got your music into the musical ether for many to access and enjoy. A fulfilling moment for both of us.
🙂
In kindness
John N

Rosa Ayllon

My condolences to you Lotty and the family for your lost.
Love
Rosa.

Murray Costello

I was very sorry to hear of Dougal’s passing. I never had the privilege of playing music with him, but saw him play over the years. That started with a Mangaweka Viaduct gig at the Victoria University cafe in early 1979. Dougal was asked to sing the next song and said “I can’t – I’ve got an Oddfellow”. As a first year student who was just starting to play live myself I thought that was very coool. For those who don’t recognise that reference, an Oddfellow is an uncomfortably large mint – too hard to sing with one of those in your mouth. And wasteful to spit it out 🙂
I later connected with Dougal on Facebook, where he posted many hilarious musical cartoons and images, such as the ultimate guitar pedalboard that had six pedals labelled Big Ego Booster, Talent Simulator, Babe Attractor, Roadie Zapper, Drummer Silencer, and Fake Applause. He didn’t need the Talent Simulator pedal himself. But maybe a Drummer Silencer …
Another one was of a very empty funeral service, where the person coming in says “Wow, this is a really bad turnout … was he a bass player?” I was able to thank Dougal in person for that one at Andrew Clouston’s funeral a few years ago.
RIP Dougal – a supreme bluesman and genuine good guy.

Lizzie Whyte

I was so sorry to hear that the lovely ‘Dougal’ Speir is no longer contributing to the soundtrack of our lives these days. I first saw him play in the Mangawekas at regular gigs in a pub in Oriental Bay. Obviously, I loved his slick guitar work and his lovely vocals but most of all I appreciated his warmth of character, sly wit and dry sense of humour. He was a darling who also just happened to be one of the most talented blues men playing in the region back in the day. My heart goes out to his family and friends who must be missing him so much. You are in our thoughts, just as Dougal remains in fond remembrance.

Lizzie Whyte

I was so sorry to hear that the lovely ‘Dougal’ Speir is no longer contributing to the soundtrack of our lives these days. I first saw him play in the Mangawekas at regular gigs in a pub in Oriental Bay. Obviously, I loved his slick guitar work and his lovely vocals but most of all I appreciated his warmth of character, sly wit and dry sense of humour. He was a darling who also just happened to be one of the most talented blues men playing in the region back in the day. My heart goes out to his family and friends who must be missing him so much. You are in our thoughts, just as Dougal remains in fond remembrance.