Douglas E Douillard (86), passed away peacefully on January 3rd, 2024 after years of battling Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's disease.   His loving daughter, son, grandson, and friends were there for him when he passed.  Douglas went by Doug, Doug Sr, or even Douillard to many friends, coworkers and his family.

Doug was born in Frederlion Canada in 1937. He was the oldest of five children.   He was always a hard worker, even at an early age. While growing up, he would often do several hard things on his family farm to help his siblings and family.  He would often tell stories of his time when growing up and how he would wrangle a sibling, chicken, cow, or horse or such.  

He was an honorable, kind, detailed and quiet man, unless you got him sharing a story of his career or something he was passionate about (like trucks or his kids).  Yet, he couldn't tell you too many work stories due to his career being in the service.  He would often joke,  "If I tell ya, I may have to kill ya", because he took his military secrets seriously, but not too seriously to add a joke now and again.

in 1962, he met Irene Gosslin, and soon after they were married.  they were married for 37 years until Irene passed away in 2001.  Douglas and Irene adopted and raised two children, Kelley Douillard and Doug R Douillard.

He accomplished a lot in his life.  In his younger years he traveled to many places, and had many life experiences.  Doug worked for a sawmill where he cut logs and made pulp.  Then he worked underground at the Niagara Falls helping build the power plant.  After his work on the power plant, he then started doing mechanic work and working on trucks.

Doug entered the Army in 1960 and was stationed in Germany.  The military would become a lifelong passion for Doug.  His career would span four decades.  Each job that he had, he took that knowledge and grew upon it.   He was consistently learning new things and sharing with others.

Doug started his military career in the Army, and later transitioned to the Army National Guard.  Throughout his long decorated career, he achieved the highest rank that a Non-Commisioned-Officer of a Master Sergeant E8.  During his career in the National Guard, Doug managed a heavy machinery maintenance shop.  Doug was loved and honored within and without the military. 

Many people looked up to Doug as a father figure, a great friend, and mentor.  He was always willing to help others, and assist them in any way that he could.   Hence, it's of no surprise that he chose an honorable and extensive career as a mechanic in the Army and National Guard as his career.

Years after mourning the loss of his wife Irene, Doug remarried in 2004.  Mary Sue Sherrod and Doug were married for 15 years, until her passing in 2019.

Throughout his whole life, Doug always put other people first or was of some service to them.  He sought out ways to be helpful to everyone that had the opportunity to meet him.  He would often go out of his way to make sure everyone was taken care of.  Whether at church, helping his mother or siblings, helping his wife before she passed, helping his children, caring for his second wife before she passed, or his coworkers and friends, he was always there for you whenever you needed him.  Being of constant service and caring was Doug's mantra.

Doug had a love of music and shared his great talent with instruments throughout the years.   He played the guitar, banjo, fiddle and the harmonica.  Doug loved photography, and was often seen carrying around his camera and snapping pictures.  He also loved 4 wheel driving and hunting.  Every year when he had a chance, Doug would go out on an annual deer hunting trip, he loved the opportunity to get out into nature and solitude.

Doug is survived by his children Kelly M Douillard of Washington and  Doug R Douillard of Arizona, Daughter-In-Law Theresa C Douillard of Arizona, and grandson Brandon Kenneth Douglas Douillard of Washington.  Doug also has 2 surviving siblings, Albert Douillard of Georgia, and Kay Houle of California.

Doug will be sorely missed, he impacted so many lives with his unwavering thoughtfulness and care for everyone he met.  Many will remember his humor and how he would lighten the mood in tense moments.  Those that had the honor of working with Doug or "Douillard" as he was often called by his service mates will remember how much of a leader he was.  

 Most of all his family and friends will remember just how loving and compassionate Doug was, and how he would do whatever he could to make sure everyone he knew was taken care of.   People will remember some phrases Doug loved to say like "I Love it when a plan comes together" , "Do you do that shit at home" and one that hits home is "When you are in town, stop in."

Doug will always be in our hearts and souls, and you are already missed dearly.

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