On 19th October 2026, Doug died peacefully in hospital, aged 71 years of Baxenden. Doug was the dearly loved husband of Trudy, loving and devoted dad of twin daughters Marsha and Stephanie, much-loved brother of Derek, dear brother-in-law of Radha and cherished uncle of Dena and Eleanor, known as Molly.
Doug had an enquiring mind and an appetite for learning that stayed with him throughout his life. He gained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Salford, a teaching qualification at the Victoria University of Manchester and, later, a degree in Humanities with Philosophy through the Open University. He became a lecturer at Blackburn College, where he was greatly admired by his students, and also taught online for the Open University, sharing his enthusiasm for learning with others.
It was through the Open University that he met Trudy, who remembers his mischievous nature being there from the very beginning. At a gathering in Scotland, Doug broke the ice by asking everyone whether they had a pet, before going on to collect their email addresses. Of course, there was only one email address he was really after, and that was Trudy’s.
Doug and Trudy shared twenty-five years of marriage, raising Marsha and Stephanie with immense love and care. Their life between England and Zimbabwe gave the girls an adventurous childhood and the opportunity to experience the landscapes, culture and way of life of both countries. As educators, Doug and Trudy encouraged their daughters’ curiosity and love of learning, supporting their interests and achievements and wanting them to make the most of all that life had to offer.
Doug’s pursuits ranged from competitive squash and football to guitar, piano, poetry and songwriting, and his daughters came to share many of his interests. He was always keen to learn something new, and he loved art. His garden was always a favourite place, and he could happily spend hours tending his plants.
Doug lived a full and richly varied life, with much to occupy his mind and plenty of room for mischief. His family will remember the jokes and stories, the interests they shared and the encouragement he gave them, but above all the love and care that were such a constant part of their lives together.
Flowers are being received at the Funeral Home or donations if desired are being received on behalf of Cancer Research UK.
