Douglas N. Doig

Attorney, longtime resident of Denver, died peacefully at home. Survived by his wife, Debby and sons, Matt (Laura) Pressman, Jon (Andrea) Novotny, Josh (Casey) Novotny and three grandchildren, Maisy, Ewan and Gwen. Celebration of Life to be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2 pm, at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6601 S. Colorado Blvd., Centennial.

Doug Doig was born May 2, 1942 in El Centro, CA. (southeast section of CA, in the Imperial Valley, just a few miles from the Mexican Border), to Robert and Alice Doig. Doug's grandfather was born in Glasgow, Scotland. Doug would tell the story that his grandfather ran away from home and stole a ride on a ship coming to the US. He arrived and because he was underage and w/o papers, was sent back to Scotland. He did the same thing over again - as the story goes, he was allowed entrance to the US the second time around.

In the 1950'-to the mid 1970's Doug's mom and dad owned an independent grocery store, that served the El Centro area. His dad butchered his own meat which was evidently known far and wide as the best meat 'in the Valley'. Doug and his brother would work in the store on weekends.

Doug frequently talked about what a wonderful childhood he had. He graduated from Central Union High School in 1960. He was student body president and received several honors for his science and math skills. His high schools friends have remained great friends all these many years. Doug attended every high school reunion until this past fall when he was too ill to go.

Doug went to University of CA at Riverside, graduating with a degree in Political Science. He loved college and the Riverside campus. He did take a year off between his junior and senior year thumbing his way through Europe. He attended the Sorbonne in France for six months, receiving a diploma. After graduating college, the company he worked for, Transport, which did benefit packages for trucking firms, transferred him to Denver in the early 1970's.

Doug experienced loss as a young man, losing his Mom at only the age of 53 from cancer. Later his older brother, Don, died suddenly of a massive heart attack at age 39, leaving four biological children and three stepchildren behind. Doug never really came to grips with why both his mom and brother were taken so young. His dad died of heart disease in his mid-70's.

Having always thought he would like to be an attorney, Doug entered law school at the University of Denver in the mid 1970's. After graduation he worked for GreatWest Life, but in the 1980's decided to become a sole proprietor of his law firm, focusing on pension planning along with estate and trust law.

Doug had so many hobbies it is hard to list: fishing, bird hunting, sailing, singing, leather crafting, knife-making, skiing, dog training, wood making, playing his guitar, and even being a mountain man for a time. In recent years he bought and rode a motorcycle and became interested in vinyl records building his own FM receiver from scratch.

Doug joined Highlands Ranch Rotary in 1987. He founded the Highlands Ranch Rotary Foundation, wrote the original Foundation By-Laws and was chair of the Foundation for two different 4-year terms during his years. He actively supported all fundraising activities; and organized several Habitat for Humanity workdays. He was also Club President 2012-2013. Doug loved Rotary, believed in the Four Way Test, worked on many projects and certainly treasured the friendships made over the years. The last many months during his illness, he could not talk enough about the support, kindness and love shown to him.

Doug leaves Debby whom he married in 2003. His son, Matt Pressman (Laura) and their daughter Maisy. His step-sons, Jon Novotny (Andrea) and their children, Ewan and Gwen, and Josh Novotny (Casey). He also has a nephew, Brian Doig who lives in Nevada; and nieces, Robin (Vence) Donlon who lives in CA, Melanie Wood who lives in TX and Heather Doig who lives in CA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Doug's name to Highlands Ranch Rotary Foundation, PO Box 632118, Highlands Ranch, CO 80163.