Douglas, Dad, Pops, Doug – He was many things to many people, but we all have something in common. We’d had the privilege of having him in our lives in one way or another. Very sadly, unexpectedly and after a strong fight, Douglas passed away on 4th June 2013. He had been taken very seriously ill and spent 3 nights in the intensive care unit in Leighton Hospital, Crewe, where he received the most wonderful care, but unfortunately the meningitis amongst other things were stronger than he was and he lost his fight. The only comfort we can take is that he was in no pain and we were all with him.

So a bit about Doug………..From his heady days as a student where he achieved a PhD in Metallurgy to his more recent role as Pops to his 6 Grandchildren, despite him supposedly being retired, he continued to keep himself busy through his work as a consultant to the energy sector and in his private life by having recently achieved 88% in his Greek exam. For us who knew him, he was not a man to sit still. Even living in Cyprus for the last 7 years, very rarely would you find him relaxing by the pool, he’d be cleaning it or cooking the wonderful food we all loved so much. Husband to Elizabeth, Father to Suzanne, Paul, Clare, Owen and Polly, Brother to Geoff and Pops to Isabella, Izaac, Holly, Kaleb, Jack and James and Father-in-Law to Ben, Sarah, Roger and Steven, he was also a great friend to many people.

He had a unique gift in that he would always make people feel very welcomed into his home and offer wonderful hospitality in a way that made those who met him feel very special and as an individual. Despite his own intellectual capability, he had an amazing way of explaining complex things in a straightforward way, which we as his children can vouch for, has certainly been a real bonus! He took great pride in his and Elizabeth’s homes and always had a ‘to do’ list as long as your arm, even down to keeping the house fully stocked up with light bulbs! He was a fit, strong and healthy man and at only 67, was still so young to be taken from us. He was such a wonderful and loving man who we will miss so much.

As Douglas’s family, we are so grateful for any donation you’re able to give. If we are able to support the research Meningitis UK is undertaking it will hopefully prevent another family from having to experience the pain and sorrow we are experiencing from losing a man who is incredibly special to all of us. Douglas will always be in our thoughts and our hearts and this page will help with that even more. We love and miss you.