DOUGLAS R. STEINBAUER

STEINBAUER--Douglas R. Died at home in Manhattan on April 25 at age 87. He was the beloved husband of Mary for 47 years. He is also survived by the children of his first marriage: son Mark (Carrie) and his children Amy, Adam, Aaron; daughter Anne (Liam); grandchildren Troy and Page, children of his late son Reid (Ellen). Doug was born in Pomeroy, OH in 1927 but lived in Columbus for much of his youth. He was drafted at 18 as World War II was ending, stationed in the Philippines for over a year. He attended Ohio State University on the GI Bill and was editor of The Sundial, following in the footsteps of idol James Thurber. After graduation he moved to New York City to become an editor but was sidetracked into art directing at Medical Economics, Architectural Record, Parade, 50 Plus, and Time-Life Books' United States History series. He was the Art Director of Silver Burdett for 19 years and revolutionized the design of children's schoolbooks, using innovative artists, photographers and craftsmen. The books won multiple awards and accolades and were considered "the gold standard" by others in his field. Doug loved poetry, old songs and movies, architecture and design, the theater, the NYC Ballet, The New York Times in print, martinis and single-malt scotch, books, smart women, a good argument, Greenwich Village, the house he designed in Castle Valley, UT, public schools, his family and their many get-togethers. He studied film-making, acted professionally, learned Chinese cooking. He and Mary traveled the country and world together. He was smart, funny, stubborn, modest, polite, creative, friendly, reserved but sentimental, interested in everything, very appreciative of his good life. He will be missed by his loving extended family, valued friends, and all he met. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held in the future. He was a good guy.