Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Peter Douglas Obituary
A commission spokeswoman says Douglas died on April 1 at his sister's home in Southern California, surrounded by family and friends.
Douglas retired from the commission in November as he battled lung cancer. He had spent a quarter century fighting to keep much of the state's 1,100 miles of coastline natural.
In the 1970s, Douglas co-authored a ballot proposition that created the commission and he later co-drafted legislation that would become the nation's most stringent coastal protections.
Douglas' tenure was not without controversy and he often sparred with developers and property owners.
Douglas is survived by his former wife, two sons, a sister and a brother.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
21 Entries
D C
April 30, 2012
May God comfort you in this time of sorrow 2 Corin 1:2-4.
Richard Gienger
April 12, 2012
May his advocacy and action for the protection of, and access to, the California coast inspire and move this and future generations to do the same. We all knowingly, or unknowingly, owe him a great debt. His life and mission need to become a basic part of the educational curriculum in California and beyond.
Noreen Clouse
April 6, 2012
My Deepest Sympathy to the Douglas Family, Peter will be sorely missed. He was a wonderful mentor to me. As a transplant to California, I enjoyed working with Peter and learning about the California Coast through his work and the history of the legislative process to preserve the California Coast. The California Coast is a much better place because of Peter's dedication, perseverance,and sacrifices for the preservation and conservation of its valuable coastal resources. I hope the Coast continues to be preserved for future generations to enjoy. Thank You, Peter, my friend. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE!
M Milord
April 5, 2012
May the God of comfort be with you during this time of distress.
How you can show support
VA
April 5, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Also may God's strength help you to be made strong. Psalms 121.
Sincerely,
L Jones
Sharon Prell
April 4, 2012
Thank you, Peter, for your continuing passion for the California Coast. It was a long road, and you stuck to your values every step of the way. I will always think of you when I'm anywhere along our amazing coastline. So glad I had a chance to know you.
Francisca Wentworth
April 4, 2012
Thank you, Peter, for all you have done for our beautiful California Coast. I will remember you on my walks by the ocean. Your cousin, Francie
Tanya Burkey
April 4, 2012
I will thank Mr. Douglas every time I visit the ocean. He made such an incredible contribution to all our lives.
Chris Lawton
April 4, 2012
Thank-you, Mr Douglas. You will be remembered.
April 4, 2012
R.I.P.
April 4, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Douglas family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Massachusetts Surfrider friend
April 4, 2012
Your work lives on! Thank you for all you have done. Rest in peace knowing you did a good thing.
Mitchell lachman
April 4, 2012
sadden with our loss of Peter, and his vision for California that had less of our populated foot print. Now we need a Garry Patton to fill his shoes
April 3, 2012
May the oceans that you know travel be safe and clean. Thank you for caring all these years.
Blessings to your family in this time of great loss.
Stuart Smits
April 3, 2012
What a genuinely great role model he was for so many of us. I genuinely enjoyed knowing him.
I will never forget a presentation he gave at a Surfrider Annual Dinner in 2005, where his theme was the need for perseverance in holding the edge in one's commitment to ocean preservation and conservation. I was profoundly uplifted by his message.
His CA coastal preservation legacy will be a monument that will shine for generations to come. That is as good as it gets!
April 3, 2012
With deepest sympathy to his sister Christiana, Peter's sons, his former wife and family; we are so grateful, we were able to visit with Peter, this past September '11.
Peter was a very special person;I have wonderful memories of him, from his "teen" years; he will be so missed by so many.
Jean (Burchfield)Wentworth, son Richard, son Christian & wife, Holly and my daughter, Allison
Marin County, Ca.,
April 3, 2012
With deepest sympathy to his sister Christiana, Peter's sons, his former wife and family; we are so grateful, we were able to visit with Peter, this past year in Larkspur, Ca.,
He was a very special person;I have wonderful memories of him, from his "teen" years; Peter will be so missed, by so many.
Jean (Burchfield)Wentworth, son Richard, son Christian & wife, Holly and my daughter, Allison
Victoria
April 3, 2012
As we know everyone
enjoys the OCEAN WATERS,
To protect is to save'
Least not waste away
the coastline of areas..
From Up North of California~
And all the way
down to SanDiego past waves@
Our condolences to his family.
And many friends who brought the
attention to save the area
as Much as possible!
Save claen and stay protected
Ocean beaches of SantaCruz=
Halfmoon bay. Moss beach and so on..
and all throught the regional coast
Mr.PeterDouglas rip~
Bob Douglas
April 3, 2012
Mahalo Peter for all the hard work, sacrifices and perseverance you put into protecting this beautiful coastline.
Aloha,
Bob
m garcia
April 3, 2012
Thank you, Peter, for everything you did and all that you fought for!
Matt Crawford
April 3, 2012
Rest in peace Peter, Our Calif coast is A much better place with your help. I hope there will be someone who is able to take your place and protect the coast as well. And keeping up the good work that you did. Wishing the best to your loved ones yours truly
yours truly
Matt Crawford
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Peter Douglas's name
How to support Peter's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Peter Douglas's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored