Douglas Malcolm Byrkit Sr.

Douglas Malcolm Byrkit Sr. passed away on April 4, 2026, at the age of 86. He lived, loved, and died with dignity, integrity, and faith until the very end.
Born on May 15, 1939, in Los Angeles, California, Doug was raised in Arcadia, California. He attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. Upon graduation he joined the United States Navy and attended Officer Candidate School, and was commissioned as a supply officer. He was honorably discharged after three years of service.

Following his military service, Doug entered the management training program at Pacific Telephone Company (later Pacific Bell). In one of his early roles overseeing telephone operators, he became smitten with a young woman in his organization, Vivian Goddard. With characteristic initiative, he arranged for her to transfer to another manager so he could ask her on a date. Their first date was December 7, 1968. They were engaged on February 13, 1969 and married on May 3, 1969. Their union lasted nearly 57 devoted years. The couple welcomed their sons, Douglas Malcolm Byrkit Jr. in October 1970 and Ian Brice Byrkit in December 1973.
Doug enjoyed a highly successful 33-year career at Pacific Bell, advancing through many departments and managing thousands of employees. He was beloved by his colleagues and known for being tough but fair. He retired at the age of 57.
Early retirement allowed Doug to focus on his greatest joy: family. He and his beloved wife, Vivian, traveled the world together. To stay close to their sons, they moved nearer to each of them—first to Bernardsville, New Jersey, and then, about 10 years ago, to Austin, Texas (with a part-time residence in Boise, Idaho). He cherished attending his grandchildren's events and milestones—birthdays, graduations, and sporting activities. An avid fisherman and skier, Doug pursued his passions with the joy and commitment that defined his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marguerite and Malcolm Byrkit.
Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Vivian Pearl Byrkit; his sons, Douglas Malcolm Byrkit Jr. and Ian Brice Byrkit; his daughter-in-law, Melissa Byrkit; his sister, Marilynn Miller, and her husband, Ron Miller; and his grandchildren, Blythe, Grace, Pierce, Megan, and Mac Byrkit; and nine nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at All Saints Presbyterian in Austin.

Doug's legacy lives on in the family he built and in the example of strength, faithfulness, and love he set for them all.