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David Lynn "Dougal" McDougal

David McDougal Obituary

David "Dougal" Lynn McDougal, 66, died February 28, 2014. He was born October 22, 1946. He was the son of Vernon and Margaret McDougal. He attended Texas Tech University where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He retired the owner of Dougal's Catering Service in Denver, Co. and had previously owned restaurants in Winter Park and Grand Lake, Co. Dougal was active in the Colorado Restaurant Association and inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2007. He also served as national president of the International Caterer's Association and was a member of the Denver Rotary Club. Dougal was also the recipient of the "Good Neighbor" Samaritan Award from the National Restaurant Association. He was known for his generosity and the time he donated to worthwhile causes and was one of the founders of the Shining Stars, an organization which provides recreational and social programs for children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Dale McDougal and survived by his sisters Darlene Duncan, Diane Sargent, Shannon Pettus and special loved ones Nick Flores, and the numerous friends who cared for him throughout his illness. Memorial gifts may be donated to the Shining Stars Foundation, 24 County Road 524, Box 730, Taabernash, Co. 80478, Dougal's charity of choice.

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Published by Denver Post on Mar. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for David McDougal

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Bob Hileman

March 10, 2025

11 yes I still remember that gust of wind as we said goodbye...you are in my thoughts many ðays..miss you my friend

John Skins Oskin

March 5, 2024

SKINS

This comes 10 since his passing... I had hoped to catch up with Dougal and relish all the good times in Winter Park and Grand Lake . Alas, he is no longer of this earth but lives in all or lives who knew him. A wonderful man. Never saw him upset. Although I never worked with him I frequented all his businesses. The Grand Lake Lodge for brunch and the Mountain Inn for the famous pan fried chicken! But the best was having conversations about the world and what great advice he had for young men like me. I will miss him and the stars are a bit dimmer without him. Sleep well my friend....

Bob

March 10, 2022

Still miss you bud!

Paul Uglow

February 22, 2022

It is a while since we last met, the world is a sadder place with your passing. Thank you for your friendship.

Bob Hileman

March 10, 2021

Still make me smile....I miss you.

Marci Gower

August 6, 2020

We held our wedding in 1999 in Denver and Dougal catered it. People still talk about how amazing the food was. He was extraordinary and kind and we’ve moved back to the area and wanted to look him up & are saddened to see he has passed. At our wedding a guest asked him if he was with the bride or groom’s family? He said ‘my dear I’m the caterer’. That sure says a lot. He was a lovely man.

Bob

August 5, 2020

Dougal you are remembered with Love!

Bob Hileman

March 10, 2020

Dougal that is still miss you! Bob

Bob Hilemsn

March 10, 2020

Still miss you!

Rachel Snow

July 25, 2019

While I did not personally know Dougal, he was friends with my dad, Jay Hamann, many years ago. My dad is also gone. Maybe they are reconvening on the other side. If anyone that reads this knew my dad too, I would love to hear more. My condolences go out to all of Dougal's loved ones. It sounds as though he is greatly missed.
Rachel Snow

Robin Wiggins

May 30, 2019

I worked with Dougal for many years at Dougal's Catering Services and with the Shining Stars Foundation. He was a wonderful boss and friend. I will never forget Dougal

Robin Wiggins

Paul Hendetson

February 28, 2017

I miss you, Dougal.

Paul

Paul Henderson

February 28, 2017

Paul Henderson

February 28, 2017

Paul Henderson

February 28, 2017

Paul Henderson

February 28, 2017

Paul Henderson

February 28, 2017

Paul Henderson

February 28, 2017

Paul Henderson

February 28, 2017

Paul Henderson

February 28, 2017

Paul Henderson

February 28, 2017

November 2, 2016

dougal i miss you christian ogg all the times in grand lake and up at carvers helping the catering and at 16 gogo brooks tower love you and all the people you intro-ed me you showed me what it is to be a good person

Jackie Padgett

February 1, 2016

Thank you, Sugar Bear.

Kip Thorson

January 30, 2016

My life was enlightened by your presence. Late nights turned into early mornings with world, political, philosophical, and humanistic issues discussed and debated for hours on end. I will miss you dear friend. Give my best to Korme and Gene. Your genorosity without expectations was unparalleled. Kip T.

March 27, 2015

Ah, so sad to hear of Dougal's passing. I'm headed up to Denver in June and was going to look him up. I bartended for Dougal in Winter Park in 1986 & '87. Poured many Jackshoes, Tommy Kami's (my invention), catered everywhere, and did summer stock theatre in Grand Lake. Dougal was one of those people in my life who I consider silent mentors. He taught by example, patience, and enthusiasm. He had a great sense of humor and could welcome guests into his restaurant like nobody else. I was witness to what I consider to be the greatest croquet tournament ever played. It was mud season in the spring of '87 where Dougal made the final shot of the game. The course was muddy, had patches of snow, tree roots, etc. The shot flew about 20', bounced off a fence , and hit his opponents ball which was buried in a snow bank. I'm not making this up. It was great! I've never heard a bunch of people yell and laugh so hard. That's what Dougal did for people around him. He made us laugh. ~Tom Schuch, Albuquerque

Julia Stephens

September 13, 2014

Dougal was legendary during and after his days in Winter Park; wise, gracious; the quintessential gentleman. I have remembered Dougal all of these years and am so sad to hear of his passing. Peace to all of his friends and family.

John Foley

July 3, 2014

I met Dougal while I was living up Beaver Brook Canyon outside of Evergreen. I went to work for him at the old Southway Lodge in Grand Lake. He was a good friend. I will never forget his kindness and generosity.

Denise Ferraro

June 26, 2014

I will never forget working for you in winter park. I was blessed to have known you. You will never be forgotten.

Joanne Cole

June 26, 2014

I knew Dougal from my days in Winter Park, working at the Slope. He was a REMARKABLE human being and I am so saddened to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and Partner.

Kevin Cowatch

May 21, 2014

I worked for Dougal in Winter Park Co from '89 to '93 in his restaraunt and catering business. What a crew of people we had. So much fun!
You will be missed tremendously Dougal. Like many others, you gave me purpose and a sense of direction when I felt totally lost. You taught me the ways of the kitchen with patience. You always had my back. You truly made a difference in not only my life, but countless others. Rest in Peace

Billy Giblin

May 14, 2014

Dougal, you will be missed. I worked with you in your restaurant in WP about 25 years ago. You filled the bellies and warmed the hearts of many people. Ever the host. You will be missed.
Cheers to you.

Brent Earls

April 20, 2014

Dougal - you taught me that a tablecloth must always be put on correctly & that real love will withstand any challenge. We miss you. You gave us beauty & grace.

Bob Hileman

April 20, 2014

I have been wondering why I couldn't reach you, now I know why. You taught me so many lessons over the years. I thank you for all of them. You helped save my life when it seemed hopeless. It has been many years since the days Winter Park and beyond. Both work and personally you have been a godsend. I am glad we were able to see you recently, and tell you how much you meant to me
I will always remember dodging elk in the mountains and cooking 3000 burgers for the bike races. You will be remembered every I use your cookbook. You were the greatest human being I know. I will miss you more than you know

Terry Gillespie

April 1, 2014

Lots of late nights in W.P., Dougal telling me, "I'd sure like to wake up to you tomorrow". Me replying, "Dougal, you know I don't play that way, but I'm very flattered by your consideration". One of the best human beings that I have had the blessing to know, and my world will be a little,(no, a lot!), less shiny without him!

Dougal & Lana

V W

March 20, 2014

V W

March 20, 2014

knew Dougal for 40 yrs,never met anyone with so much love for other people.From TT,New Deal,TX,Evergreen,Grand Lake,Winter Park,Denver,& around the world.Everyone I knew loved this man.He was a gregarious,intelligent,hard working sole,who never gave up on anyone.Wish we had a thousand like David & the world would be much better off. So long my friend ,see ya soon & don't forget to tell everyone else up there, Hello from all ur ole buddies

Scott Johnson

March 20, 2014

I am very sad to hear that we have lost such an amazing man. I have known Dougal for many years while living in Winter Park. He was always the kindest man whether as a friend or an employee which I was fortunate to be both as I worked many years with him at Dougals Catering in Denver along side Ralph, Dale, Allen and Steve. So many memories and great times from the bike races to the theater to Aspen to support the Sunshine Kids. This man touched the lives of so many with his addictive smile, kindness and respect for everyone he came in contact with. All that were graced by his presence know what I am talking about and share the same thought that he will be missed dearly throughout. Rest in Peace my friend. My toast to you (as we did many times) with a rocks glass of Dewars Whisky, light ice with splash of water.

Dougal & Lana 1983,Grand Lake,Co

March 20, 2014

Zelma Goldston (Dunn)

March 18, 2014

David, a great friend and neighbor, that goes for Dale too. They are surely missed.

Winston Keyes-Mayo

March 18, 2014

I have known dougal for over 20 years. We along with several other friends frequented many of the downtown bars. I worked several parties over the years for dougal. He was a kind and gental person. May God open the gates of heaven for him. He will truly be missed.

Michele Marcello

March 17, 2014

Dougal, I will never forget you!!!

Shari Christie

March 17, 2014

So many wonderful memories and friends from that time in Grand Lake, I feel so lucky I got to share part of his life.

Prince Charming

March 17, 2014

Voltaire said - "Love is a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by imagination." And we met then.
"On the brave and crazy wings of youth
we went flying around in the rain" wrote Jackson Browne - and so it was for me. What a mentor - humility, sincerity, genuine, honesty, loyalty and trust. Lucky to learn life lessons at Dougal's Mtn. Inn & hostel. Must mention, Green eggs an ham, Bad Bumps, Birthday Caves/Hot Tubs, Beck, DW, Hazel, Tilly, Tony and Nile. Scotch, Bourbon, Bisquits, it's Showtime folks and champagne corks popping at will at select catering events. Jackshoes, meat on the street and Nursie. Never will a fire affect my soul like those shared with friends in Doc Lee's saloon. Dougal my friend, counselor, mentor you were unconventional but so much more importantly, unconditional...

March 16, 2014

Your friendship and generosity were a constant gift with each path you crossed, the sweet sound of your voice that was undeniably "yours", all the wonderful memories you have left each of us Now my friend...your final "good night" in the "great white biscuit"...like melted butter...life doesn't get any better. Your love for each of us will always be in our hearts. Carey, Greg, Dustin & Patrick

dave and trish baertsch

March 16, 2014

you brought so many wonderful friends together in grand lake. we love you for that and your shining light! good friend, mentor, old buddy; i'll be frying chicken with on the other side.

Dougal's Mtn Inn, 1979, ah the memories!

Marysue Huckabee

March 16, 2014

Dougal, you were my employer, my client, my date, my confidant, my cheerleader but most of all my treasured friend. Thanks for sharing 37 wonderful years of memories with me and my whole family. You will always have a special place in my heart. I miss you.

Mike Gaydosh

March 16, 2014

I remember the first interview with Steve Evans and I on the Big Buiscuit in 1976. I remember opening Dougals Mountain Inn in 1979 and making the big splash in Grand Lake at 3:00 AM. I remember the 3 day party at your house on the Southend of Grand Lake in 1979. I remember the work we did in Winter Park over the years and the Shining Stars that you established. Most of all I remember the way you brought us all together with the progressive views you gave us for all those years. Life is short but our memories forever.

Marianne Shipley

March 16, 2014

Love you through Les and Jo....wish we could have spent more time together...

March 16, 2014

My dear friend, I shall miss you. I will always treasure our friendship.

Carolyn Benton

JoEllen Shea

March 16, 2014

I miss our daily evening conversations, and the fun times we spent over so many years. To the love, life, and laughter you brought to so many. I will pick your bracket this year for you!
Remember when you won a dime two years ago! love you!

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