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Douglas Dwyer Obituary
Dwyer, born April 7, 1954 in Houston, Texas, passed away in Austin, Texas on January 21, 2012 following a very courageous battle with cancer.
Doug was a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jan Cox Dwyer; children, Douglas Jay Dwyer, Robert Tyrus Dwyer and Jenna May Dwyer; parents, Mary Ray and Robert Dwyer; sisters Diane Dwyer and husband Tom Cole, Susan Dwyer and Marianne Dwyer; brother, Steve Dwyer and wife Amanda; three sister-in laws & their husbands; seven nieces and nephews and four great nieces and nephews.
Doug lived every moment to the fullest and embraced life with his family and friends in every respect. He loved to laugh and was the consummate story teller. Doug will always be remembered for his character, honesty and integrity. He had a positive attitude, great compassion for others and always stepped up to help his friends. Doug was blessed with many good friends and had an innate ability to make everyone he met feel special.
Doug loved to explore the world with his family. He swam with the fish in Hawaii, drank scotch in Scotland, walked on glaciers in Canada and fished in Belize. He also loved all kinds of hunting and he was completely happy when he combined the two passions, hunting plains game in Africa and birds in Argentina. He especially enjoyed South Texas bird hunts with his family and weekends at their homes in Fredericksburg and Doss.
Doug was a natural born leader, serving as president of his 6th grade, freshman and senior classes, as well as his college fraternity pledge class. He served as president of the Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas and on the Board of Directors of numerous real estate organizations including the Real Estate Council of Austin, the Commercial Leasing Brokers Association and ACRES. A member of the Knights of the Symphony, Doug was also a proud volunteer with Boy Scout Troop 5 of Austin helping his sons in their pursuit to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
Doug attended the University of Texas at Austin and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Doug honed his sales skills in the swimming pool business and soon translated those skills to real estate as a commercial broker with the Horne Company in Houston. Over the last 20 years, Doug was Senior Vice President with the Transwestern Commercial real estate firm in Austin.
The family would like to thank Dr. Philip Salem of Houston and his staff, especially Doug's angel, Deborah Saenz, RN, for many years of extraordinary care and love. The family is also very grateful for the support of his local healthcare team, Dr. Brian Shimkus and the staff of Austin Cancer Centers.
Graveside services and interment will be held on Monday, January 23rd at 11:30 A.M. in the Greenwood Cemetery, Fredericksburg, Texas with the Deacon Patrick Klein officiating.
A memorial service will be held in Austin, Texas at 3:30 in the afternoon on Tuesday, January 24th at Tarrytown Methodist Church, 2601 Exposition Boulevard, Austin, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Doug's honor may be directed to the Philip A. Salem, MD Chair in Cancer Research, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, P.O. Box 20269 (MC 3-206), Houston, Texas 77225, The Gillespie County Historical Society, 302 West San Antonio St., Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 or to the charity of your choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com
Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Dwyer
Rick Potter
January 16, 2022
I will always remember Doug's response when I mentioned to him that we had a problem. "Rick, he would say, it's not a problem, it's an opportunity."
February 13, 2012
I had the pleasure of knowing Doug through our years at Transwestern together. He always had a kind word, a great smile and a genuine interest and care for others. He will be missed.
Kim Butler, Dallas, TX
Nicole Berto
February 1, 2012
I pray for peace and courage for Doug's family and friends during this most difficult time. I will never forget Doug's smile, his dedication to the business, positive outlook on life and his endless devotion to his family and God. I feel truly blessed to have been able to have such an outstanding mentor in my life, if even for a short time. My sincere condolences.
Loretta Monahn
January 27, 2012
I knew Doug with my work at TIAA. He was such a gentleman and wonderuful person to deal with. My prayers go out to his family. May he rest in peace.
January 25, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go to the whole family. We've heard so many good stories about Doug from Mary Ray and know he was a great man who will be sorely missed. We wish you peace.
Bru and Ray Lopez, Houston
Rob and Kim Taylor
January 25, 2012
We feel privileged to have known Doug and have happy memories of his visits to England and Europe with Jan, where we enjoyed his humour, humility and generous spirit. To us, he was a true Texan and consummate gentleman, easy to be with and a great raconteur. We considered him a dear friend and will miss him greatly.
Sarah (Saenz) Tegeler
January 25, 2012
Doug, I know you are in a better place. I have always heard such warm and wonderful stories about you through my mother; you have touched her life as well as my own. My heart goes out to your family and I know they will live and laugh on through your amazing memories.
Tim Terwey
January 24, 2012
I met Doug when we did some work for him out at the barn years ago. The last time I saw him was at a ZZ Top concert also a long time ago. I did not know him well, but I knew he was a good man. Peace
Leslie Allen-Teeter
January 24, 2012
Rest in Peace, Dear One! Prayers for those he loves so much. He is not far away.
Doug was a true gentleman. It was my great pleasure to know him.
Jeff Latimer
January 24, 2012
Jan - I'm saddened to hear of your loss. Doug was a always one of the standouts in Austin real estate. Please know that the thoughts and prayers of our family, are with yours.
Matt Greer
January 24, 2012
The time I spent working with Doug at Transwestern was among the most enjoyable I've ever had. He, and he alone, is responsible for me and my family being in Austin. He hired me on the spot after learning I was a Lee High School alum. Picking up Bobby from daycare next door to the office and listening to he and Doug sing "My Maria" makes me smile even as I type this. He was truly one of a kind, and I will miss him.
Doug Snyder
January 24, 2012
Jan and family,
Doug was always quick with a smile, an outstretched hand and had a way of making you feel good about yourself...a talent that is priceless. I admire the courage he had, how much he got out of life, and how he enriched the lives of others. We will miss him dearly.
Peace and comfort to you and your family,
Bridgette Beinecke
January 24, 2012
Dear Jan, You and Doug have been such an important part of my son, Paul's life. I am grateful for the role model Doug has provided to him as a man. I am also recalling the laughs and experiences we shared on the senior spring break trip. I am sending you a bouquet of mental hugs at this moment.
Bridgette, Paul Schleicher's mom.
Gail O'Connor
January 24, 2012
Doug was a wonderful man, I remember meeting him after moved from Houston to Austin. He had a great sense of humor and funny stories of his real estate career in Houston. God bless him and his family.
Gail O'Connor
Rex Jones
January 24, 2012
Jan, I am sorry to hear about Doug's passing. What a difficult time. He was a great man, and i know he was proud of you and his family. I don't know of any other words except to offer my sincere sympathy, and God's peace to you and your children
Martha Austin Simpton
January 24, 2012
I was so sorry to hear about Doug's passing. I have such fond memories of him when we lived in Briargrove Park and spent so many wonderful hours in the Dwyer home. (I even named my first dog after Nifty.) Out of all of the "older boys" in the neighborhood, Doug was always my favorite. He had a sweetness and a maturity about him that set him apart from the others. I know he will be missed by everyone that was lucky enough to have know him.
rachel russell
January 24, 2012
I am so blessed and grateful that I had the priveldge to know and work with Doug. He was truely a wonderful and caring man. He will be dearly missed. My heart goes out to his sweet family, I will keep you guys in my prayers.
God Bless,
Rachel Russell
Transwestern
January 24, 2012
Jan & family - when I think of Doug, I think of his ready smile and chuckle. And the way he could make you feel like you were the only person in the room. I hope that you find peace. Know that you are all in our prayers. Love, The Manroes
Jazmin Sanchez
January 24, 2012
Mr. Dwyer, I didn't get the pleasure to know you however, I know what Cancer does to people as my brother suffer and died from it. I know you are sitting next to Jesus Christ and are happy watching and guiding your family from heaven.
Terry Mitchell
January 24, 2012
I have always admired Doug. He lead without having to tell people he was leading. He treated all people with respect and courtesy. He loved his family dearly. He will be missed, but not forgotten. Heaven now has a new resident.
January 23, 2012
Dear Jan and kids,
I did not have the pleasure of ever knowing Doug. He must have been a great man to deserve such a wonderful wife and raise such great children. Our sincere love and prayers to you all.
- Erik, Kelli, Kate, Eli, Ike, Annie and Julia Petrik
Hill
January 23, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our pain and sorrow give you all the needed endurance to continue to go one day to next. Psalms 46:1
Larry Scrivener
January 23, 2012
I know you want get this here on earth, but in Irish heaven I know you will receive this. Saw today that you moved onto the next plane of life. Man I wish I knew you were here in Austin. I have lived here thirty years and did not know you were here as well. I can still remember sneaking off to go fishing in Galveston with Mr Roper the Vice Principle at Lee High. Even though I have not seen you since I guess 1975 it feels like we were goofing around just yesterday. Take care and save me a spot in Heaven, going to need all the help I can get.
January 23, 2012
My condolences to the family of Mr. Dwyer. How comforting it is to know that your dear loved one has the wonderful prospect of resuming life again free from all causes of death and the heartaches it brings.
Nora Hogan
January 23, 2012
Doug's positive and can do spirit will be missed by his Transwestern family. You all are in our prayers. He touched alot of people at Transwestern.
Lissa Adams
January 23, 2012
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Dwyer family. The world has lost an opportunistic leader, but heaven has gained a one-of-a-kind angel. I worked with Doug for two years at Transwestern and feel lucky to have known him. His positive outlook, courage and sense of humor was contagious and admirable. He glowed anytime he talked about Jan and/or the kids. He put up a good fight to experience as much of their lives as he could. May you all find peace in your fond memories.
David Austin
January 23, 2012
So sorry to hear of the news of Doug's passing. He fought a courageous battle against a disease that has claimed way too many, way too soon. My twin brother, Wayne, has recalled so many wonderful memories growing up with Doug in Briargrove Park. Thanks for the memories Doug. And condolences to all the Dwyer family, who I still hold in my heart with great affection.
Michelle Alexander
January 23, 2012
My fondest memory of Doug has to be his stint as "Carnac the Magnificent" at one of our Christmas parties. I've never laughed so hard. We are all the better for having known Doug. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Tom Reynolds
January 23, 2012
My heart goes out to the Dwyer family - you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know what it's like to lose a younger brother - it's not easy but somehow we get through it with God's help. Although it has been about 30 years since I lived in Texas, I remember Doug as being a genuinely nice guy with kind words for everyone. He will be missed.
Marina Browne
January 23, 2012
Heaven has never been more festive and alive as it is now with Doug sitting up there. To a man with the never ending positive disposition and contagious love for life, we will miss you more than you know. His ability to leave a lasting and unforgettable impression on every individual he met speaks volumes of how wonderful a man Doug really was.
Rick Potter
January 23, 2012
I will always remember walking into Doug's office with some office crisis of the day and saying, "Doug, we have a problem." To which he would reply, "Rick, it's not a problem, it's an opportunity." His positive attitude was contagious to us all. I will really miss this dear friend.
Fred Higgins
January 23, 2012
Those of us in the commercial real estate business have lost a much admired peer. Doug helped make us all look a little better for sharing in his profession.
D LASH
January 23, 2012
Death is never easy for any of us to handle.I encourage the family to continue praying and looking to God for support. He is near to you. My condolences go out to the family. 1 Corinthians 15:26
Ann Baird
January 23, 2012
Jan,
I wish I could be at the services, but just know that you have been on my mind and in my prayers these past few days. From reading the guest book entries and hearing about Doug from others who knew him, he must have been a remarkable human being who left this world a better place. I wish I could have known him, but it has been a pleasure getting to know you and observing how close and loving your family is.
Take care, and see you soon, Ann Baird, Austin, TX.
Beth Parkinson
January 23, 2012
I worked for Doug at Transwestern some years ago and I have to say that he was the kindest, friendliest and most personable boss I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I remember his jovial attitude and the love he had for his family. He was a wonderul man who always had a smile on his face and will be missed by everyone, including me.
January 23, 2012
Doug was a true gentleman, friend, business associate and fraternity brother. His demeanor and positive attitude during his challenges over the years with cancer was nothing short of remarkable... He will be dearly missed by all, but especially by his college pals - the "Joy Boys" of ATO... Jerry Frey, Austin, TX
Paul Montes
January 23, 2012
I only knew Doug for a short time but he was the most wonderful man to be around. Anywhere he went he spread joy. He was the kind of person that you wanted to be friends with because of his great personality. You will be missed Doug.
Diana Harrell
January 22, 2012
As a friend of Doug's sister, Diane Dwyer Cole, I have followed Doug's journey with cancer treatment and prayed for his recovery. I did not know Doug personally but Diane loved him dearly and spoke so highly of him that I wished I had known him. He fought cancer valiantly and at the same time stood strong for his family. What a guy! I pray God's comfort for all his family members as you grieve his loss.
Wayne Austin
January 22, 2012
Doug was a great guy from a great family. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing but take comfort in knowing he has now brought his big smile and bigger heart to heaven. I have many fond memories of growing up three houses down from Doug and Steve and Nifty and the girls and Bob and Mary Ray in Briargrove Park. Football and baseball games in the neighborhood, dirt clod wars in the ravine, bird hunting in the woods of Rivercrest with our BB guns,... Those were happy times for us all. I know Doug will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the great pleasure of knowing him. My heartfelt sympathies to Jan, Douglas, Robert, Jenna and all the family.
Scott Trimm
January 22, 2012
Doug was one the kindest and most courage's man I ever meet. His love of good people and his love of life and family were to be admired. His smile and demeanor was infectious and was one of a kind. His friendship will always be close to my heart and never forgotten. Even though I was a small part of his live he was a big part of mine in many ways. He was one of those people that you enjoyed being around because he brought you up naturally. He helped me in so many ways but the one I will always hold on to is that he had trust in me. For his family and close friends I cannot think of any words that can fill what has been taken from your heart. The only thing I can say is this is not goodbye but a temporary adios. Adios Amigo
Scott Trimm
Sonja Ammann
January 22, 2012
Und eine Seele spannte
weit ihre Flügel aus,
Flog durch die stillen Lande,
als flöge sie nach Haus.
And a soul spread
its wings out wide,
flew through the quiet lands
as if it were flying home.
But still ...what a big loss for us remaining
January 22, 2012
A shining light has moved on to Heaven. Everyone basked in the light surrounding Doug. He was a prince of a man. One of the best ever. May the wonderful and joyuous memories he created help assuage your grief.
Diana Holford
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