Douglas James "Doug" PIERCE

PIERCE, Douglas James "Doug"

60, of Tampa, Florida. With great sadness, we said goodbye to our beloved husband, father, brother and friend to many; too much too soon on January 23, 2019. He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Katherine Pierce; daughters, Jessica and Emily Pierce; sister, Ellen Blank and brothers, Philip and John Pierce. Doug was pre-deceased by his parents, James Parker Pierce and Ruth Ellen Willey Pierce. Doug was born January 7, 1959 in Naperville, Illinois. At the age of six he became a lifelong resident of Tampa Bay. A graduate of Henry B. Plant High School in 1977, Doug continued his education at Lake City College studying the Science of Forestry and Technical Engineering. His passion for trees and the beautiful canopies of Tampa Bay would follow him throughout his 27-year career serving the City of Tampa, its citizens and its urban forests. He was the first Forester Examiner for the City of Tampa working with the Construction Services Department. A Forester Examiner with the City of Tampa Planning and Development & Urban Design, Superintendent at Parks and Recreation-Lowry Park, Founding and original Manager of the Neighborhood Environmental Action Team (NEAT) under former Major Dick Greco. Doug was a member of the International Society of Arboriculture and a Certified Arborist for 21 years working to preserve Tampa Bay's green space. Doug was a loving husband and engaged father. A dance dad, girl scout dad, and girls' soccer coach with the Interbay Glover YMCA from 2002 through 2007. Doug's light-hearted spirit and amazing sense of humor resonated with everyone he met. In keeping with his personality, a celebration of life will be held at Lowry Park on Saturday, February 23, 2019.