Photo courtesy of Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel
Mobile, Alabama
1949 - 2015 (Age 65)
Douglas Tappan passed away at home on April 9, 2015. He was 65.
Doug was born and raised in Mobile, AL, and attended Vanderbilt University, where he enjoyed pulling pranks as a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. After graduating in 1971, he returned to Mobile, to the University of South Alabama, to attend medical school, and he continued his medical education in Louisville, KY and Birmingham, AL.
Along the way he met and married his spirited wife Cynthia, and with the birth of their two daughters, Brinkley and Kay, he was officially in the minority. Despite his daughters? disappointing lack of interest in throwing a softball or camping, Doug was the best father two girls could wish for and spent many happy days riding bikes with them, reading to them and teaching them to sail (or trying).
In 1983, the family settled in Pensacola, where Doug founded his medical practice, Cordova Orthopedics. Doug was beloved by his patients, and the feeling was mutual. Doug was assisted in his practice by his fabulous staff, whom he adored, even if he did occasionally hide the office candy stash from them.
Doug loved to be outside, and spent much of his time riding his bike, walking his dog, canoeing or hiking. He was a staunch supporter of environmental causes, and if he didn?t ride his bike to work, he could be seen behind the wheel of a compact car plastered in ?green? bumper stickers. Doug was a collector of many things?leaf specimens, history books, shells, and best of all, friends. He remained close to those he met during childhood, and befriended many more throughout his life. His thoughtful and kind approach to people inspired love and loyalty in return. His family wishes to thank all of his friends, whose cards, visits and expressions of support eased him through his last weeks.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Louise Tappan.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his daughters, Kay and Brinkley (Edward Holzwanger); his grandsons, Will and Brough Holzwanger; his sister, Diane Tappan Horst (J.B.) and his brother, Craig Tappan (Cathe).
A Memorial service will be held at St. Christopher?s Episcopal Church in Pensacola on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.
A reception in the church parlor will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Doug?s name to The Longleaf Alliance, 12130 Dixon Center Rd., Andalusia, AL 36420 or to Mobile BayKeeper, 450-C Government St., Mobile, AL 36602.
I did accounting for Dr. Tappan and he was a great person. When I had a motorcycle accident, it was Dr. Tappan I went to see to fix my broken foot. He was friendly and kind. I came to know his staff also and they were very nice. Sadly, Dr. Tappan was taken so early in life, but we don't know the ways of our Lord, we just have to trust and have faith.
Charlotte Schwartz
April 03, 2024 | Molino, FL, FL | Friend
Doug was a very special friend. We were fraternity brothers in the same class at Vandy, and all his brothers remember him with affection. He took me sailing one spring break and I was fortunate to meet his family back then. I met Cynthia at a class reunion in 2001, and enjoyed her company immensely. She even laughed at some dumb jokes.
My sincere condolences to his family. We all loved him.
Bill Beasley, VU 1971, Gamma Deke
Bill Beasley
March 12, 2016 | Athens, AL
Doug was a close friend during his and my years at Vanderbilt. We lived on the same floor in a freshman dorm and became friends immediately. Doug was kind enough to overlook my foolishness at the Deke House where we were members of the same Deke Pledge class. I graduated a year early from VU and left Nashville (courtesy of the U.S. Army, drifted apart from Doug, and only had a few conversations with him in the intervening years, due to my lack of effort rather than his.
I will...
Jim Hall
February 12, 2016 | Knoxville, TN
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Tappan's passing. He was instrumental is assisting me with the care of my patients in the hospital. He was always gracious and caring and I will miss him. Prayers to the family.
Glennal Verbois
June 01, 2015 | Pensacola, FL
I am so sorry to hear of Dr.Tappan's passing. I loved working with him in surgery. We talked about Tappan dam in Ohio were I'm from. My thoughts and prayer are with you all. RIP Dr.Tappan.
Lee Reamer
May 20, 2015 | Milton
Cynthia,
Just finding out about Doug's passing. I have good memories as when he was in medical school and rotating through surgery while I was a surgery resident there back then. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Would have loved to been able to speak with Doug about longleaf. That is one of my passions in south Alabama and across the longleaf range.
"May the souls of the departed rest in Peace." Salem Saloom, MD; [email protected]
April 25, 2015
DEAR DR TAPPAN FAMILY DRTAPIN FIXED ABROKEN ARM EMERGENCY AND ABOUT 7 YEARS AGO I FELL AND HAD A SEVERLY BROKEN HIP . HE USED TO COME OVER TO MONTEIGE DRIVE AND I WAS RIDING MY IKE ND WE WOULD VISIT, I USED TO RIDE MOST EVERY DAY SEE HIM FOR MORE EXRAYS HE WANTED ME TO LOOSE WT AND I STARTED TO AAND HE NOTICE WHEN I WAS VISTING OTHER AT SACRED HEART AN WE WOULD VISIT. HE WAS A SPECIAL PERSON IN MY LIFE WILL BE THINKING ABOUT YOU BARBARA KENAN
BARBARA KENAN
April 21, 2015 | PENSACOLA, FL
He was a good friend and will be missed.
--Sharon Fussner (formerly Dr.Newcomb's nurse)
April 20, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss.
Dr. Tappan is one of the pure and selfless souls who will be greatly missed by all who have had the honor to know him.
Laurence Rosasco
April 19, 2015 | Penscola
