Douglas D. Holthaus, Esq. September 3, 1951 - June 2, 2018 San Diego Douglas Holthaus, 66, a maritime and business attorney, passed away June 2, 2018 with his family by his side. One of nine siblings, he was raised in National City, attended Sweetwater High School, U.C. Irvine and then law school. In 1977, he opened his practice in La Jolla, later moving to Golden Hill. He specialized in international business & real estate, and later maritime law, which he loved the most. Despite having endured throat, liver, colon, lung and skin cancer, Doug was an advocate for his clients up into the last week of his life. He was well known for his jovial laugh and often uncensored comments. Doug did everything in his own unique way, without worry of consequence. He is survived by his wife, Celeste, and children, Tatiana and Hunter. A Farewell Fiesta will be held Friday, June 29 at 2pm at Southwestern Yacht Club in Pt. Loma.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Jun. 10, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Holthaus

18 Entries

Larry Wergey

June 28, 2019

We were good friends at Kellogg Elementary but Doug changed schools in about '62. Haven't seen him since then, but a few years or so ago I began looking online where read about his law practice, family, sailing exploits, and even about having apparently beaten a bout with cancer several years back. For some time I've thought what a happy surprise it might be to give him a call just to say hi. Looks like I missed my chance.
Tonight I tried his name in Ancestry.com and the first thing I see is the notice that he passed away last year.
Even after all the years, I still feel deeply the loss.
Rest in peace dear friend ...

Richard Brown

July 23, 2018

My best wishes to Doug's family. I knew Doug through High School and our years in debate. A nice guy; a good friend; and, an honorable family man. RIP.

Your friend, Richard Brown

Beth Flannery

July 22, 2018

I have just learned of Doug's passing and am saddened. I met Doug in the early 80's and I was one of his biggest fans. He was a wonderful person and brought light to every situation. Later our boat was on the same dock and we saw Doug often. Never a disappointment, always a friend. He loved to speak well about Celeste and the kids. He will be missed by many.
Celeste, Hunter, and Tatiana - I am wishing you well.
Love, Beth Thompson Flamnery

Ramon Castillo

July 21, 2018

I am very sorry to hear this terrible news. I was lucky to go to high school with Doug. He was one year behind me, but we were both in Mr. Lagnese's Speech and Debate class. He was intelligent and a good human being. I last saw him at his 45th high school class reunion, which my wife and I attended. I got to spend a lot of time with him that evening and was happy to see that he was still the same delightful person he had been in high school. I wish his family the best in these difficult days.

Neil S. Lerner

July 9, 2018

I am sorry for your loss. Doug was a colleague, adversary and friend. He was always ready with the next argument, move or idea and, regardless of whether we were allies or adversaries, he was always kind to me and greeted me with a friendly smile. RIP Doug.

July 6, 2018

Doug, Im so sorry to hear you left the world. You were always so kind to me, stopping to say hello whenever you saw me. I wish you well on your journey. ♥

Vicki and Adam Tueros-Michaelis

June 29, 2018

Celeste, Tatiana and Hunter, we are so sorry to hear about Dougs' passing. He was truly a fine example to all of how to live well with whatever life gives you. He will be missed.

Chris Mechalas Tempesta

June 27, 2018

Love and hugs to Celeste, Hunter and Tatiana, even though I didn't know you well. I agree with everything being said about Doug Plus he was my favorite writer of texts; they were funny, creative, and oh so cute. I'm going to try to text more like Doug did, it was the most fun to get one of his. We'll see you Friday at the service. Thank you for that, it will do our hearts good. Love, Chris Mechalas Tempesta

June 22, 2018

We met Doug and Celeste during his very first days in San Diego. His work for us as our attorney quickly grew into a friendship that survived all these years, enduring turbulent seas and enjoying sunny skies.

While proving to be a tenacious fighter and
survivor, we also saw a special side of him
that we will always remember and cherish.

Doug was blessed with two great kids, Tatiana and Hunter. And we have been blessed to be Tatiana's godparents. We know they added much to his life, as you
did to ours.

So, Doug, we never know if you'll rest in
peace, but we look forward to meeting up
with you again at some heavenly yacht club!

Ken and Jill Klempan

June 21, 2018

Doug, you will be missed. thanks for the memories.

June 20, 2018

I met Doug at SDYC nine years ago. He became a lovely friend always with that huge smile when he would greet me and my husband, Rocky Springstead. We are so very sad that he had died. Like Doug, I thought he was the cancer winner. Anytime we are at either Yacht Club, we will miss seeing him. Our sympathy goes to his family. Dear, dear Doug.

Cindy Tallstrom

June 19, 2018

Our thoughts are with you Celeste, Hunter and Tatiana...so many years Doug battled cancer we thought he was invincible. He kept our faith that a zest for living was the best medicine. Love, The Tallstrom Family

Don Manderfeld

June 15, 2018

I met Doug for a very short time. But I had the feeling, a few years down the road. We would become Best Friends for a Lifetime. Sadly that did not happen. A Great Man gone way to Young. I would like to extend my Sincere Condolences to Celeste, Hunter, Tatiana and the entire Holthaus Family. "When God created Doug....He broke the mold"!!!

Ann Archer

June 14, 2018

Despite Doug's extroverted personality which may have not been acceptable by some, he was always a nice and kind gentleman to me. I recall his courage throughout all his many illnesses. He will be missed.

Ron Dixon

June 14, 2018

I first ran into Doug at SWYC when he was the Judge Advocate and I was in Chair of the Bylaws Committee. We locked horns initially, but after some discussion we both came to a mutually agreeable resolution, which was in the best interest of the Club. I would often give him scripture versus and encouragement when he first was diagnosed with cancer. We became the best of friends and would walk the length of the Clubhouse, just to shake each other's hand and greet one another. I used to kid him about his MB280SL and how immaculate it was kept. He loves his cars, family, friends and would go out of his way to lend an ear and provide guidance. He will truly be missed. I became very fond of that man and loved his personality. God must have needed a good Maritime Attorney and picked the best for His staff !! Ron Dixon, Chaplain SWYC.

Tanya Wiech (Bata)

June 12, 2018

I'm sorry for your loss.

Vaya Con Dios!

Christina WILLIAMS

June 11, 2018

Celeste, Tatiana & Hunter,
So sorry to hear of Doug's (and your Dad's) passing.
He was an bright, clever and amazing person, always up for an adventure and some fun! Cherish his memory and the beautiful life you shared together.
My blessings and prayers to you all,
Love,
Christina

tony caputo

June 11, 2018

Doug had an instant smile and greeting. I enjoyed working case s with him as an opposing attorney and greetings with him whenever our paths crossed.

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