William Douglas

William A. "Bill" Douglas, 91, of Boulder, passed away peacefully at his home on February 4th. Bill grew up outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended Drexel University before joining the army as a 1st Lieutenant in the Korean War. After the War, he entered graduate school at the University of Colorado. Upon graduation, he began a multi-faceted life and career as an author, historian, tennis coach, College administrator, foundation president, and business consultant. In 1959, his graduate thesis, A History of Dentistry in Colorado 1859-1959, was published as a book and widely read by dentists and Colorado historians. Bill held several administrative positions at the University of Colorado including, dean of admissions, financial aid, and registrar. In 1972 Bill helped found the university's Presidents Leadership Class (PLC). The class became one of the first collegiate leadership programs in the United States. After leaving the University, Bill became Assistant Vice-President of the Boettcher Foundation from 1980-1987 and then President from 1987-1996. As president, he oversaw numerous grants and scholarships that the Foundation awarded to individuals and organizations throughout the state. After retiring from the Foundation, Bill served as the Colorado representative for Fiduciary Trust International for over 12 years before retiring in 2013. In 2005, the University of Colorado and the Boettcher Foundation established the William A. Douglas Endowment Fund for the Presidents Leadership Class. The scholarship's goal is to prepare students to become wise and ethical leaders for Colorado's future. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Susan, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Contributions in his memory can be made to the William A. Douglas Endowment Scholarship for the PLC at the University of Colorado. For online messages to the family visit www.murphyfuneraldirectors.com