Don C. Doxey

1928 - 2023

Don C. Doxey

08/13/1928 - 03/27/2023

Denver, CO-Artist, Teacher, Husband, Father and Grandfather passed away peacefully on March 27th. He was surrounded by family and he was loved deeply.

Don was born in Ogden, Utah to Estelle A and Clifford B Doxey. His bride was Claire Marie Jay. They married in 1950 and subsequently Don became a father to two daughters, Debra Dawn and Pamela.

He earned an Associates of Science degree from Weber College, BS and MFA degrees from University of Utah and was awarded an honorary PHD degree from Westminster College. He also attended the American Art School in NYC and worked in television for NBC Studios.

He served two years in the US Army during the Korean Conflict as a special agent with the Army's Counter Intelligence Corps.

In 1956 he was employed by the SLC School District as well as the SL Art Center and SLC county recreation department. In 1961 he found his true calling at Westminster College earning the rank of Full Professor. Although he officially retired after 33 years, he remained active as Professor Emeritus.

Don loved Westminster, its students and its faculty. His students loved him. He not only provided expert instruction but he always had hot coffee and donuts on those cold Utah mornings before class started. There were books to listen to while they worked, and of course, a soft sofa and chairs to relax in. There was a great deal of fellowship in Dons classes. There was a lot of love.

"What a great place to work", he often said.

Don was an extraordinary artist, a master still life painter. His paintings were rugged and his detail was impeccable. Each painting was deliberately thought out and told its own story. In 1971, he was awarded first place in the prestigious Benedictine Competition in NYC with a painting depicting a western motif, an antique saddle and cowboy hat. Shortly thereafter, he was invited by Mr. Edwin Barrie to become an artist member of Grand Central Galleries in NYC. He also exhibited with galleries in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, Carmel, Dallas and Jackson Hole, WY. His most enduring gallery association was with Husberg Fine Art in Sedona and Scottsdale, AZ. He and the Husberg family became fast friends. He became a charter member of the National Western Artists organization and exhibited annually with them. His work has been featured in the articles of "Southwest Art", "Guns Magazine", "Art of the West" and in the PBS TV Documentary "Thieves of the Imagination". Surely his most gratifying painting was commissioned by the alumni of Westminster College. It was a large portrait of his closest colleague, Dr. Jay W Lees. It is currently on display in the campus theater building.

In 2002, Don was flattered to be recognized by the Springville Museum of Art as one of the most honored artists of Utah.

Don is survived by his family, Pamela (Robert), grand daughter, Hallie and his close friend, Dr Ron Brenning.

Preceded in death by his parents, Estelle and Clifford, his wife, Claire Marie, daughter, Debra, his sister, Joan Hadley (Bob), and brother Robert Doxey (Verne) of San Francisco.

Don was caring, gentle, thoughtful, intelligent and so kind to everyone he met. He is missed terribly.

The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Porter Hospice Residence for their kind and compassionate care of our dear dad during his final weeks of life. May God bless you.