Aleck Taft DUGALLY

1931 - 2024

Alexander Taft Dugally, fondly known as Aleck, age 93, of Dana Point, California, passed away on July 16, 2024. Aleck was born on March 4, 1931, in Los Angeles, California, to Mary Alhandy Dugally and Taft Dugally. Aleck was the last remaining and second youngest of four brothers and three sisters: Joseph, William, Richard, Beatrice, Lillian, and Gloria. He graduated from Garfield High School, where he met his first wife, Maxine Newman, in a cooking class. They had two wonderful children, Debbie and David. After high school, Aleck joined the Navy in Special Services, where he excelled in event planning and art design for the Officer's Club and Enlisted Service members. Following his discharge, Aleck was employed by John Wayne, doing design work on his personal properties. From there, Aleck branched out on his own, developing spec houses in Covina, California. This led him eventually to Beverly Hills, where he successfully built many exquisite homes for over 60 years, establishing a reputation for excellence and creativity in his field. He was an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). His clients included many well-known actors, financiers, political figures, and business magnates. Aleck's work was featured in numerous architectural publications, including "Architectural Digest," "Leading Custom Home Builders," "Interior Design," and "Luxe," to name a few. Aleck had a passion for art of all kinds and enjoyed collecting classic cars. He took great joy in polishing them on the weekends and taking them for Sunday drives. His warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. In 1970, Aleck met his second wife, Barbara Wilson, when Aleck's 9-year-old nephew, Tommy, introduced his uncle to his neighbor, thinking they'd be a perfect match. Their love story continued for many decades, filled with joy and companionship. They were blessed with two sons, Matt and Mark. Aleck is survived by his wife, Barbara Dugally; his daughter, Debbie Perry, and her husband, Steve, along with their two daughters, Natalie and Alex, and her husband, Morgan, and their children, Cameron and Rayna; his son, David Dugally; his son, Matthew Dugally, and his wife, Laura, and their three children, Kate, Sarah, and Will; and his son, Mark Dugally. Aleck was also a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews and their spouses and children. A funeral service for Aleck will be held Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Rose Hills Memorial Park, in the Sky Rose Chapel, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601. Following the service, Aleck will be laid to rest in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Ridgeview Terrace, Gate 1, Section 13. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ellison Institute Research Foundation in the name of Dr. David B. Agus or the Gary Sinise Foundation. Special thanks to Caregivers Joel Sanchez and Roy Co from New Vision Care. They were angels, giving Aleck love, care, and compassion, which brought him joy for the last three years. Thanks to the owners of New Vision, Daisy and Amy, who brought Roy and Joel into our lives at such a critical time. Thanks also to the wonderful team at Providence Hospice who made the last three years a palliative care situation for Aleck. Huge thanks to attending nurses, social workers, and the chaplain who worked as a team with Barbara and the caregivers