Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Douglas W. Talbot
1935 - 2017
Douglas W. Talbot
1935 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1935
DIED
2017
Douglas Talbot Obituary
Virginia Beach - Douglas William Talbot, 82, passed away on December 9, 2017. Doug was born in Beacon, NY. He graduated from VMI class of 1957, and served for 5 years in the US Army as a Civil Engineer. Doug's remarkable career as a civil engineer, builder, developer, entrepreneur, public speaker, community activist, and mentor, spanned over 50 years. He began his life's work as Assistant Engineer for the City of Richmond. Doug quickly ascended in his profession to City Engineer for Independence, MO where he was awarded young Engineer of the Year by the ASCE, and in 1968, established his most rewarding professional endeavor by founding the Architectural, Engineering, and Surveying firm of Talbot & Associates, Ltd. in VA Beach, with satellite offices in Orlando and Memphis. Doug was an accomplished builder and developer and as such, contributed greatly to what Virginia Beach has become today. Just a few of his landmarks include Southgate, Three Oaks, Green Run, Ocean Way Condominiums, Park Inn and Atrium Hotels, among others. Doug served on numerous boards and commissions, most notably Virginia Beach Committee of 100, President of NHBA, HBAV, TBA, and chairman of Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, and the Neptune Festival. He was selected for inclusion into the International Who's Who of Professionals and inducted as a lifetime member by the ASCE.
Doug was an accomplished golfer. He competed on VMI's golf team and enjoyed playing for business as well as in semi-professional tournaments, countless charity events, and alongside his VMI colleagues during their annual outings.
Doug cherished his 4 children and the time he spent with them. He will live in their hearts forever. He is survived by Beth Hebenstreit, Marianne (Boots) Talbot, Cyndi Deppe, and Doug Talbot, Jr., 6 grandchildren, brother Dick Talbot, and sister Sue Swager. A memorial service will be held on January 6, 2018 at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 1969 Woodside Lane in VA Beach. Condolences can be expressed on Smith & Williams Funeral Home website.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cheryl Talbot
October 4, 2022
Cheryl Talbot
October 4, 2022
Cheryl Talbot
October 4, 2022
Once in a lifetime you meet a person who by their desire to show you love, forever changes your life. The love I had for you, Dearest Doug, reshaped my life from the moment we met. You taught me how to navigate life through business and through your ventures. To this day I'm most proud of the time we were together and lives we touched. You were so giving and always found a way to build people up. You had the gift of making things happened. You gave so much of yourself to all those who knew you. I'll never forget the feeling I had dancing with you to "ENDLESS LOVE". You were the only one in the room. To me there was no other. I only had eyes for you. Even to this day, my memories carry me to these moments in time. As if time could have stopped right there. I wish it had. We would still be dancing. I know I will see you in Heaven. I'm looking forward to that day. The love I had for you Dearest Doug has been like no other. There is only you. You took me out of the pain of my life and restored my spirit. You took me on your arm and guided me through our accomplishments and the endeavors we both shared. We made a great team. We never once had an argument. We never once raised our voices to one another. I believe to this day that to be rare. Just know that you made a difference on this earth. Many a young man came knocking on your door for a job. To this day they are successful. They too have changed lives. All this happened through you. Until we met again, you are my Endless Love. Always Cheryl
December 25, 2017
As a brother rat and VMI golf team member, I extend my deepest sympathy to Doug's family. I cherish the memories of our many golf outings through the years.
Ben Wiggins "57
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Garland Sullivan
December 23, 2017
To the family of Doug Talbot I send sincere condolences. Doug and I were Brother Rats at VMI. I enjoyed knowing him and participating in the Class of 1957 golf tournaments with him. I always wished I could play as well as he did. Doug was a gentleman and set a good example for others to follow. He will be missed by all who knew him.
December 21, 2017
Doug was a business partner, mentor and above all a good and loyal friend. He will be missed. Love and condolences to his family. Bill and Vonnie Schlimgen
Al Washington
December 19, 2017
I had my interview at Talbot's with one of the engineers at 6:00pm in November of 1971. During the interview this guy came in the room, introduced himself as Doug and then left. It wasnt until a few days later that I learned that guy was Doug Talbot. Thats the way he was, just one of the guys! Thanks Doug for the opportunities youve given all who have worked for you.
Martin Arredondo
December 18, 2017
Enjoyed working with Doug at Clark Nexsen. Learned some valuable lessons from him. Got the opportunity to play some golf with him as well. Condolences to the family and RIP Doug. God Bless.
Will Hays
December 18, 2017
Condolences to the Talbot family. My father and I knew Mr. Talbot as we were fortunate to work for him. He was very respected in our community and a gentleman.
Lyle Wermers
December 18, 2017
Doug was my mentor, my business partner and my friend. Sympathy to all his family and friends who will miss him very much. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord.
Carl Miller
December 18, 2017
Again, Doug was my first employer. It was through his guidance I learned the Civil Engineering Profession. Doug made the profession so enjoyable, I am still in the profession today after 46 years. Rest in Peace.
William Petty
December 18, 2017
I worked for Doug the summers of 1968 and 69 doing surveying work. When I started in 68 the firm was very new and was Newville & Talbot and had been formed by Doug and Jack Newville who was based California and our paychecks came from a bank there. The firm was formed with Lyle Wermers and Author Mosby initially to handle the development of Green Run. It was a great learning experience for me while going to college for Architecture. I worked for him again in the summer of 69 when the firm was in a new location and had a new name, Talbot Wermers, and we had lots of new projects.
Diane Cookson
December 17, 2017
Doug and I were married for 15 years, and he was a wonderful husband and step-father to my daughter. Delightful memories of annual trips to St. Martin; numerous golf games around the country; and our loving canine companions Angel, Bailey and Teddy, will be tender reminders of our time together. His love, guidance and patience made me a better person. My sincerest condolences are offered to Beth, Marianne, Cyndi, Doug Jr., Dick, Sue and their families.
Al and Pat Woods
December 17, 2017
Our condolences to the family. Doug was a fine man, a loyal friend, and an asset to the community. He will be missed.
Ronnie Rouse
December 13, 2017
As others have already said, Doug was a true professional both in the business world and his chosen profession of civil engineering. He was a people person and knew how to motivate folks to get the job done. Most of all, Doug was an awesome mentor and human being. I feel honored and blessed to have gotten to know him. Fair winds and following seas, I will never forget you.
Ellen Blumling
December 13, 2017
As I share with Dale Murray and Lennon Newberry, Doug was my real first employer. He made it a great place to work. I learned so much from him, especially from his professionalism. I compared every employer I had to him! Thank you Doug and God speed.
December 13, 2017
To the family and friends. Doug shaped the lives of many young people that were in the civil engineering profession over the last 50 plus years. I went to work for him in November 1969 and still enjoy the memorable times generated while there. May we all find peace in his passing and remember the great times we all had and the careers that Doug helped us all shape over the years. GOD REST. Dale Murray
Lennon Newberry
December 12, 2017
Doug was my first real employer. He and Lyle Wermers shaped the lives of many young men who worked for their firm of Talbot, Wermers and Associates. We had great respect for Doug and his professionalism as we were all in our 20's at the time. Thank you Doug for the great times and may you rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Make a Donation
in Douglas Talbot's name
How to support Douglas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Douglas Talbot's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
