Douglas Martin Deuitch

1956 - 2025

After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Douglas Martin Deuitch, 69, died peacefully on October 23, 2025 with his wife of 42 years by his side. Doug's life was one of exploration, curiosity, laughter, and love, with boundless caring for his family and friends and dedicated service to his country. He was the best friend and life partner to his wife Barbara, devoted and loving father to his children Alex (Erin) and Sarah (Tony), and proud grandad to his grandsons Callan, Henry, and Finn.

Born in Camden, New Jersey, Doug was raised in Massachusetts, though those who knew him would say his adventure began when he met the love of his life in Holland, Michigan, where he went to Hope College. With Barb by his side, Doug spent 24+ years in the Air Force, retiring in 2007 as a Lieutenant Colonel after a successful career of honorable service. During that career, Doug and his family embraced the opportunity to live and travel across the U.S. and Europe, acquiring lifelong friends and irreplaceable experiences along the way. Following his military retirement, he served his country for another ten years as a civilian at Vandenberg Air Force Base on the Central Coast of California. He was a role model and mentor to many.

After his second retirement, Doug lived a loving life with Barb in Westminster, Colorado, hiking, golfing, and walking their pups. They regularly traveled to visit family and friends throughout the U.S. and England. In all his travels, Doug left a long trail of photos of him toasting his favorite wines or beers among his favorite people. A steadfast New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan (he even named his dog Fenway), one of his last trips was to take his son and grandson to Fenway Park.

Doug was a man of strength and integrity, generosity and warmth, kindness and humor. With a quick smile and authenticity rarely seen, he could turn a stranger into a friend in minutes and left a lasting impression of true welcome on all he knew. As a lifelong student, Doug read voraciously, enthusiastically shared his love of museums, history, and books with his family and friends, and was always eager to discuss any topic with anyone. In recent years, he shared his knowledge and passion for learning as a tutor for student athletes at UC Boulder and a volunteer at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. He loved engaging museum visitors in conversation and showing them the stars.

Rather than a memorial of tears, Doug requested a gathering of friends and family to share memories and laughter at one of his favorite wineries. Details are forthcoming, but save the date for Doug's 70th birthday, January 9, 2026, on the Central Coast of California. Contributions in Doug's memory can be made to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science at dmns.org or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).org" target="_new" rel="nofollow">PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).org.

To a humble and committed husband, father, leader, friend, and a true patriot, Doug, our travels and toasts, characters and lives are all the better because we knew you. You are loved and missed.