Douglas Atwill Obituary
His death was announced by his brother, James Atwill. His death was due to complications of cancer and impending blindness caused by macular degeneration.
Douglas's last years were spent in the 60th house he designed in Santa Fe. Almost any day Douglas could be found in the sunny studio attached to his one-bedroom home, painting New Mexico landscapes and gardens. After his disciplined three hours of painting every day for more than 40 years, he hosted lunches and dinners with friends around the kitchen table.
Douglas Eugene Atwill was born on September 28, 1933, in Pasadena, California, where he spent his early years. He graduated from high school in Midland, Texas. He earned a BA from the University of Texas in Austin, where he was a member of the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi and The Texas Cowboys. He then served in the US Army, counter intelligence branch, and was stationed in Germany. After the army, he attended the University of Perugia, Italy.
Douglas is remembered for many things, but his voice is always at the top of the list. Nelson Priddy, the son of Douglas's friend Holt Priddy from college days, said it best in a recent letter to him: "Your voice has always been a pleasure. It is calming like no other. It has a warmth like no other."
He is preceded in death by his life partners, Victor "Pete" Stewart, 1975, and Robert Zygmand, 2003. He is survived by his brother, James "Jim" Atwill of Port Aransas, Texas.
Memorials should be sent to the Santa Fe Opera and/or the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, in memory of Douglas E. Atwill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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