Douglas Gathany

Douglas (Doug) Gathany of Raymond, Maine passed away suddenly on November 25, 2024 at the age of 68.
Doug was raised in Lake Forest, Illinois with his loving parents and two sisters. He graduated from Colby College in Waterville, Maine in 1977 with degrees in Economics and Mathematics. Doug and his wife Andrea met at Colby during their freshman year and were married shortly after graduation in Andrea's hometown of Newburyport, Massachusetts. They then returned to the Chicago area where Doug earned his MBA at the University of Chicago.
He began his career in finance in 1979 working for Montgomery Ward as an inventory analyst and eventually rose to become Treasurer of the company. While there, he enjoyed playing on the company softball team until an unfortunate injury sliding into home plate ended his not-so-promising athletic career. His work in finance continued when he joined SIRVA in 2001 as Senior Vice President - Treasurer. At both companies, many of his coworkers became very close, lifelong friends.
Above all, Doug cherished his family most. After settling in Riverwoods, Illinois, he and Andrea raised three beloved daughters and one mischievous Australian Shepherd, Bailey. They created beautiful family memories like Sunday pancakes, family vacations, watching Michael Jordan-era Chicago Bulls, and playing on the swingset he built. He never missed a swim meet, track meet, or chorus concert. Later in life, Doug had seven grandchildren whom he loved with all his heart. Among his greatest joys was knowing and caring for each of them so well. He was always a loving husband, father, and Grandpa.
Doug was dedicated to his hobbies. He spent hours woodworking, landscaping, and putting his This Old House knowledge to use on home improvement projects. He was a devoted Chicago White Sox fan, loved football, and loyally followed his favorite teams. He and Andrea hosted legendary Christmas parties where he enthusiastically shared his impressive catalog of classic rock music. He enjoyed annual extended family reunions in Door County, particularly the mini golf tournaments and sailing in Green Bay. He learned to sail as a teenager on Lake Michigan, and in 1979 he joined his father, uncle, and cousin in crossing the Atlantic ocean on his uncle's 41-foot sailboat. It was the trip of a lifetime.
In 2016, Doug and Andrea retired to a beautiful lakefront home in Maine where they hosted countless friends and family. Doug especially cherished summer gatherings with his children and their families. He captained boat rides and Grandpa's Fishing Club, everyone enjoyed s'mores around his amazing campfires, and the grandchildren slept in bunk beds he built.
Doug lived a happy and full life that was made complete by a wide circle of family, extended family, and friends. They will remember him always for his quick wit and sense of humor, his warmth and kindness, and his endless devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed every day.
Doug is survived by his wife, Andrea Gathany of Raymond, Maine; his daughters Kristen (Alex) Andrews of Nolensville, Tennessee, Allison (Beth) Smith of Falmouth, Maine, and Lauren (Adam) Albright of Scottsdale, Arizona; his father, Van Gathany of Lake Forest, Illinois; his sisters Lynn (Henry) Page of Palm Coast, Florida and Robin (Kevin) Shea of Narragansett, Rhode Island; and his grandchildren Kate Albright, Ben Albright, Charlotte Andrews, Annabelle Smith, Eleanor Smith, Mae Andrews, and Lucy Smith. Doug was preceded in death by his mother, Hilda Gathany.
Services will be private. A celebration of life will be planned in the forthcoming year. Contributions in Doug's memory can be made to the Loon Echo Land Trust at http:// www.lelt.org.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Douglas Gathany, please visit our floral store.