Douglas Sirman

Douglas Allen Sirman, 59, passed away on October 24, 2024, leaving behind a loving family. He was born on March 19, 1965, in Kleberg County, Texas. Doug spent many of his early years living with his family in various countries, including Newfoundland, South Africa, Scotland, and Norway, as his father worked on offshore oil rigs. His face lit up when sharing memories of those years, and those experiences gave Doug a global perspective and a great appreciation for other cultures and traditions.
The family eventually settled in Livingston, Texas. While in high school, Doug's fondest memories were acting in a number of plays and musicals. Upon graduation, he attended Sam Houston University and then went to work on offshore oil rigs, following in his father's and older brother's footsteps.
In 1989, Doug began working in the Dominican Republic as a counselor at a boarding school. It was there that he met his former wife, Liz. They returned to the United States after a couple of years and moved to Indiana, where Doug completed his college education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Indiana University in 1994. In 1998, Doug and Liz moved to Ann Arbor, MI, with their infant daughter, Isabella, and later had a son, Franklin, in 2001. In 2018, Doug welcomed Eduardo, Liz's former student, into the home. Doug loved Eduardo and Eduardo's children, Santiago and Rosalia, dearly as well. He was thrilled when Frank's daughter, Marina, was born in 2022. Doug was a very loving and involved father and never missed the events in his children's lives.
Doug began his professional journey in facilities management, later pursuing a second career as a Registered Nurse, where he discovered his true passion. Doug showed great compassion to his patients, especially the elderly, with whom he had a special gift. In 2020, when the pandemic started, he began travel nursing throughout the country and continued traveling for the duration of his career. Although the work could be challenging and heavy, Doug thrived on serving others in that capacity.
A lifelong learner, Doug was an avid reader and enjoyed learning about many topics. He had an amazing memory and was a fountain of knowledge. Doug was happiest spending time with family and having long conversations. He was incredibly proud of his children and took great joy in laughing and playing with his granddaughter, Marina.
Doug was predeceased by his parents, Pastor William and Patricia Sirman; his brother, Christopher Sirman; and two nieces and a nephew. He is survived by his two children, Isabella and Franklin, and his granddaughter, Marina. He is also survived by his brother, Samuel Sirman and his wife, Caren of Katy, TX; his sister, Sheila Leach and her husband, Joel of Grove, OK; many extended family members; and his former wife of 32 years, Elizabeth Buchanan Sirman, with whom he remained a close friend. Doug will be greatly missed by all.
A memorial service honoring Doug's life will be held on Saturday, November 2nd, at 2:00 pm with a memorial gathering starting at 1:00 pm, at Nie Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48108.