Samuel Joel Douglas

Samuel Joel Douglas, born August 29, 1940, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025. A proud Colorado native, Sam grew up in Grand Junction with his two sisters. He graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1958 and served in the Army. He loved to tell stories about his family, some of them about his father, who worked on the railroads, and his grandfather, who kept bees. His childhood inspired a love of hard work, the outdoors, and simple living. 

One of his first endeavors, at the young age of about 12, Sam used his green thumb to grow tomatoes. He tried to sell them to Kuners, but his tomatoes were rejected for being “too ripe.” Unbothered, he sold them to the local ladies who canned them happily. Sam was almost never without a garden, cultivating and caring for his “poor farm” even well into his 80s. He cared for the land and was a proud farmer. 

Sam had a natural knack for working with his hands and a tireless work ethic. As a young man, he worked as a machinist, then joined the oilfield, working for Pease Drilling. These experiences built him into a skilled mechanic who could fix anything, big or small. 

In the early days of the Alaska pipeline, Sam answered the call and headed north. He spent nearly 15 years working in the rugged and remote terrain of Alaska, proud to be part of such a historic effort. Eventually, he returned to Grand Junction, where he continued his career as a skilled diesel mechanic. He later capped his working life contributing to the construction of the Glenwood Canyon project—another massive and meaningful endeavor. Sam took great pride in having been part of two of the most significant infrastructure feats in the western United States. 

Even after retirement, Sam couldn’t stay still. He continued working on heavy equipment for friends and neighbors, and rekindled his deep passion for motorcycles. There was nothing he loved more than hitting the road on two wheels, especially when his daughter and granddaughter were along for the ride. One of his proudest trips was riding his motorcycle all the way to Alaska, and then to Virginia with his daughter. These journeys reflected both his adventurous spirit and his desire to live every moment of his life. 

Everyone who met Sam lives with a piece of his heart. He was full of love and we’re all better having experienced his kindness and humanity. 

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Curtis and Blanche Kathleen, and his sister, Kathy Shively. He is survived by his sister Barbara Shramek, daughter Kathy Douglas, son Shawn Douglas, granddaughter Ashley (Sam) Sisneros, and grandson Nicholas DeMambro. He also leaves behind many dear friends who admired his grit, generosity, and stories that could fill a room. 

Sam’s life was defined by hard work, fierce independence, and an enduring love for family and the open road. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

A Celebration of Sam's Life will be held June 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM   736 24 1/2 Rd  Grand Junction, CO 81505