Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1960
DIED
2015
Damon Douglas Obituary
He is survived by his cherished wife, Therese Ross, and their three delightful children, Satchel Brewster Douglas, Tulsa Fallon Douglas and Ella Kipling Douglas.
Born to the late Emily and Damon Greenleaf Douglas, Jr., in Ithaca, NY on April 19, 1960, Damon leaves his siblings and their families, Emily Douglas and Gary Artim of El Cerrito, CA; Susan Douglas Ryan and Tom Ryan of San Francisco, CA, and David Douglas and Suzannah Kincannon of Croton-On-Hudson, NY, and also many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Damon lived his life with curiosity, intention, and industry - an approach that was present in everything he did. He included others in his insights and activities, sharing his passion and knowledge with everyone. Damon was a gentle man who inspired, encouraged and motivated the people in his life.
Damon's curiosity about the world took him on trips through Europe, South America and the American West. The travels continued when Damon and Therese married on Sept. 6, 1992, and they traveled across the country for their honeymoon, deciding with intent on a community in which to settle and raise a family. That turned out to be the Amherst area, where they have lived since 1993.
Damon's love of the outdoors and wilderness originated with childhood summers at camp in Maine and grew into a passion for activities including mountaineering, skiing, trail running and cycling. He also developed a sense of stewardship for the land that included maintenance of part of the New England National Scenic Trail and management of the 40-acre woodlot near their home in Shutesbury, MA.
Always a learner, Damon felt he was educated through his work as a teacher in elementary schools in Massachusetts and then through work as an educational consultant at the Collaborative for Educational Services. At CES, Damon helped school districts improve the quality of teaching for student success, and he will be remembered for his Teacher Evaluation FlipBook, which offers teachers and administrators a concise and manageable interpretation of the teacher evaluation system.
Damon always found something new to learn - whether building a sauna, playing the banjo, completing NYT crossword puzzles, singing in a choir, writing, learning the finer points of poker, cooking good food, gardening or examining the craft of crime fiction. And Damon made the world fun for those who shared it with him.
Damon approached his disease with the same curiosity, optimism, and intention with which he lived his life. Over the last three years, he and Therese asked questions, collaborated with medical staff to provide the best possible care and, especially in the last few months at the Fisher Home, involved visitors in thought-provoking conversations about end-of-life decisions.
Damon's passion for life enriched all who knew him and loved him. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, Damon requested donations be made to Hospice of The Fisher Home. Details about a memorial service will be posted on CaringBridge
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/damondouglas/journal
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Damon Douglas
Nola Stephen
July 4, 2015
I met Damon Douglas when we both attended presentations concerning issues relating to inclusion of those with differences in the school system and in the broader community. He had a particular interest in strategies and methodologies that would support students with special needs. He enjoyed working with teachers in creating learning environments where every student could achieve success. I always enjoyed talking with him. He was an intelligent and caring individual who always responded in a quiet, thoughful way about educational issues. He took pride in his family. I am glad to have known this very special person whom I greatly admired. I know that his family will take comfort in the knowledge that he was a wonderful educator who gave so much to those who knew and worked with him.
June 16, 2015
Thanks for the memories Damon. The quick smile, easy conversation, full moon hikes,piano moves, layout Ds and so much more. Therese, Satchel, Tulsa and Kippie, I send my condolences. You will often be in my thoughts.
Vinny
Walter Judge
June 13, 2015
Dear Damon, you were my kind and understanding freshman year roommate at Colby College in the fall of 1978. You were the first person I met in that intimidating new social environment. Thanks for being a friend and making it easier for me. I'll never forget our adventures: the "door" with Bill Cotter, the "stair falls," and all the rest. I haven't seen you in years but I'll never forget you, bud. Rest in peace, and my sincerest condolences to your family. Walter
Paul Hicks
June 13, 2015
Dearest Therese: Just spoke with aunt Eleanor and she gave the sad news. While you have been strong these past several year you now must muster all your strength both for your children and most importantly for yourself. While you have many around you who will help, you also have many scatted far and wide who are offering their prayers and joining in your sorrow. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult of time.
Fred Pilon
June 13, 2015
So sad to hear of Damon's passing. I have run with both Damon and his father over many years and both will be sorely missed.
Regina Nash
June 12, 2015
Damon was such a intelligent, easy going and fun loving person ... and I need to add courageous. He was instrumental in improving education in our local school districts by working with many of our teachers and administrators. We all owe him our gratitude. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his own family and with his CES family.
Laura Jayne Mascotti
June 11, 2015
Dear Tulsa and family, you are in my prayers. Although I did not know your father, I know that he and your mother raised and incredible, strong young women. He will now be guiding you from heaven. Peace and Love to you now and always.
Maureen Manning
June 10, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I first met Damon at Swift River School when he arrived to teach and I was the librarian. He was a fantastic teacher, a kind friend, and a positive force- exactly what the school needed. Over the years our paths crossed and always, Damon had a bright smile. I will miss you.
lincoln fish
June 10, 2015
I believe it unusual to be moved to write in a guest book for someone I only knew from a few telephone conversations. However, his open-minded curiosity about the family woodlot and options for working it was so engaging and refreshing. I regret never being able to meet Damon personally. My condolences to his family.
Paula & Louise Lipkin/Herrmann
June 10, 2015
Never forget the kind of guy you were. Always there to guide a helping hand. Especially when we were on the roof "trying" to clean it up. We are are for your loving wife and three beautiful, sweet children.Always, P & L
Lisa Berry
June 9, 2015
Our thoughts are with the Douglas and Ross family during this time. What am amazing person and an impressive life. Wishing you peace.
Austin Hachey
June 9, 2015
Damon was my 5th grade teacher at Swift River. He and I had our differences, and sometimes found ourselves at odds, with me being a slightly disruptive student back in my childhood. However, I loved his class and his passion for teaching. I wish so badly that I could have gone to visit Damon and catch him up on my life. I am sure he would have been incredibly proud at the accomplishments I have achieved since his 5th grade class. It pains me to know that I have been living one street away from Fisher hospice for three years and had no idea Damon was there. I greatly regret not being able to visit him in these last few months. Damon, thank you for everything. You will be missed.
Eli Laipson
June 9, 2015
I remember when Mr. Douglas arrived at Swift River School. He was an incredibly charismatic guy and everyone wanted to be in his class. I was fortunate to have him as my 5th grade teacher. He brought a lot of positive energy to his teaching and was a strong role model. It must also be said that he was a beast on the soccer field, which made us love him even more. He will be missed.
Patti Scutari
June 9, 2015
Damon was a wonderful man and an inspirational teacher. My whole family loved him. I will always be grateful for the positive impact that he had on my two younger sons at Swift River School.
Richard Seelig
June 9, 2015
One of the high points of my day was stopping at CES and having a conversation with Damon about teaching, interesting math problems, and life. He was a great student of all three, and filled our discussions with his humor and humanity.
susan Leccese-DeLisle
June 9, 2015
Helping Damon and Therese through these last months was a deeply humbling experience.Love was palpable. Damon's smile and deep connection through his blue eyes, even in the most difficult moments, was always an inspiration and Damon's utterance of 'thank you' near his final moments was who he was in his essence. He will be deeply missed.
June 8, 2015
This account of Damon's life is lovely. We were so fortunate to be his neighbors for a stretch of the road, and his light will always shine in our hearts.
-The Hirschfeld/Ingraham family
Karen Howery
June 8, 2015
It was an honor and privilege to meet Damon. I'm so very sorry for this great loss in your lives.
Denise & Rick Neilson
June 8, 2015
Our hearts go out to Mr. Douglas' family. We have been privileged to know Satchel for the last four years and through him know what amazing people his parents are. Love and prayers
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Damon Douglas's name
Memorial Events
for Damon Douglas
How to support Damon's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Damon Douglas's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
