Douglas Bryce Biddle

1968 - 2021

Douglas Bryce Biddle
January 30, 1968 - March 13, 2021
Resident of Santa Cruz
On Saturday, March 13, 2021, Douglas Bryce Biddle passed away unexpectedly at his home in Santa Cruz, California at the age of 53. Born the youngest of four to Alta and Bryce Biddle in 1968, Doug was a Santa Cruz native with proud Westside roots. After graduating from Santa Cruz High School in 1986, Doug went on to dedicate 30 years of service to the fire department—10 years for the City of Santa Cruz, and another 20 for the City of San Jose. As a fire engineer for most of his time with the department, Doug found real honor and dignity in his career as a fireman.
Doug was married to Sybil Bei from 1993 to 2016 and together they raised four beautiful children, Siena, Jack, Pearl, and Sam. As a father, Doug enjoyed family hikes, pool yard barbeques, creative holiday traditions, trips to major league ballparks, and most importantly, coaching his children's sport teams. His leadership and charisma shined through in his coaching of Little League Baseball, Gals Softball, and youth soccer teams. He even won the Santa Cruz Little League Coach on the Year Award on two separate occasions.
With his slick red hair, quick wit, and often inappropriate humor, Doug brought an unmistakable energy with him into every room he entered. He had a certain comforting presence about him and was exceedingly generous; at times he would pay off the student lunch debt at local elementary, middle, and high schools. Doug had a deep appreciation for live music and a wide range of musical tastes, with his favorite bands being Rush and Iron Maiden. This love for music made him a big supporter of the local music scene, where you could usually find him among friends in the "front row, yo!" He was also a self-taught chef who loved to cook giant buffet-style meals—which usually included "the best chicken you'll ever have in your life"—for celebrations and gatherings with family and friends. Doug was a committed Oakland Raiders fan and came to enjoy surf fishing at 26th Avenue beach in his later years.
There was never a dull moment with Doug. He was strong-willed, passionate, and in many ways, a pillar of the local community. Doug is survived by his four children, Siena, Jack, Pearl, and Sam, his three siblings, Kevin, Mike, and Shannon, his mother, Alta, his best friend, Clark, and his beloved dog, Chili. The family will hold a private service for Doug at a later date.


View the online memorial for Douglas Bryce Biddle