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DOUGLAS ATWILL
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DOUGLAS ATWILL Obituary
September 28, 1933 - October 8, 2025
Douglas Atwill, a known regional painter, author and designer of houses, died on October 8, 2025 in his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 92.
His death was announced by his brother, James Atwill. His death was due to complications of cancer and impending blindness caused by macular degeneration.
Douglas's last years were spent in the 60th house he designed in Santa Fe. Almost any day Douglas could be found in the sunny studio attached to his one-bedroom home, painting New Mexico landscapes and gardens. After his disciplined three hours of painting every day for more than 40 years, he hosted lunches and dinners with friends around the kitchen table.
Douglas Eugene Atwill was born on September 28, 1933, in Pasadena, California, where he spent his early years. He graduated from high school in Midland, Texas. He earned a BA from the University of Texas in Austin, where he was a member of the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi and The Texas Cowboys. He then served in the US Army, counter intelligence branch, and was stationed in Germany. After the army, he attended the University of Perugia, Italy.
Douglas is remembered for many things, but his voice is always at the top of the list. Nelson Priddy, the son of Douglas's friend Holt Priddy from college days, said it best in a recent letter to him: "Your voice has always been a pleasure. It is calming like no other. It has a warmth like no other."
He is preceded in death by his life partners, Victor "Pete" Stewart, 1975, and Robert Zygmand, 2003. He is survived by his brother, James "Jim" Atwill of Port Aransas, Texas.
Memorials should be sent to the Santa Fe Opera and/or the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, in memory of Douglas E. Atwill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for DOUGLAS ATWILL
Sponsored by Berardinelli Family Funeral Service.
6 Entries
rick greiner
Earlier today
Douglass was the light of our beautiful enclave. We will miss him every day.
Allison Webster
Yesterday
Watching the clouds and the sunrise today and thinking about Doug. He found joy in the simple things. He embraced the beauty of God's creation around him-flowers, trees, hills, and mountains-and when his sight was failing he found beauty in what he could see-sunlight through the clouds. His architecture and living spaces also reflected simplicity and light. To me it's a great lesson to focus on the simple beauty all around us and even when we are struggling with 'cloudy vision' know that we can always see the light.
Jonathan Dimmock
October 13, 2025
Doug was a loving, generous, creative, dear human being. My life is far richer because of having him in my life.
Taddy J. McAllister
October 13, 2025
Doug was a handsome soul who painted the most gorgeous pictures. A person could've designed a whole room around just one of them. He was a class act and incredibly talented -- he could out-paint any artist in Santa Fe, he could design houses, and he was a terrific writer. Not fair! His admirers are glad he had a long life because he added so much to it.
Anne Hickman
October 13, 2025
Sending heartfelt condolences to Mr. Jim Atwill. I never met Douglas, but I know of him through my longtime friend Jim. Jim was very close to his brother and he applauded his accomplishments, and talents. I have seen the numerous books that Douglas had published over the years and I know that Jim is very proud of his works.
Michael Earney
October 12, 2025
sorry to see you go.
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