Douglas Swain Carver

About

University of San Francisco

Douglas Carver Obituary

Douglas Swain Carver Died peacefully in Berkeley CA at age 59 on April 8, 2006, surrounded by loved ones, after a long battle with the side-effects of Hodgkin's Disease therapy that initially saved his life in his mid-20s. Survived by his dedicated, caring wife of 18 years, Terri; loving children, Shelley, Emily, Charlotte, and Ryan; sister, Laura (and John) Woodworth; many cousins, nieces and nephews; innumerable friends and colleagues. Son of the late I.E. and Marian Carver, killed in a plane crash when Doug was 17. Educated at Westfield (NJ) H.S. 1961-3 and The Hill School (PA) 1963-5, where he was an outstanding forward on each school's basketball team; Stanford University 1965-70, earning his B.A. in both history and Spanish; and Lone Mountain College (University of San Francisco) for his MA in clinical psychology 1977, and MFCC license 1978. General contractor's license, 1982 and structural pest control operator 1988. His varied career included: itinerant odd jobs in Europe and England; resident manager of the bilingual Centro Latino community and recreation center in San Francisco's Mission District 1971-3; patient in lengthy Hodgkins Disease treatment program at Stanford Medical; director of Mandela House, a psychiatric half-way residential treatment program with Baker Places in SF 1975-7; marriage and family therapist at The Phoenix Program in Concord 1978-9; freelance carpenter 1977-81; founder/owner of Carver Construction Co. 1982-7, Sand Dollar Tiling 1984-6, and since 1987 Live Oak Structural, Inc. He was known for his commitment to quality, trustworthiness, and integrity. He was an innovator and leader in the use of non-toxic, environmentally-conscious pest control and construction methods. Designer and collaborator with UC research engineers to prolong the use of building materials. Teacher at Berkeley's EcoHouse, a rehabilitated, resource-efficient demonstration house and garden promoting ecological techniques, at the Building Education Center, and at Berkeley Design Build. Member of professional organizations Pest Control Operators of California, The Splinter Group and The Sliver Group. Deacon of the First Congregational Church of Berkeley. Doug was a committed and caring husband and father, and friend. His unassuming strength, vitality, integrity, courage, initiative, curiosity, humor, wisdom, generosity, and support for others irresistibly drew people to him, eliciting the enduring affection and loyalty of so many. He is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 14, in the First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing at Dana, Berkeley CA, 510-848-3696, www.fccb.org, followed by a reception there. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Carver Children Education Fund, P.O. Box 1979, Oakland, CA 94604, (510) 333-2418.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Apr. 12, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Carver

9 Entries

Khamoor Poehlmann

April 22, 2006

Each and every visit I have had with Doug over the past 20 years has taught me something. His genorosity and depth of caring have been extraordinary. I am so grateful for all that Doug has brought to my life, to my children, and to our family.

Each of our children look forward to their visits with Doug as well. The summer camping trips, and annual "Doug interview" have always been a high light filled with both humor and sincere interest.

Doug both loved and stimulated curiosity. He led by example, he knew how to smooth the rough times, and when to stir the waters.

Doug and I shared a love of words and of reading. When we read Wallace Stegners Angle of Repose together, we had a lengthy conversation about it, and specifically the word, and idea of KEYSTONE. Doug was certainly the keystone in our family. The essential piece that holds it all together.

We will all work to make sure that the ideas and manner of Doug stay alive within ourselves, our family, and our communities.

Joni Nuhi

April 21, 2006

Doug, Thankyou for all the long talks under the redwood tree's. you always cared about what I was up to and I appreciated that. I hope I stir the polenta right and remember to lauph every day.I know you will be with me always. you are at peace now,though I will miss you I will always keep you in my heart. I love you Doug. Terri,Ryan,Charlette and Emily, We send all our Aloha to you, Joni,Kalani,Kaikea and Kawaihoa.

Jason Van Note

April 18, 2006

I had the pleasure to only meet Doug twice but, have enjoyed his jokes and tales thanks to his freindship to our family. You have been a great influence for so many and your caring sharing spirit will touch all who love you for many many years. Rest in peace. God Bless

Tim Miller

April 13, 2006

Terri, Shelley, Emily, Charlotte, Ryan, Laura & other family members,

I am but one voice in a sea of people who have been influenced by Doug and who are SO greatful to have been a part of his life.

As a past employee of his, I can honestly say that most every facet of my business today is based on what he pushed me to learn under him...his paced, methodical, constant pressure on me to slow down and work smarter rather than harder, to be efficiant, thourough and above all...fair. Boy, to think back on the bonehead things i've done working under him...thank God he was a patient man!

As a friend of his, I carry with me many great memories of him, through tough times and good times, the one thought that will always be at the forefront in my mind, is his sharp and sneaky sense of humor.

I can say without a doubt that I am a better man today because of Doug Carver. Lessons learned from this man help me feed my family and have shaped me into who I am today. How do you re-pay someone for that?

Take care of one another

Buddy & Christina Davis & Family

April 12, 2006

Doug,

You will be truely missed. Your awesome friendship and kindness towards myself and other members of our family will always be treasured. You, Terri and your whole family made us feel like such an important part of your lives. Now you are with Our Heavenly Father and no longer suffering. But, rather sharing peace with him in his presence looking over us all.

Lots of Love,

Buddy & Christina Davis

Winnie and Dick O'Shaughnessy

April 12, 2006

When Doug spent two summers at The Hill Camp in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, shortly after his parents died, he became part of our family...another son for us, and a big brother for our seven children. His love and concern for us at a low point in his own life is indicative of his generous spirit. He lives on in our hearts always. Please accept our sincere condolences to your family.

Marc and Alexandra Dronkers

April 12, 2006

Terri,Shelley,Laura,Charlotte,Emily ad Ryan, our heartfelt sympathy to you. There are no words to describe our feelings at this moment.

Rob Schram

April 12, 2006

I first met Doug in the 7th grade after his family moved to New Jersey from Ohio. Our friendship lasted nearly 50 years. Even though he lived on the West Coast and I lived on the East Coast, every time we spoke or visited each other it was like we had never been apart...a true and rather rare blessing! I dedicated a chapter on "Positive People" in my book ("Maximize Life by Living for Peace, Harmony, and Joy") to Doug in 2005. His spirit will be with me always:

Positive people are powerful because they emit positive energy into the universe and invite

others to join them. When you get excited about living, you radiate positive energy to others; you add

significantly to all that is good and wonderful. Think positive and you will become one of the most powerful people.

Positive people distinguish themselves in how they talk, how they carry themselves, how they listen to other people, and by their general demeanor. Their positive energy can be manifested in a number of ways: by their

presence, by their actions, by their intuition, by their

helpfulness, by their sincerity, by their advice, by their silence.

ME— My best friend Doug has always been a positive person. After his parents were killed in a plane crash in 1962, he put his energy into becoming a better student,

repeating his junior year of high school, and going on to become a Stanford graduate. After my wedding in 1971, he was diagnosed with cancer of the lymph nodes. He

participated in a pilot study of a new treatment that prolonged life, married, had a daughter, divorced, remarried and had triplets. He started a construction business with a specialty in non-toxic termite extermination that is now prospering. Despite setbacks that may have stopped another person, Doug has always remained very

positive about living, about enjoying the simple things,

and loving nature. He emanates goodness for all the people

who know him.

Megan Royal

April 12, 2006

Doug:

We will all miss you terribly! I will always remember our basketball talks. Thanks for always letting me think my team was better. Go Warriors! =)

All My Love,

Megan @ Structural Renewal, Inc.

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