Douglas Bennett Guy

Douglas Bennett Guy Surrounded by family, longtime Peninsula resident, Doug Guy, passed away peacefully in Los Altos October 24, 2007. His beloved wife of 58 years Virginia (Jinks) Guy, had passed away from Alzheimer's disease December 4, 2002. Doug was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada March 24, 1919 and became an American citizen while serving in the US Army in World War II. At five years old his family moved from Canada to Santa Monica, CA, eventually settling in San Francisco and then San Mateo. Doug entered San Mateo High School as a freshman where he was active in school politics and journalism. As a junior he became a high school sports correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle and other Peninsula newspapers. He kept this job, which eventually helped him work his way through Stanford University, where he graduated in the class of '41 with a degree from the School of Journalism. After serving in the Army Medical Administrative Corps, he worked for a short time in advertising in San Francisco before opening his own advertising and marketing agency in Palo Alto. Among many significant local and regional accounts Doug's agency also represented a large Swedish cosmetics company and successfully marketed their brands (including Vademecum toothpaste) throughout the United States. Ever creative and always innovative, Doug also developed a variety of mail order products and ideas. During the war Doug met and married Virginia (Jinks) Gordon in 1944 who was stationed in the Red Cross at the same hospital in Walla Walla, WA. Doug and Jinks settled in the Palo Alto area, where they would raise their six children: Dianne Hoge of San Francisco, David Guy of Aptos, Larry Guy of Santa Barbara, Joanne Welti of Sonoma, and twins, Denise Incerpi of Los Altos, and Terrie Bugay of Santa Barbara. Doug and Jinks were devoted parents, passionately supporting their family throughout their lives. Until very recent years, Doug was an avid golfer and tennis player and spent many happy days keeping his drive straight and serves in at Sharon Heights Country Club. In addition Doug took enormous pride in his twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Doug is also survived by a brother, Noel Guy living in Lincoln, CA. Doug's wit and charm, his humor and creativity, his gentle spirit and caring manner shaped a man of rare character. Whether with Jinks and friends celebrating Stanford football at Chuck Taylor Grove or excitedly sharing stories with grandchildren, Doug always radiated warmth that was both genuine and selfless. With his broad infectious smile, a self deprecating shrug of his shoulders and that twinkle in his eyes, he could soften any moment and light up any room. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all whose lives he touched and brightened. A Memorial Service to celebrate Doug's life will be held Nov. 12, 11am at Spangler's Mortuary in Los Altos followed by a reception at Pilgrim Haven, 373 Pine Ln, Los Altos. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc.