Douglas A. York

Douglas A. York

Indio - Douglas A. York (age 80 years) died at home in Indio, California on December 8, 2020. He had battled Multiple Systems Atrophy and related health issues for over 25 years. At his passing, he was surrounded by his wife, daughter, and daughter-in-law. As his spirit left this world, any fear of death, was replaced with joy and he comforted his girls with his infamous side-assed grin.

Douglas was born on June 5, 1940 in Centralia, Illinois to Harry and Violet (Johnstone) York. In 1947, he moved with his family to the Coachella Valley. Stories of his younger days included working the fields of various ranches, collecting bottles for ice cream money, adventures with Jack the family mule, and epic battles with his sister. He was a 1957 graduate of Coachella Valley Union High School. In the fall of 1957, he attended college in San Diego, but returned home during his first semester after the sudden death of his father. He married Linda McIntosh on September 13, 1958.

In 1958, Doug began his career in general contracting with the firm of Meredith & Simpson Construction Company, engaged in commercial and industrial construction. Under Bob Simpson's mentorship Doug excelled and became partner in the firm in 1968. In 1983, Doug became sole owner of Meredith & Simpson Construction Company and Pressure Cool Co. The construction experience included the building of packing and pre-cooling plants for fruits and vegetables, commercial buildings, custom homes, public schools, motels and hotels, supermarkets and shopping centers, warehouses, churches, service stations and bulk plant facilities. However, Doug received the most satisfaction from helping farmers bring their product to market, especially in third world countries. He was involved with several non-profit groups that provided international development of third-world nations. The concepts and equipment that Pressure Cool Co developed have been applied and emulated throughout the world. Doug traveled and lectured world-wide to promote education, research, development, design and fabrication of pre-cooling and cold storage plants and the highly specialized equipment used in the postharvest cooling and storage of fresh fruits, vegetables and flower stock. He most enjoyed the countries of Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Egypt, India, Morocco, Holland, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Croatia, and Armenia.

He was a mentor to his employees, his community, and globally.

Doug's commitment to community service to the City of Indio and the Coachella Valley included serving as President of the Indio Chamber of Commerce, Chairperson of the Historic Mural Committee, County of Riverside Parks Advisory Commission (1974-1992), Eisenhower Medical Center Board of Trustees, Valley Sanitary District Board, Board of Directors Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center, and President of Coachella Valley Historical Society. He worked to ensure the success of the Tamale Festival, Southwest Arts Festival, and Coachella Valley Historical Museum. Doug received Recognition from the State of California for efforts to preserve and restore the 1909 Schoolhouse and decades of service to the City of Indio and the Coachella Valley. The City of Indio established the Doug York Plaza to recognize his generous commitment and service. The Coachella Valley Historical Museum dedicated the 1909 School House in his name.

He enjoyed exploring the desert in his jeep, hiking and camping with his family, Western art, and wood carving. He was a talented Kachina carver. He loved hosting canoe trips down the Colorado River and adventures with the Posse. For many years, he was an enthusiastic co-driver for his son's race team, Day Racing.

So much joy and beautiful memories came from the huge effort he always put into delighting others! Doug was always the perfect example of "work hard and enjoy all that life has to offer". He put a crazy amount of work into racing, his business, the bird center, etc. He could go from exhausted, dirty, sweaty one hour to wearing a suit and tie to attend a special dinner the next hour to celebrate someone's achievements. Many learned from Doug that happiness can come from making and seeing other people happy. And probably the most important lesson, there is always room for dessert.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Linda and his sister Doris (Jack) Morey. He is also survived by his daughter Deborah York-Eby, Daughter-in-Law Lorraine York, Grandchildren Deanna (Brian) Stevenson, Danae (Zach) Knight, Deidre (Sam) Morrison, John Douglas Eby, and Samantha Eby, Great-grandchildren Emily Stevenson, Rust Knight, Rowyn Knight, and Bailey Morrison, Niece Becky (Steve) Manning, Nephews: Ricky (Pam) Welte, and Paul (Staci) Welte, numerous great nieces and nephews, Life Long Friends Carl and Grete Cox, and Posse Members Bruce and Dolores Clark and Jim and Ginger Engle, and dear friends Ron and Norma Hare. Predeceased by his parents Harry and Violet York, beloved son Darren York and great niece Crystal Cooper-Espinoza.

Appreciation is extended to the caregivers of the Palms in La Quinta for caring for Doug for two and a half years. The family also wishes to give their heartfelt thanks to Bristol Hospice and Amore Home Care for providing exceptional care as Doug completed his journey.

Cremation has taken place under the care of Fitzehenry-Weifel Funeral Home. At Doug's request, no services will be held.