Doug Macfarlane went to be with Jesus on July 22, 2022 at the age of 63 while surrounded by his family in his lovingly designed home. He is finally able to rest after several years fighting with strength and determination against cancer & GVHD.
Doug was born on October 5, 1958 to Malcolm & Ellie Macfarlane. The oldest of four, he was known for being the sibling who always held things together, while also never failing to tease his younger sisters. He started dating his wife, Betty in 1975 at LTHS in LaGrange, IL and they married after college.
Doug began his architecture career in New Mexico in 1982. Most weekends were spent playing outside camping, hiking, and reading under the pines.
In 1996, Doug, Betty & their daughter Sierra moved to Ouray County. Doug worked as an architect in Ridgway at Cimarron Construction & Design before starting Doug Macfarlane Architect, LLC. His talent lay in designing usable spaces that captured the beauty of the mountains as well as clients’ preferences.
Doug was intelligent and caring with a brilliant sense of humor; he had the ability to make anyone in the room laugh, be it a client, contractor, or nurse, and everyone in between. Before his cancer diagnosis, Sundays were spent leading worship at church, enjoying the outdoors with his family (ideally fishing), and ending the day cheering on the “stinky Broncos,” hoping for a chance to have a touchdown twirl with his daughter.
While everyone who got the opportunity to know Doug misses him dearly, his family is comforted knowing that he knew the great gift of eternal life offered by Jesus, and that Doug has left his earthly restrictions and pains; now breathing easy in heaven.
Doug is survived by his wife of 40 years, Betty; his daughter, Sierra; his siblings, Ken Macfarlane, Sheila Rice & Christi Macfarlane; and many nieces & nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm & Ellie Macfarlane.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Ouray Public Library (P.O. Box 625, Ouray, CO 81427), Ridgway Public Library (P.O. Box 563, Ridgway, CO 81432) or to Young Life (giving. younglife.org/celebratingdoug).
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