April 9 ^th , 1963- May 25 ^th , 2021

Doug was born to wonderful parents, Don and June Thornton, who raised him with a deep devotion to family, a love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and a heart full of service. His young life was filled with hard work and happy (and mischievous) memories.

As a teen, Doug found joy in fantasy books, music and his close-knit Dungeon and Dragons group. He discovered a talent for debate and public speaking. In his heart he always carried a great love for history and the classics but chose a career as a lawyer to ensure the best life possible for his family. This decision has always stood out as an important marker in the type of person he was. His extraordinary work ethic was inspiring. With three young children, he finished law school while working for UPS and as the law clerk for BYU legal counsel. He attended the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University and received his Juris Doctor, cum laude.

He built a successful career as a lawyer, but it was his relationships with his family and friends that brought Doug the most joy at the end of his life. Doug's children (Amber, Heidi, Tyler, Mckenna, Mckay and Brynn), were blessed with a Dad who was brave, (a brilliant knife-juggler) generous, (always looking for a way to ease a burden) hardworking, (his energy was contagious) and fun (he was volleyball, cartoons, pancakes, kayaking and Lord of the Rings rolled up into one delightful package).

Doug's massive smile and laugh lit up a room. His stories were always told with flourish and he loved sharing them. He was an amazing leader. Throughout his life he inspired and blessed more people than we could count. Families who were struggling to pay the bills, friends who needed a listening ear, teens who needed someone to believe in them and strangers who were suffering. It was not in his character to ignore someone in need.

His presence was larger than life. He loved nothing more than to surround himself with friends and family. Chances are, if you received an invitation from Doug, you might show up to a party- music blasting, burgers grilling, chilled root beer being passed out and hugs all around. His love of iconic music and movies (that he loved to share) brings happy memories to his family and friends.

To get away from the stresses of life, Doug loved being active and enjoying the peace and beauty of nature. The majestic Sequoias were a sacred place where he felt at home. The salty waves of the ocean reinvigorated and energized him. Special walks along the pier, forest and riverbank were some of his favorite places to share with his family and friends. When you joined him, you never knew what side of Doug might encounter- a listening ear, a tender expression of testimony or fearless soul jumping from rock to rock.

In 2020, our whole family was brought to our knees when Doug suffered a massive stroke. As he was life-flighted to the hospital, family and friends surrounded him in spirit through faith and prayer. Miraculously, his life was spared, but his health was never quite the same. This past year brought exceptional challenges to Doug's life. During these struggles, his friends and family provided support, love and encouragement in the best ways they could. We are especially grateful to his siblings and closest friends for the countless hours they spent in counsel and prayer- tending to his spiritual, emotional and physical needs. Amidst his struggles, our hearts were warmed to hear of his moments of closeness to the Savior, where he felt peace and healing. Those of us who have walked this road with Doug have witnessed the sweet healing of the atonement and the comfort of the Holy Ghost.

Doug's earthly mission came to an end on May 25 ^th , 2021. He leaves behind his parents (Don and June), his siblings (Christine, Don, Robert and David), his children (Amber, Heidi, Tyler, Mckenna, Mckay and Brynn) and his grandchildren (Noah, Hannah, Trinity, Mason, Sarah, Kjerstin, and Olive).

In lieu of flowers, please do an act of service in memory of Doug. Nothing would make him smile more.