In the quiet town of Allegany, where the whispers of nature blend with the stories etched into the hills, a beloved figure bids adieu, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and profound connections. Carlisle V. ‘Doug’ Douglas, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, departed this earthly realm on Friday, January 12, 2024, in Buffalo General Hospital. His life, born on June 27, 1937, and woven through the decades, becomes a testament to the enduring power of family, service, and community. Doug’s journey began in the serene landscapes of Bloomsburg, PA, as the only child of Alice and Victor Douglas. The family dairy farm, sprawling across 206 acres in Galton, PA, provided the backdrop for Doug’s childhood. Graduating from Galton High School in 1956 marked the initial step in a journey that would take him to far-reaching corners of the nation.
Eager to serve his country, Doug enlisted in the military on October 5, 1956. The Army Brook Medical Center in Texas became his training ground, shaping him into a medic and an x-ray technologist. His military service took him to various locations, including the newly minted 49th state, Alaska.
The experiences and connections forged during these years left an indelible mark on Doug, instilling in him a sense of duty and camaraderie that would remain steadfast throughout his life. After three years in the military, Doug returned home and embarked on a career in healthcare. His professional journey began at the Packer County Hospital in Coudersport, PA, which now stands as Charles Cole Memorial. It was during this period that he encountered a pivotal chapter in his life meeting his future wife, Kathryn A. Meachem.
Relocating to Olean, Doug became a stalwart member of the healthcare community. Joining Olean General Hospital, he dedicated himself to the Radiology department. His natural affinity for people, coupled with a genuine love for his work, propelled him into the role of the department’s manager.
For Doug, the hospital wasn’t just a workplace; it was a community, a place where he built lasting relationships with his colleagues. On October 11, 1991, Doug left Olean General Hospital to continue his service in Radiology Departments at other local hospitals. Throughout his career, Doug remained a people person, relishing the art of conversation and cherishing the connections he formed along the way.
Beside his loving wife Kathy, Doug’s legacy extends through his three children: Gregory (Darlene) Douglas of Lancaster, Jeannine M. (Ronald) Shugar of Bradford, and Kevin W. (Marlene) Douglas of Hooper, UT. The echoes of Doug’s laughter and wisdom resonate through the laughter and footsteps of his 13 grandchildren: Nathan (Jill), Ryan, Irene, Sterling, Isiaah, Grayson, Makala, Harper, Joshua (Shayna), Rachel, Benjamin, Andrew, and Charlie. Three great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Bella, and Adrienne, become the torchbearers of a generational bond woven with love, care, and shared memories.
