Douglas Haugh of Bradenton, Florida, passed away on April 16, 2024, after a short, courageous battle with cancer at the age of 74. Doug is survived by his wife, Terry, of 30 years; brother, C. David Haugh (Loretta); sister, Kathleen Francis (Robert), and two nephews and two nieces.
Born in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, Doug was raised by loving parents in a Christian home with his older brother, David, and his younger sister, Kathy. Doug's upbringing taught him a strong work ethic, which he maintained throughout his life. At the early age of 10, he had an expansive paper route in the country, and as a way to earn spending money, he even trapped muskrats in the woods and sold their pelts locally.
Doug was a gentle soul, always willing to help others. Although Doug was the younger brother, David often turned to him for his insights and knowledge. Whether it was a project around the house, a needed repair to a car, or general wisdom, Doug was always there to help and share his time when asked. He was soft spoken and shared wisdom in his humble, yet always knowledgeable way.
Family was always paramount to Doug, and he especially enjoyed annual beach vacations to the East Coast with his family. He loved sports, the outdoors, and even helped build a par 3 golf course in the family backyard.
In 1967, Doug graduated from New Brighton High School and went on to graduate from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics earning an Aviation Technician Degree. He developed a lifelong interest in mechanics and vehicles, which started with his first car, a 57 Chevy. This affection and interest in vehicles also included a Corvette in his early driving years, more recently a hybrid SUV, and especially the RV camper he used for cherished summer trips with his wife, Terry, to the northeast and mid-Atlantic States. He was planning on their next trip when he passed.
Doug's career path began with a move to Connecticut to work on building Bell Helicopters during the Vietnam War. After the war, he returned to his home state of Pennsylvania to enhance his skills, and completed training as a Tool and Die Journeyman.
Doug then relocated to California, where he first worked on Boeing Aircraft, and later helped design and build military drones at Teledyne Aerospace in San Diego. It was in San Diego that Doug met and married his beloved wife, Terry, in 1994. They relocated to Delaware to be closer to their families, where Doug took a management position with an office equipment manufacturing company.
As part of a well earned retirement, Doug and Terry moved to sunny Bradenton, Florida, in 2015, where his parents and brother lived. Over their shared years in their new home, Doug and Terry renovated, remodeled and updated their condo together. He kept his skill sets current and worked occasionally for friend Tony D'Agnolo on contractor jobs. Once his mother had passed, he also looked after his father and assisted his transition to Freedom Village.
Doug was an active member of Bayside Community Church where he found spiritual fulfillment with his brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Wilma Haugh, and niece Christina Anne Haugh. Doug was a beautiful example of a life lived in faith, with service and kindness to others. He will be dearly missed by all those who were fortunate to know and love him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bayside Community Church, Bayshore Gardens on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 2:00PM. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, Florida, is in charge of arrangements.
