ROBERT DOUGLAS

Robert Frederick Douglas “Bob”

DOB: 2-22-31

DOD: 1-24-17

Bob Douglas, M.D., died peacefully at home with his loving wife of 56 years, Nan, at his side on Tuesday, 1-24-17, likely of cardiac arrest.

He was born and raised in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and did both his undergraduate education and medical school at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.  He completed a radiology residency at Madison after a one -year medical internship in Los Angeles, California.

He had been a physician in the Fox Valley since 1962, living in Neenah and working as a Radiologist at Radiology Associates of the Fox Valley, previously known as Beatty and Associates, for 38 years.  He was president of this subspecialty group for 20 years, during a time of dramatic changes in medicine and growth of his practice.

He has served as Chief of Medical Staff at Theda Clark and was president of the Wisconsin Radiologic Society.  He was a fellow of the American College of Radiology, one of the organization's highest honors.

He served in the Army at Fort Detrick, Maryland, achieving the rank of captain, working as a physician, and doing research with the intelligence community prior to his return to Wisconsin.

Bob loved his life living on Lake Winnebago and did everything in his power to remain independent in his later years, overcoming several health challenges along the way.  Countless hours were spent in retirement simply enjoying the ever-changing vista from his chair in his south-facing dining room with a cat at his side.

Bob was highly intelligent, becoming a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha honor societies as an undergraduate and medical student respectively.   He was a voracious reader – often reading more than one book a day.

He was a compassionate man and always gentle, ever-curious and reliable both at work and at home.  He provided a wonderful social environment for those around him, encouraging thoughtful discussion and always interested in expanding his knowledge base.  When he asked: “How are you?” he really meant it and was a thoughtful listener, often offering a kind word or gentle advice.

Bob loved animals, especially cats, and many pets were fortunate to have him as an owner over the years – providing unconditional love and companionship.  Except perhaps for that one guinea pig.

In their younger years Bob and Nan loved to travel, counting Australia, New Zealand, Guam, Saipan, Hawaii, South America, South Africa, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean among ports of call – most well documented with his 35 mm Leica camera and bulky equipment of the day.

Bob loved to eat.  Thankfully Nan is an amazing chef providing steak Diane, Yorkshire pudding, veal piccata and eggs Benedict lovingly and with amazing ease.

Bob's was a life well-lived and he enjoyed every minute of it. His death was peaceful and calm, exactly as he had hoped, though it came too soon for him and his loved ones.  He loved Nan with all his heart and told her so daily.

Bob is and will be dearly missed by Nan, his children Robin Douglas and Bruce (Anne) Douglas, grandchildren Stella Douglas and Theo Douglas and countless friends and acquaintances.

Bob was married once before and also grieving are his children Jean Weinshel and Barbara (Greg) Good and grandchildren Abigail Weinshel, Meyer Weinshel, and Ben Weinshel .

Lori Belot is a special friend of and helper to Nan and Bob, and together she and Nan kept Bob going in his later years and facilitated his independence in ways that cannot be overstated.  She is the example of tireless commitment, true love, and friendship. 

Bob was an only child.  He was preceded in death by his father Louis, mother Lydia, and stepmother Gertrude.

Bob lost his mother in his teenage years and this had a profound impact on his perspective on life.  Even though he was successful beyond the imagination of his youth, he was never overly concerned with material things or appearances, but those who knew him well understood and witnessed what he really was all about:  Being of service to others.  Giving more than you take.  Always delivering on a promise.  Loving unconditionally.  Seeing the best in every situation.

These things are what we will remember.  We can only hope to honor our loved one by becoming more like him.  His last words, as he lay in his own bed on the night he died, were : “Nan I'm just so tired…”.   Bob Douglas was a prince of a man.  Sleep tight sweet prince.

Per Bob's wishes no funeral is planned and cremation is scheduled.  A celebration of his life is planned for the near future.  "In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Neenah Animal Shelter, the Oshkosh Area Humane Society, or a charity of your choice."