Douglas Eugene McPherson

Douglas Eugene McPherson passed away on May 10, 2026, leaving behind a world that feels a little less warm, a little less funny, and a little less welcoming without him in it.

Doug never met a stranger he couldn’t turn into a friend. He had a gift for chatting up anyone and everyone, a love of bad jokes, and never passed up the chance for a good snack. As the McPherson family motto goes: “I could eat.” Doug carried that tradition well and made countless memories around shared meals, laughter, and time spent with the people he loved most.

Doug was preceded in death by his father, Elbert; his mother, Sybil; his brother, Dennis; and his loving wife, Sooz.

He leaves behind his children, Jennafyr and Sarah; his brother, Gary; sisters-in-law, Paula and Julie; close friend, Susan Italiano; and dearest friends, the Walsh family — John, Vicki, Michael, and John Jr. Doug also leaves behind an endless number of adopted family and lifelong friends, too many to name, but each loved and cared for as if they were his own.

Doug was the guy at work everyone had stories about- just ask his old friends about their California days, all his buddies from decades at General Motors (its amazing the proving grounds survived him), the kids and mentors from 1st National Competition, but mostly his boss and elves from his favorite job, the role he was made for, Santa. He was especially proud of the stories he heard from the children who loved Santa Doug.

He was one of the kindest, and most generous people anyone could hope to know. He made people feel welcome, looked after those around him, and brought comfort and laughter wherever he went. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.