Douglas Gerald Found's Obituary
Douglas Gerald Found died peacefully in his home Saturday evening, May 25, 2024, at the age of 83. He lived a long and happy life, filled with family and a wide range of passions. His infectious optimism, kind words, and big hugs will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
Doug was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to the late Harry and Margaret Found on January 15, 1941. At 16, he met Carolyn Owen. They married on February 6, 1963 in Wensleydale, Yorkshire, England.
After finishing school, Doug joined the Royal Air Force and became a pilot. He was stationed in England, where the young couple lived with their first son, Stephen. A second son, Samuel, was born there as well. Following his time in the air force, United Airlines recruited Doug. The family moved to Virginia, where they had a third son, Scott.
Doug loved to fly. For over thirty years he flew out of Washington, D.C. airports to places around the globe. He frequently piloted flights to Europe, bringing back souvenirs to delight his beloved family. As an experienced pilot, he and Carolyn lived in China while Doug helped to establish a new flight path between Bejing and Kolkata, India.
While a pilot, Doug pursued a number of other ventures as well. With friends he owned the Colonial Diner in Manassas and later Double Eagle Enterprises, a vending and game machine company. He was also a proud Boy Scout leader. In 1990, Doug and Carolyn moved to Culpeper where Doug worked with his sons Sam and Scott to establish Found and Sons Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services. He learned the funeral business and worked alongside his sons from Found and Sons’ first days through his final, serving as a mentor, advisor, and supporter for his sons, granddaughter and the business until the very end.
Doug retired from flying in January, 2001 at the age of 60. Carolyn flew with him on his last flight as a pilot. The couple spent much of their retirement at their home on Lake Anna. Doug greatly enjoyed spending time on the water in the boat, on jet skis, or swimming with his family. He taught his grandchildren how to fish and water ski on his beloved lake.
Upon his retirement, Doug found a new passion serving as an EMT and, later, paramedic. For eleven years, Doug and Carolyn volunteered with the Spostylvania County Fire and Rescue. In addition to running calls with the rescue squad, Doug trained others. His enthusiasm for the subject and love of teaching made him a great instructor, remembered by many local emergency personnel who he taught.
A man of many skills, Doug also restored classic cars, including converting a Model A into a hearse. Doug also loved to dote on his dogs. He and Carolyn raised many Labradors, even teaching one to ride on a jet ski with him.
In 2019, Doug and Carolyn moved to Boston, Virginia to be closer to their family. He relished spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, full of enthusiasm for life and family. He was a member of Culpeper Baptist Church. In addition to appreciating the spectacular views of the Blue Ridge from their new home, Doug continued his lifelong passion for outdoor pursuits. He gardened, raised chickens, worked with his son to build a pond, and much more. He spent his final day outside, mowing the lawn and admiring Carolyn’s roses.
He is survived by a loving family, including his wife of 61 years, Carolyn, his sons Stephen and Scott, daughter-in-law Jennifer, grandchildren Julie (Keith), Jill, Chase, and Marley, and great-grandchildren Oliver and Elliott.
Doug is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Meryl, a brother, Ronald, as well as his son, Sam.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapels of Fredericksburg, 10719 Courthouse Rd, Fredericksburg. A second visitiaton will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapels of Culpeper, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper.
A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, May 31, at Culpeper Baptist Church,
318 S. West St., Culpeper. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery.
Condolences may be shared with his family online at foundandsons.com.
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