1958-2021
It is with great sadness that the family of Douglas (Doug) J. Saley announces his passing on Feb. 19, 2021, in Crystal River, Fla. Doug moved from Colorado to Florida to be closer to his mother and to pursue his lifetime dream of being a bass fishing guide. Doug was born in Pasadena, Calif., but spent most of his childhood in Rhode Island, Boston and Connecticut. With his passion for sports and competing, it is no surprise that he proved himself a formidable opponent as early as junior high school. Competing in multiple sports throughout his youth, he was named the tri-captain of the Enrico Fermi High School baseball, basketball and football teams. His competitive spirit and leadership followed him through his life in his pursuit of many other sports including fishing, pool and golf. Along with his passion for competition, he also had a desire for greater understanding, which led him to pursue and secure a philosophy degree from Hartwick College.
Doug met the love of his life, Kathy Frey, in 1999 and in 2001 they were married. They moved to Pagosa Springs, Colo., with Kathy’s children, Jordin and Liam Frey, where they found a home and a community they loved. They started PRECO Plumbing and enjoyed serving the community. A proud stepdad, Doug was able to share his love of the outdoors, sports and shared a deeper understanding “of what it is like to be human” with his family that will forever live in their spirits.
Doug, a friend to all, accepted people for who they were without judgment. He lived his life with a humble and open heart. He cared for others deeply and was a ray of sunshine to everyone he met.
Doug is survived by his parent’s mother, Barbara Brennan; (partner) Trevor Ledger-Thomas; father Richard J. Saley; (partner) Alice Wallace Moore; and his much-adored little sister, Shauna Saley (Miller), and brother-in-law Dan Miller.
Doug’s celebration of life will be on July 24 at Navajo State Park at 1 p.m. at the pavilion located near the visitor’s center.
