Remembering Doug Starr

12/4/2020

A rare solo photo of Doug doing what always came naturally. Morro Bay, June 2019.

Online Memorial Service,
Wednesday, Dec 9 at 4pm

Doug's service was streamed 4:00 Wednesday on Facebook. To view on Facebook with all the comments made during the service, click here.

Click here to download the service booklet.

Doug's Adventures

Douglas Gerald Starr was born November 26, 1965 to Carolyn Mae Starr and to Gerald Arthur Starr. Doug was born in Ankara, Turkey (his father was on deployment with the United States Air Force). His sister Kimberly and Doug were Air Force brats and spent their childhood living and exploring many places.

After a childhood of wandering about the country, his family moved to Bakersfield in 1982. Since that time, Bakersfield has been Doug’s home. He graduated from Bakersfield High School, Bakersfield College, and Cal State Chico. After graduating from Chico State, he took a job at Calcot, Ltd., where he worked for more than 30 years.

In 1992 he married Donna Lynn Haycock, and soon they had two boys, Tyler Gerald Starr and Kevin Douglas Starr. Spending time with his family was Doug’s passion. He was a Cub Scout leader for BSA Troop 208 and Scout Master for BSA Troop 139. He was parent volunteer for the Highland Marching Band – and for 7 years pulled the trailer with the instruments. The family loved Disneyland, motorcycle riding, hiking, camping and hosting dinner parties.

After Doug was diagnosed with cancer (Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma) in 2018, his goal was to hike the John Muir Trail--starting in Yosemite Valley and ending at Mt. Whitney. In the summer of 2019, Doug and Tyler finished hiking the trail with trail angel support from Donna, Kevin, and our Calcot family.

We are so thankful for the love, prayers, and support we have received through Doug’s fight with cancer from family, friends, Calcot family, Bakersfield College family, and Ascension Anglican Church family. Doug’s journey on earth ended on November 25, 2020, when he was in his home of 28 years surrounded by his wife and boys. Now he is without pain and is beginning his adventure in heaven.

25 Comments

Walter and Sandra Paniagua

12/4/2020 07:44:10 pm

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord grant you comfort in this difficult time.

Merleen

12/5/2020 12:14:17 pm

Grateful to have known Doug and his great faithfulness to God and family. Much love to you all.

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding: deal graciously with those who mourn especially Donna, Tyler, and Kevin. Surround them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Connie and Nick Lewis

12/5/2020 10:41:54 pm

Nick and I are so very sorry to hear about Doug's passing. We remember him and Kim as kids growing up in the All Saints Bakersfield family. May the Lord continue to surround his family with angels presence and God's blessing as they walk through this time of grief.

Keith Silvas

12/5/2020 10:55:09 pm

I am so very sorry to hear about Doug’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the Starr family.

Janet Bowtell

12/6/2020 03:16:37 pm

It was my pleasure to have know one of the strongest, faithful gentleman I have met. My thoughts and prayers to Donna, Kevin and Tyler and all of his family. He will be greatly missed. RIP

Jenny Estes

12/7/2020 02:36:11 pm

Doug was a courageous, generous, Godly man. His quiet, behind the scenes service to his family, the youth in this community, the church, and beyond have left an imprint of love and faithfulness upon all our lives.

Mary Ann Strong

12/7/2020 03:20:43 pm

Doug was a Godly man, who God called to be one of his heavenly angels. He is at peace now with Jesus and without pain or sorrow. He will be sorely missed by his wife, Donna and his sons, Kevin and Tyler, as well as all of us who knew him.
Rest in Peace, Doug

Dc. Skip Hill

12/7/2020 11:51:47 pm

Ascension Anglican Church, and me personally, will really miss having Doug to fellowship with. Our loss, indeed, is heaven's gain, as Doug was indeed a rare individual. He was a peaceful, quiet man, who indeed was faithful and faced life with great strength and courage. My heart really aches for you (Donna, Tyler, and Kevin), as I know your sense of loss is great. I am glad to know that there are no question marks on his grave....He loved God, and lived for Him, and now enjoys fellowship with our Heavenly Father.

Kathy Moretti

12/8/2020 10:09:00 am

Mike and I send our heartfelt condolences 💐. Doug loved the outdoors and loved being with his family experiencing so many wonderful adventures. We remember camping together at Mammoth....we remember him tinkering with dirt bikes and very handy. We are thankful to know Doug’s beautiful, amazing family and wish to express our prayers, love and compassion.

Kim Escalera

12/8/2020 12:03:55 pm

I’ll remember Doug as a kind, quiet yet strong man of God. He was always ready to serve from his delicious lasagna to being on the security team. His dedication and devotion is reflected in Donna, Kevin, and Tyler. I’m so sorry and I think of you daily. Prayers of comfort ♥️

Bill, Chris, and Mandy Parsons

12/8/2020 09:41:49 pm

Nowhere was it more apparent—the joy, love, and fun that Doug, Donna, Tyler, and Kevin had in each other as a family—as when Doug and Tyler made the huge and challenging hike along The John Muir Trail in the summer of 2019. Donna and Kevin drove thousands to miles to emotionally support and physically assist Doug and Tyler throughout their trek.
We thoroughly enjoyed following the progress of the journey as it it occurred (reading Donna’s journal-type account).
Doug was always the most adoring and loving husband husband to Donna and the most loving and supportive father to Tyler and Kevin.
How we will miss you, Doug!
Love,
Chris, Bill and Mandy

Paul Bush

12/9/2020 05:46:33 am

Doug will be sorely missed, both personally and professionally. Doug’s unique intellect, emotional style, and skill set made him a valuable asset to our organization. He was always a calming voice for me during the tumultuous years I’ve spent at Calcot, both in good times and bad. He had the respect of our growers, our directors, and of those who worked around him. His reputation within our industry was impeccable; he was honest, fair, and never refused a task. Our hearts go out to his family and friends for the loss of a great man and genuine good person.

Rebecca Head

12/9/2020 11:11:33 am

We love and miss you, Doug. We will continue walking through this life and look forward to walking together in the next life : )

12/9/2020 11:16:43 am

I have a hiking picture I want to post but I can't make it appear : (

12/9/2020 11:28:10 am

Hi Becky--If the photo is on the web anywhere without restrictions for viewing, you could provide the link here. For example: https://www.ascensionanglican.com/uploads/3/0/1/6/30167801/doug-on-the-rock_orig.jpg

Michael Rosengren

12/9/2020 11:43:11 am

I was so sad to hear of Doug's home coming! Donna, Kevin, and Tyler I am so sorry for your loss! He will be missed by all! May God's grace, peace, and comfort surround your in the coming days ahead! When I saw that picture of Doug on top of that rock I thought that picture epitomizes Doug's life! Life was an adventure for him! Doug and his Indiana Jones' style hat was working quietly behind the scenes at the church and you knew things were going to be ok! He had a deep desire to serve God, others, and especially his family! Truly Doug can say with the Apostle Paul, "For to me live is Christ and to die is gain.(to be with Christ)"

Dustin Haycock and Family

12/9/2020 03:45:52 pm

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you all. Let us know if you need anything and we are here for you.

Matt Thayer

12/9/2020 03:56:43 pm

I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to your family. Doug was an amazing person and I am honored to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you: Donna, Tyler and Kevin always! Please let me know if you ever need anything. Love, Matt

Kris Eastridge

12/9/2020 04:03:18 pm

I’ve always admired the Starr family and how they are so connected as a family. I know Doug’s departure has left a big hole in your lives. My prayers go out to all of you for peace and comfort. Those competitive Bunco matches at your house were always so fun and made even better by the delicious dinners beforehand. I’m so glad you have so many memories of all your family adventures. Doug must be on the most exciting hike ever!

Ryne Little

12/9/2020 04:38:42 pm

Doug was my uncle, and my full name is Ryne Douglas Little. I loved my uncle and some of my fondest memories are of visiting uncle Doug and aunt Donna. My sister, brother, Tyler, Kevin and I would all play in the back yard and swim in the pool. I remember once we dug a giant hole in the ground and put a price of wood across it; we called it the Bridge to Teribithia. Even though we ruined the yard, Doug don’t get mad at us. I am very proud to have the honor of carrying on my uncles name.

Carrie Starr

12/9/2020 05:53:24 pm

I’m so sorry not to have known Doug and the family better. In the only three times I met him, I was impressed by his sincerity and kindness. I’m further impressed now, having seen his devoted family and community. He did God’s work!

Susan Pinza and Jeanne Snyder

12/9/2020 08:47:37 pm

We were happy to meet Donna's mystery husband years ago when he showed up at a bowling banquet. One banquet, by the way. That changed, of course, when Doug starting bowling with the BC Bowling league several years ago. We enjoyed getting to know him a little...his quiet, calm, alert presence. His love for his life partner and sons. His overall love of life. He lived each day to the fullest...a valuable example for all. You will forever be part of the BC Bowling family, Doug. Thank you.

Randy and Sue

12/14/2020 02:21:46 pm

Dear Donna, Tyler, and Kevin
It has been such an inspiration to come to know you, and Doug.
It has been so moving to see the loving power of God, the Father, the Son , and the Holy Spirit in your lives, and in your souls. May God continue to bless you, and to comfort you always. Love, Fr. Randy and Sue

Lynn and Tommy Buckley

1/30/2021 01:30:00 pm

Doug was the best ever son-in-law. We are very sorry to lose him and for Donna and the boys to lose him. He was great husband and father.

Kevin Allen link

10/9/2022 04:41:55 pm

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