Douglas James Moffat was born on June 6, 1952 in North Charleroi, Pennsylvania and raised in Sag Harbor, New York and Meriden and Newington, Connecticut. As an avid mountain climber and skier, he was drawn to Utah in 1976. He graduated from the University of Utah where he met Diane Aposhian, who would become his wife in 1978.
A natural mechanic and creative problem solver, Doug owned and operated the Highlander Bike Shop (3333 Highland Drive) for over 43 years. Whether on road, mountain, or fat tires, Doug loved cycling. We think he invented the mountain bike but he never got credit for it! He may have also invented the snowboard though he was a skier through and through. He loved living where he could set down fresh tracks in the powder and golf 18 holes in the same blue-sky day. If you've ever lost a golf ball at Nibley Park, he probably found it.
Doug was a fierce competitor in every sport and every game. Whether competing against his wife, his friends, his nieces and nephews, his children, their friends, or his own grandchildren, there was nothing he enjoyed more than defeating them at any contest. If there was fun to be had, he was having it! Doug loved his annual tradition of setting up G-scale model trains and villages at Christmastime then inviting neighbors and friends to visit his ever-growing and changing display. Check it out on YouTube at Moffat Christmas Trains.
Doug was lead guitarist of the band Crash Pontiac & the Hubcaps. His bluesy style was his own. He had music in his soul. He could name all the trees and wildflowers. He loved to whistle and he could imitate all types of birdsong. Just like Tom Sawyer, "He strode down the street with his mouth full of harmony and his soul full of gratitude."
Doug chose to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities, often working with the youth. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Bishop of the Wandamere Ward. He loved this calling.
Doug also served for 12 years on the City Council of South Salt Lake. He was honored with the 2022 Citizen of the Year Award for his service to our community.
Doug experienced many high adventures, defying death several times; now, he is on to his next one. We believe he was greeted by his parents (Robert and Jane Moffat), his in-laws (George and Julie Aposhian), his son (Abraham), his great- nephew (Carson), and his great-great niece (Gwendolyn). Doug is survived by his wife (Diane) and their children Moby (Jenny) Moffat, Max (Kati) Moffat, Melissa (Kaelin) Osmun, and Mattie Moffat, his grand-children (Julia, Jack, Ben and Millie Moffat), as well as his siblings Rob (Sue) Moffat, Ellen (Fred) Casioppo, Karen (Kurt) Winkler, Mary (Jim) Ford, and step-mother Jo Moffat.
We wish to thank Dr. Jenny Bell and all of Doug's doctors, nurses and staff at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, University Hospital, and Nielsen Rehabilitation Hospital for their care and kindness. Doug loved everyone and was loved by everyone.
Visitations will be held at the Wandamere Ward building (300 east 2700 south) on Wednesday, July 20th from 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday, July 21st at 10 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the same location. https://zoom.us/my/wandamere passcode: wanda
