Douglas Paul Amidon

Douglas grew up in Orange MA, moving to Westford MA in high school, and then attended Tufts University. He subsequently earned his master’s degree at UMass Boston. Shortly after college, Doug moved to Cape Cod, where he started a family and a business.

He was the Son of Charles (d. 1981) and Eva Amidon (d. 2000), brother of John (d. 1958), Doug is survived by his Brother William Amidon of Swepsonville, North Carolina and his sister Janet Rush of Seven Valleys Pennsylvania, his former wife Virginia Coyle, and their children, Kirk Amidon (Deanna) of Wrentham MA, and Gretchen Amidon of Hull MA, and his granddaughter Marina Amidon.

Doug’s lifetime was filled with creativity and while carving figures out of wood was his passion, he made his living specializing in Hand Carved Wooden Signs, which can be seen all over Cape Cod and the Islands. His ability to turn an idea into a carving was amazing to observe. He loved demonstrating his skill and often carved in front of audiences at fairs and shows. He also made custom furniture, which usually featured intricately carved and painted marine motifs.

He was an avid fisherman and loved spending time on the water. HIs favorite time of day was false dawn as the sun first appeared, and he spent many hours fishing for Striped Bass during that time. He enjoyed all that the Cape waters offered, including lobstering, netting blue crabs, and gathering all manner of shellfish. A true outdoorsman, he was as at home at the helm of a boat as he was behind the wheel of a car.

Doug was the life of the party, even when there was not a party. His currency was his time, energy, and ideas. He was always ready to help a friend, whether building a deck, moving a boat, or other task. He always found a way to take an idea further than anyone expected.

Doug adored his granddaughter and found a lot of joy playing with her. Trips to Florida with him, as well as just picking the garden are fond memories of the two of them.

A celebration of Doug’s life will be held from 4-6 PM on Thursday, September 5th at the Sagamore Inn, one of his favorite restaurants.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Hope Hospice of 1085 North Main St, Providence RI; www.hopehealthco.org. Doug was lovingly cared for at Hope.