Doug was born to H. Bruce and Edla (Hedlund) MacLaren in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1932. He attended Worcester South High School where he played baseball, captained the basketball team, and served as Senior Class President. His 203-member class of 1950 maintained its identity through regular reunions, recently holding its 67th class reunion.
Doug went on to graduate from Worcester Tech with a Civil Engineering degree. While at WPI, he captained the basketball team, was honored with membership in Senior Skull, was a member of Who’s Who in American College, and served as President of the Athletic Council and his Fraternity Phi Sigma Kappa.
He joined the Torrington Division of Ingersoll Rand as a Sales Engineering Trainee, his 2-year training program was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army. Following basic infantry training, he attended and was later commissioned from Officer Candidate School. This was a group with whom he maintained contact through commendations and reunions for the rest of his life. Airborne training and a transfer to the Corps of Engineers followed and he finished his 3-year peace-time tour with stateside assignments.
Doug returned to Torrington, reporting to South Bend, Indiana to complete his training. He was then assigned to open an office in Houston as District Sales Engineer leading to a 46-year career in the anti-friction bearing industry with positions in sales and manufacturing management in Dallas, TX, South Bend, IN and Charlotte, NC. He returned to Texas and retired in 2001.
Despite a balky back and cancer treatments starting in 2009, Doug retained an active lifestyle with competitive running (10k and 5k chiefly) and the game of golf occupied his free time. He and Princetta, his beloved wife of 47 years, travelled extensively in North America and Europe until Cancer slowed them. Reading and puzzles replaced some of his activities. A book a week was his goal, and the daily Sudoko, and Sunday NY Times crossword filled the puzzle itch.
During his lifelong commitment to Ingersoll Rand, he and Princetta, entertained extensively. Over the years, they developed friendships that remained strong for years to follow. They both were active members at their church home, Trinity Presbyterian in Southlake, TX. Up until the last month of his life, Doug remained a true athlete, and thoroughly enjoyed a weekly golf round at Sky Creek Ranch. He was a role model and inspiration to friends and family alike.
If you would like to send flowers in honor of Mr. MacLaren, please contact Dr. Delphinium at (214) 525-1284.
