Douglas Stewart Lauer

LAUER, Douglas Stewart, 56, of Henrico, died July 16, 2015. Survivors include his wife, Amy Lauer; his children, Katie Lauer-Rakowski, Cecelia Lauer and Robert Rakowski; his parents, Robert and Lupe Lauer; his brothers, David and Dwight Lauer; and his beloved pets, Kyler and Sid. He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Lauer; uncle, Artie Mark; grandmother, Cecelia Mark; and grandfather, Artie Mark. He was also preceded in death by his beloved dogs, Clyde and Red Lee. Doug was a retired general contractor. He loved fishing on the boat he restored, tinkering in his garage, playing pranks, making jokes, teaching and mentoring others, and most of all he loved his family. Doug built the most awe inspiring creations. They were always strong and stable, but yet creative just like his personality. Just as he built strong, beautiful structures, he provided a pillar of support and the beauty of friendship for everyone he met. Doug added life to each endeavor, giving each person or project a greater purpose, and fulfilling his own: the builder. Although he was a master of many trades, his most prized accomplishment was being a stay at home dad and raising two girls into strong, independent women. He was a dad not only to his children, but to any child who needed his compassion and guidance. He was known as the fun dad of the neighborhood, and will be remembered for the kickball games he started, the field trips he chaperoned, the water balloon fights he initiated, and cooking breakfast for the whole neighborhood on Saturday mornings. He was an amazing storyteller, who touched and healed many with his stories, friendliness, and laughter. He had the ability to make you feel like you were part of the family, and be your best friend. There will never be another with such an amazing, vibrant soul. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. A memorial service will be held at the Parham Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road, at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2015. No flowers please. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Sail Nauticus (to help underprivileged school children learn to sail), or to your local S.P.C.A.