Douglas James Yensan

Douglas James Yensan, 72, of Charlottesville, VA, passed away on April 28, 2024 after a long, courageous battle with a rare type of cancer, mucosal melanoma. Doug was born on November 23, 1951 in North Tonawanda, NY along the Erie Canal and raised in Skaneateles. He loved living by its beautiful lake and had fond memories of boating with his father. Doug attended some college and then traveled to Spain where he spent two years teaching English as a Second Language. When he returned home, he married and was blessed with three beautiful children with his first wife, Katherine. He worked in construction. When asked, he was most proud that he was able to make an honest living and have three wonderful children. Doug was married to his wife Phyllis for twenty-five years. They loved the Outer Banks, traveling to see family in Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, and New Jersey, and their dream spot in Maine. Doug and Phyllis were blessed by three wonderful dogs to share their heart and a special cat. Doug loved anything outdoors like walking, hiking, and gardening. He had an artistic gift and enjoyed woodworking and painting. Doug loved his family and time spent with his children and eight grandchildren. It wouldn’t have been possible for Doug to survive as long as he did without the support of so many family and friends. Doug was a brave and determined fighter despite multiple losses to cancer–eyesight in one eye, the ability to drive, strength to do gardening or work on his hobbies. Deepest thanks to Dr. Brian Uthlaut who cared for Doug for several years, combining skill and kindness. The family is grateful to the staff at the Center for Acute Hospice Care for providing comfort to Doug and his family in his final days. Thanks to UVA Cancer Center who provided multiple therapies. With a disease this rare, you continually seek out information and support. We hope to see mucosal melanoma treatment improve. Donations to the Melanoma Research Foundation (www.melanoma.org) or AIM at Melanoma (www.aimatmelanoma.org) in Doug’s name are greatly appreciated. Doug is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis; his stepmother Ruth Yensan; his children Laura (Brent) Mowbray; Jonathan Yensan; Jennifer (Jason) Davis; the mother of his children, Katherine; grandchildren, Aiden and Luke Mowbray; Joseph, Chloe, and Nathan Yensan; Allison, Olivia, and Hannah Davis. Doug is also survived by multiple other family members, including nieces and nephews. And thanks to Dave Berry, who was a good friend to him during his illness. Funeral arrangements are private.