Douglas Briggs

Douglas Vollm Briggs was born November 12, 1940 and grew up in Hyde Park, Massachusetts. He was the son of Gerald and Martha Vollm Briggs, and was one of 8 children. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Janet; his children Darrell Briggs of Wayne, PA and Deanna Briggs of Jackson, WY; his sisters Janetta Mohler of Amherst, NH and Carol Vance of Barrington, NH; his grandchildren Maya Ramkowsky, Coco Ramkowsky, Morgan Briggs, and Gavin Briggs; and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Doug attended Thompson Academy, a high school located on an island in Boston Harbor, where he lived. The school had a fully functioning dairy farm, where he worked as a student and developed the building blocks for his future career. He graduated from college in 1962 with a degree in Animal Science from the University of Massachusetts, Stockbridge School. Following graduation, he began his professional career at Eastern State Farmers’ Exchange in NH as a field representative, specializing in the dairy industry and forming close relationships with his dairy farmer customers.

Through a relationship with partners in Scotland, Doug followed his passion, and utilizing his skills as an entrepreneur and natural leader, he founded American Calan, Inc. in 1973, a pioneer in the field of dairy and livestock nutritional research. Over the next 50 years of he travelled the world, forming countless relationships with renowned scientists and nutrition programs. He was widely recognized and respected as an expert in this field.

In 1976 Doug and Janet purchased an 18th century house in Northwood, NH as a restoration project, and a wonderful place to bring up the family. During the 1980s they opened Meadow Farm Bed and Breakfast in their home located on Jenness Pond Road. Doug left a lasting impression on the guests with his warm smile and engaging personality.

In the local community, Doug was always ready to lend an ear, a hand, or equipment to those in need. Many saw him as a mentor and even a second father.

Doug took great joy in activities such as driving his horse carriage with passengers aboard and captaining his 1951 Chris Craft boat across the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee. Doug was a steward of the land and took great care in harvesting the hay on the family farm with his John Deere tractor.

Doug fully supported Janet and her passion and career with horses, even becoming president of Granite State Morgan Horse Association and New England Morgan Horse Association. Doug was a true horseman. In his later years he enjoyed spending time during the winter at their second home in Aiken, SC.

Doug lived a wonderful and full life. His memory will live on in the hearts of many. The family would like to invite anyone to join us for a celebration of Doug’s life on Sunday, September 10 from 2p – 5p at the family home located at 454 Jenness Pond Road, Northwood, NH.