Douglas William Oblak

Grand Junction, CO-Douglas (Doug) William Oblak, born on October 15th, 1952, passed away peacefully on the 6th of January at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Doug was born in Colorado Springs and is the son of William (Bill) Oblak and Peggy Ann Rowe. He graduated from San Jose State University with a B.S. in Business Administration, emphasis in Marketing and a minor in Photography. Known and loved by all, he lived a life of creating memorable sales and marketing programs and organizing and participating in numerous outdoor adventures.

Doug was kind and thoughtful. He had a knack for adding a word or phrase to a conversation that made you smile and laugh. His passions included hiking, skiing, camping and running the rivers of the West with friends and family.

He had many creative interests. His camera was always close at hand, recording the narrow walls of a slot canyon, capturing a deep powder turn or the swirls of color on the tongue of the next rapid. Like his Dad, family gatherings, birthdays, weddings and holidays were all moments recorded on Doug’s camera. He also enjoyed writing poetry, and his words would describe life’s hidden moments, faraway places and feelings in his heart. Doug’s talents also included beautiful photographs and oil paintings of the landscapes he visited, colorful ceramic luminarias and other art pieces.

Before retiring, Doug used his education and creativity to produce sales and advertising programs for shopping malls and businesses such as the Eye Institute and Clear Vision Laser Centers in Utah. He worked for many years at 3M Health Information Systems developing sales and product support materials, webinars and E-Guides. 3M awarded him the 3M Marketer to Follow award.

His marketing creativity extended outside the office. He volunteered his time helping the Utah Para Olympics and Special Olympics during the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic games.

Doug is survived by his twin brother Don, brothers Brad, Kendall, sister Kelly Schoof, stepbrothers Danny, John and Stanley Marks and many nieces, nephews and their families. He would encourage you to lend a hand by supporting the Para and Special Olympics, the Art Center of Western Colorado, Utah Rivers Council and Living Rivers.

Also, Doug would want you to “get out while you can” ...take a hike, skip a rock, ski, float a river and hug the folks you’re with every day!