Douglas Colbeck

Douglas Russell Colbeck was born April 30, 1962 in Smithtown, New York and passed from this life to begin his new journey with our Lord on June 15, 2013. Doug's struggle with Leukemia/Lymphoma ended, as he entered heaven to enjoy a pain free healed life and has reunited with our father William Russell Colbeck, who preceded Doug only by a few months.

Doug was born into a house full of girls - a long awaited son and brother! We lived in Commack, New York, a wonderful place to grow up making long lasting friendships that Doug continued into his adult years!

Doug was active in Boy Scouts and at the age of 14 went to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico - returning and working at the ranch, rebuilding roads and bridges. Doug worked his way up to the second highest leadership achievement in scouting - Life ranking.

Doug loved music and tried his hand at the trumpet - with many of us covering our ears as he would practice his scale. Doug had a full life hanging out with his Commack friends! At some point Doug became interested in making films - "a Spielberg wannabe of sorts, before Spielberg was Spielberg." He would use my father's small movie camera. He would write, direct, film, and act in these short stories, with a supporting cast of friends. He made super hero movies, war stories, Sci-Fi and had quite the flair for the special effects to give the film extra depth. These were silent movies, so for full effect, you had to have Doug sitting next to you as the voice-over and sound effects as you watched. No red carpet for his premieres, only a white sheet hanging on the wall in a dark room with floor seating.

Our family summers were filled with camping trips around America and visits to grandparents in both New Jersey and Oklahoma. Our father's work with Pan Am provided us with overseas travels as well.

Doug graduated from Commack High School North in 1980 and then attended the University of Oklahoma - "Go Sooners". Boy, did he love his college football, especially the Barry Switzer years!! Doug graduated with a geology degree. His first job was in Houston, TX. Again Doug made many friends, with whom he still maintained relationships up until the end of his life. His children, Chandler and Noah, came into his life with much joy and love. Doug continued to challenge and advance himself professionally, graduating with a master's degree in business.

The big move came when Doug took a position at Scottish Power and the family moved to Glasgow, Scotland, UK. This turn in his life was exciting to experience the Glasgow life style and learn the Glaswegian language. Doug so loved the language and would often use Glaswegian slang words in conversation, because it gave him a great laugh and joy at the challenge. Doug never knew a stranger, and his circle of friends continued to grow while in Scotland. Doug made some lasting close friends - "mates" - whom upon hearing of his declining health, came over to the states to cheer him on. It was in Scotland that Doug noticed he wasn't feeling well, and they soon moved back to Texas.

It was then that Doug was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Doug started his treatments at MD Anderson, receiving his stem cell transplant from our sister Denise. Doug never went into remission, but he was determined to eradicate this cancer from his body. With perseverance he researched drug studies and tirelessly applied to many of them, as he continued with the traditional radiation and chemo treatments.

God's plan is so different from ours. It was during this time of cancer that Doug met his now wife, Maite Lopez and her children Ruben & Daniela. Doug's love for Maite was a deep devotion, even during his serious illness. Maite's love and the love of Ruben, Daniela, her boyfriend Brandon, Chandler, and Noah kept him moving forward, despite the obstacles he faced with his cancer and the many setbacks he had. One of Doug's friends from Scotland said it best in an email to me: "Doug was a great man and a great inspiration. His determination bought him extra years and extra time to see Noah & Chandler mature and for them to get that inspiration from Doug, as an example that will serve them well throughout their lives". His wife's love exemplified Christ's love that is unconditional and ever present. Doug and Maite's love was short lived due to cancer, but their love was greater than cancer. It was a deep devotional love that few experience during their life time – Doug and Maite had it for four years.

Despite the hardship of chemo, radiation, drug trials, and hospitalization, Doug continued to work. Doug's last job was at EON as their Vice President of Business Development. Doug recently was honored and recognized with an award for one of his developed projects. The group at EON, as well as the many other co-workers at the different companies Doug had worked for, became more than friends. They became his extended family, always calling to visit and encourage him in this fight against cancer. They were always there to bring food or with offers of help. Words cannot express the appreciation we have for all of Doug's friends near and far who played an important part in Doug's life and are now touching ours.

God's plan for Doug was not cancer, but he used this cancer to touch our lives to know true love, family/friendship, mercy, compassion and grace. God used this cancer to show us that things of this earth are temporary and cannot be taken with us when we pass on to our next life. God sees the deeds we have done for others -- God has reminded us of His Son's words "..... I was sick and you took care of me...." Matthew 25:36.

Doug leaves behind his wife whom he loved, Maite Lopez, as well as his mother-in-law, Teresa Amat, who tirelessly cared for Doug despite never knowing any English and Doug no Spanish. With love there really is no language necessary! Doug greatly appreciated Teresa's many months with him. Doug leaves behind all of Maite's brothers & sister. They have all been very encouraging as he has battle this cancer. He also leaves behind two step-children, Ruben & Daniela Bustillos, who were always there for him and cared and loved him as a father. And he loved them as a father, showing them what love looks like through Maite & Doug's marriage.

Doug has two awesome children, Chandler Erin Colbeck and Noah Russell Colbeck. Doug's devotion to his children will forever live within their heart. In addition to his unconditional love for them, he left many examples: to persevere through all challenges, be confident of who you are, set goals in your life to chase after, don't be afraid of obstacles, challenge yourselves to give your best in life, and love those around you - especially each other. Doug's love for them goes beyond words and he is so proud of the young woman and man you have become and know you have always been loved! I know he will miss Chandler's college years, as well as Noah's high school years, but he is confident they will hold to the teachings, guidance, and expectations he has always held them accountable to. As college football begins, Doug will be "in the house" cheering from above for the OU Sooners!

Doug leaves behind his mother, Betty L. Colbeck. A love is never greater than between a mother and a son. Our mom had a very special connection with Doug. They never went a day without talking to one another. Doug often told her of his love & gratitude. Mom was his counselor, as he was for her, or an ear to listen to frustrations or problems to solve. He always left the conversation knowing he was loved greatly! Mom was always there for Doug. She took many trips to be with him and to love and care for him. Hospice said they believed he was waiting to see mom one last time before leaving this life, and I believe this is true. For when we arrived, he wanted to know where mom was and I think this gave him great comfort to feel her touch and hear her voice, I love you! Because it was within that one day Doug left this life for his next.

Doug leaves behind his "girls" three sisters and our spouses-- Deborah & Gary Liebig, Michele & Steve Bloomer, and Denise & Eric Trafas. As siblings, we cared for one another and knew without question we would always be there in good and bad times, because of our great love for one another! We loved our baby brother beyond words and if he needed us we were there for him - "He ain't heavy, he's my brother". Denise was Doug's stem cell donor; that made for a very special bond. Denise gave Doug a chance for life and health, and although he never made it to remission, he benefited so much from the stem cells that allowed him to live a longer life. What truer love than that! Michele and I were the helpers and loved on Doug to provide whatever he needed to make his life better or easier. Out of all the spouses, Eric Trafas had the longest friendship with Doug. They worked together during their high school years and they shared a common love of music, as well as endless hours of humor with stories and loud laughter! Eric and Denise helped Doug get his first job, because Doug was under age. They both forged a copy of Doug's birth certificate (you had to be 16 years old), so he could get his first job at Korvettes with Eric. Eric always made Doug laugh and enjoy life..... He loves you Man!

Many nephews and a niece: Shane and his wife Heather Liebig, Sara and Jason Bloomer; Alex, Harrison and Will Trafas. Doug loved you all.

Many cousins, and one in particular, Kathy and her husband Ron Chassie. Doug developed a wonderful relationship with them, because soon after Doug's diagnosis, Kathy was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a bone cancer. Doug and Kathy shared a very similar cancer road with having had a stem cell transplant and a variety of chemo treatments. Kathy passed from this life in September 2012 and Doug continued on his journey, but not without the loving support of Kathy's husband Ron and her siblings - our cousins! Now Doug has joined both Dad and Kathy with healed bodies!

Doug leaves behind his aunt and her husband (Kathy's mom), Helen & Chas Stanley. She has been such a great support to both Doug and our mom during this difficult road, because she herself has experienced the loss of a child. We had wonderful Vermont visits with the Stanley's in our childhood. As many will know, Doug was pretty "head strong" and he resisted any of my Aunt's skiing instruction. Doug did it "his way" which was not the right way - Doug wouldn't admit it. Sorry Doug, running into a tree isn't part of the skiing experience!

Most of our uncles on both sides of the family (Colbeck & Key) have preceded him in death and an aunt. Doug had a great relationship with one particular uncle and that was our mom's brother JR Key. Endless hours of laughter by both!

And Doug leaves behind so many friends one could never count them! I know he loved you all and his memories of you gave him endless stories to tell... laughs to be heard. He loved you all!!

Lastly, cancer took Doug's life, but it couldn't take his immense spirit, humor, generosity, love of people, and love of life. Nor can cancer take our memories of him. Cancer is not that strong… to destroy the person Doug was. Doug had a drive to win his fight, and he gave it a grand ole fight! We were his cheering section, as well as his arms to lift him during those days of exhaustion. Cancer has no more control…its sting is gone. Doug is free! No more tears, sorrow, pain! He lives along side many that have gone before him...healed, surrounded by the total love of God. And it gives us great comfort as a family to know he is with our Dad and Kathy celebrating a new life!

We love you Doug!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org.