Rest in Peace,Doug I'll always remember our good times, Ken

Dear Sania and Family,

I truly feel your loss for a man who was so well respected and will be so dearly missed.
We shared so many good times on so many events, and Doug made every one of them more enjoyable. 
My favorite memory of him will be of him wearing his Red Sox outfit, at the Steinbrenners New Years Eve party in Tampa! ...or consistently representing Georgia at the orange bowl. The man bowed to no one. I always enjoyed talking music and shop with him.
Doug made a great impression on my life, and I will always remember him for it.

Dear Sania and Family; I was in Doug's High School class. I did not know him, although I knew who he was. Who wouldn't notice that beautiful red hair. I know now, he was a very special and kind person. He has left a good legacy and a good name. My heart goes out to you. You are in my prayers. May you find comfort and strength in the Lord.Doug made his part of the world a richer place.  
Ruth(Seeley)Garcia Franklin,Ma.

Sania and family, In Doug I had a true friend who loved his family, his wife and his friends. He was passionate about everything in life and everyone was touched in one way or another by Doug. I will never forget his friendship and kindness.  I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM!! In my heart always!

As a member of the Florida Philharmonic Chorus, I grew to respect and care a great deal for Doug over our years of working together to produce great performances with the Orchestra. I'm very saddened over his sudden loss.  I will remember and honor him always. Joyce K. Reynolds, (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

I attended the beautiful service yesterday and was so moved by the music and kind words spoken about Doug. I work at the Cannon Center and met Doug about a year ago. Doug made a lasting impression on me even though our encounters were few and far between. As a newbie, he was the first one that made me feel like working in performing arts would be worth it. 

Since I learned of his passing, I tried to figure out what it was about Doug and my interactions with him that made me feel connected with him. It wasn't until the service that I realized above his sense of professionalism and friendly nature, he had an undeniable sense of humility that he brought to every encounter. 

I keep recalling an evening when I was working at the Cannon Center on a Symphony event. He was rolling around underneath some choral risers, saw me and said, "Hey girl! What are you still doing here?" As I looked around to figure out where the voice was coming from, I saw him under the risers. He rolled out and said again, "What are you still doing here? Go home." For me, that moment captures what Doug truly was all about. Home. Family. And it was that humility that made Doug so well-liked by everyone. 

My deepest condolences to Sania, Danielle, Craig and Richard. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the celebration of his life.

Doug was the first person to welcome me to my new position with the Florida Philharmonic Chorus. He was also a man who was passionate on making sure we were all taken care of.  We kept after the fall of the Florida Phil and his loss stunned me.  We spoke less than two weeks ago.  Sania, Danielle, Craig and Richard my heartfelt condolences to each of you for you loss of husband and father. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.

Who in Boston who made their living in classical music did not know the Whitaker family. They loved the musicians and the business.  Doug was no exception. He was friendly, professional, extremely competent and made things work wherever he was. I was glad to have known him in our student days and then to cross paths with him now and then over the years.

I am sorry for this great and sudden loss to you Sania and Doug's children and grand children. I did not know him well but what I do know is that he was a person of grace, kindness and honor. My thoughts and prayers are with you all...

Dear Sania, I can't tell you how much Doug meant to us and everyone he ever met in his journey through his life.
He will be remembered for the rest of our lives as will all of you.
With deepest sympathy.

Dear Sania and family, 
    My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Doug was a wonderful man who Loved his family so much he beamed with Love. He will be missed by so many. May you find comfort in knowing how much he loved you and the many memories you have made together.

~Paula Cassinelli~

Dear Sania and family,
The sudden loss of Doug has been felt by all of his Natick High classmates.  We will always remember him as a guy full of life, energy, passion, and complete love for his family.  He will be missed.  You are all in our prayers and in our hearts.

I worked with Doug several years when he was on the staff of the Houston Symphony.   I remember that flaming red hair, creative sense of humor and mischievous twinkle.   We always enjoyed having him around.
Janis Pease LaRocque   (Houston, Texas)

I am so sorry to learn of Doug's passing. We went to New England Conservatory together. We re-established contact last summer after all of those years. My deepest sympathies to Doug's family. 

Larry Fried

I am very sorry for your loss.  I knew Doug in elementary school while his family was living in Cochran, Georgia.  He lived down the street from me.  I remember his great smile and warm heart.  He enjoyed making people laugh, even then.  Your family is in my prayers.  May God send you comfort during the days ahead.

OBITUARY

Douglas Earls Whitaker

September 17, 1955 – January 9, 2014

Memphis Funeral Home

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