Lt. Col. Harold Douglas Colwick,

Lt. Col. Harold Douglas “Doug” Colwick

United States Airforce

October 10, 1932 — April 18, 2026

"Blue skies forever, Doug"

Harold Douglas “Doug” Colwick passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, April 18, 2026, with his beloved wife, Covie, by his side. He was 93 years old.

Doug was born on October 10, 1932, to Elmer and Lola Colwick in Dickinson, Texas, where he grew up in a yellow house along the bayou with his sisters, Joyce and Marie. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, earning a degree in Chemistry in 1955 while participating in ROTC.

Shortly after graduation, Doug was called to serve in the United States Air Force where he became a fighter pilot—a role he cherished and would recount with vivid storytelling for the rest of his life. Following his military service, he built a distinguished career in aerospace, working with Hughes Aircraft, McDonnell Douglas, and Boeing. While in the Air Force, Doug attended Stanford University and earned a BS degree in Electrical Engineering in 1962. He also studied Molecular Engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. On Oct. 1, 1971, after his tour in Viet Nam, Doug was presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross and also the holder of an Air Medal and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Silver Star. Later in life, Doug transitioned into real estate bringing the same curiosity and work ethic that defined his earlier career.

Doug had a deep love for life’s simple joys. He was an avid sailor and lifelong enthusiast of the water, owning several sailboats and winning numerous races over the years. He loved music, and was the first and last on the dance floor. Doug loved to tinker and create - whether building model airplanes, mastering flight simulators, making toys for his grandchildren, or spending time in his garage workshop. Each Halloween, his creativity transformed his home into a neighborhood highlight, delighting generations of trick-or-treaters.

Doug is preceded in death by his son, Keith Colwick (2008). He is survived by his wife,Covie Colwick; his children, Kitty Fyfe (Peter) and David Colwick; and his stepchildren, Camille Colapinto (Mitch) and Cecie Brennan (Jason). He is also survived by many grandchildren; Kitty's children, Peter, Kristin (Stephen) and Alissa, Keith's children, Ryan, Kameron, and Lauren, Camille's children, Griffin and Crosby, Cecie's child, Anais, and great-grandchildren, Mira, Sofia, Lilah, Sidney, and Madelyn, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

Doug’s legacy lives on in the stories he told, the things he built, and the love he shared with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his warmth, and his ability to make life feel a little more magical. Doug will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A Rosary Service/Reception will be held at Fairview Memorial Mortuary, 27856 Center Dr., Mission Viejo, 92629 on Sunday, May 17th, 2:00-5:00. The Funeral Mass will be Monday, May 18th, 10 am at St. Edward's Catholic Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alzheimer's Orange County www.alzoc.org.