Name: Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories
Address: Tampa, FL

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know there are no words that can take away the pain. 
I knew Doug a short time.  He was a wonderful person and he will be greatly missed.
I wish you, your boys and the rest of your family all the best in the world. I know Doug will be watching over all of you. ❤️🙏

Hi Antonia,

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband.  While I never met him I know that he will live on in your boys and in the hearts of your whole family.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers!

Michelle

As a father, Doug felt one of his primary responsibilities was to prepare his loved ones for a life that could be unforgiving at times. Out of love, he carefully taught his sons numerous practical skills which would serve them throughout life, including how to cook, mow the lawn, unclog toilets, change shower heads, and set up their TVs. It was also of the utmost importance to Doug that the boys grew up knowing how to care for their mother. He diligently ingrained in them an accountability for household duties, with their responsibilities including: helping with the dishes; preparing the table for meals; maintaining the pool; upkeeping the yard; folding the laundry; helping with breakfast; vacuuming the floor; and caring for their mischievous pandemic dog, Niko. 

It was with his fathers passing in early 2015 that Doug realized he was spending too much time away from the family while traveling for work, and he decided to transition to a new job that would allow him to stay closer to home with his loving family. In late 2015, he started his new job at BIC Graphics/Koozie Group. He was passionate about process improvement and efficiency, and BIC provided him the environment he needed to thrive while maintaining happiness in his personal life. He was extremely proud of his day-to-day achievements at work and truly enjoyed the friendships formed with his equally talented coworkers. 

cont...

Douglas’ Life Story:

Douglas Tam was born on May 02, 1967 to parents, Alan C. Tam and So King Tam in New York City, New York. In 1972, his father received an opportunity to be a head chef at Tung Tung in Tampa, and the family relocated. Doug spent much of his time at the restaurant learning to cook with his parents. It was through his father’s career that cooking became one of Doug’s passions in life. 

Doug never truly enjoyed school in the traditional academic setting and as a result faced many challenges; however, he later changed course to pursue technical training, at which he excelled. After completing technical school, Doug and his brother Ray moved to the West Coast to seek career opportunities. They both found the distance from their family to be difficult, so they returned to Tampa, where Doug decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. 

After gaining a job at Zeppelin Reimelt GMBH Rödermark and closing on his first house, he shifted his focus to achieving his life goal of having a family. Against all odds, Doug (in Tampa, FL, USA) found Antonia (in Belize City, Belize, Central America) online in 2003. They discovered an immediate and profound connection, and after 6 months of long-distance dating, they were engaged, marrying shortly after on May 24, 2004. In 2007, they joyously welcomed their first son, Steven. Michael followed very quickly in 2008, and Ethan in 2010. With three children in just four years, Doug’s life was busy and complete. It was also a tight squeeze for their bustling family of five, so the Tam Family moved into their second home that year. 

cont....

Great having Doug as a student.  We created wonderful memories in the classroom and on FIASA competition trip.  He showed outstanding leadership as an officer in Van Buren FIASA club. I am proud to call him a friend.  I will miss him.  Good bless his family. 

Robert Lawson, former Industrial Arts Teacher, Assistant Principal and Principal 

 Antonia. I’m so sorry for the loss of your  dear husband.   I’m honored to have met him.  He was  kind  to me and my son and we will always  be grateful for his wonderful heart.  Your precious memories will get you through this difficult time. Love,
Cecilia and Austin

Doug will always be remembered as a great friend husband and father. He was always willing to lend a hand. Always up for giving advice even if you didn’t ask for it. He was a true genuine human being and had a big heart. I could always trust that he would tell the truth even if you didn’t like it. He had high expectations and never settled for less. 
There are many memories that will never be forgotten. We started as co workers and became great friends.  He enjoy always saving a dollar so lunches at Wendy’s to get 4 for $4 was a must. I will alway cherish the chats we had and the time spent together. He tried so hard to teach me to make rice with the finger trick but I still end up with congee - my flaw not his. I will always be grateful that he’s referred to me as his work daughter and although I didn’t always listen he had truly made an impact in my life. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.  

We are sorry for the loss of our friend Doug.  When you meet a person like Doug, they leave a lasting impression. He was beyond smart, always ready to help, and dedicated to his family. We were blessed to have had him as both a neighbor and a friend.  We have watched Doug and Antonia raise 3 amazing, respectful, and hard working boys…. His dear mom So, as well.    As I read through most of the messages, I could do nothing but smile and agree with what everyone said about Doug and his family.   Helping hands work together accomplishing great things.  No matter how big or small the help you offer, it makes a difference.  Thank you  Doug for the beautiful light that you spread on your journey here on earth which will continue to shine through those who were blessed to know and love you. We will miss you Doug. 

Doug will be remembered dearly as a beloved brother-in-law , uncle and friend! He has always been caring , protective, conservative and wise beyond his years….
Tonia , Doug will be ever present in your everyday life as he has trained and prepared you and the kids to continue thru life’s journey . May you be blessed to stay strong as Doug’s influence lives thru you and the kids . May you seek this strength thru the love and many wonderful memories shared with the families . We love you all and are here for you ! 

Dear Antonia,                                                                  I would like to express, on behalf of my family, our condolences. All of us was previlaged to meet Doug. I met Doug only a few times but he was a very nice person .I can see that he was a great father and wanted to teach his kids invaluable life lessons. I still remember the time when I would greet Doug and he would be happy to see me. I will always remember his generous nature. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys. Please let me know if there is anything we can do.                                         Sincere condolences,                                    Richard 

Always (Quan)tity and quality time and always around a dinner table! 

Xunantunich Maya Ruin Belize January 2, 2019

Spending quality and  (Quan)tity time Christmas 2019

We have lost a very important branch in our family tree with the passing of our beloved Doug. Doug has always been the quiet, soft spoken, few words man but with the most caring and loving heart. He takes care of everyone in our super big family. He is very disciplined, reliable and responsible, never missing a detail of what he needed to get done before the due date. 
Doug joined our family when he married the love of his life, Antonia, who complimented his life and completed the love with three wonderful sons, Steven, Michael and Ethan. 
Doug had always been the disciplinarian in the home and manages to be the man of the house with blessings from Antonia, but he also gave his blessings for Antonia to wear the pants. He respected Antonia so much and loved her so faithfully and unconditionally. 
Doug always was the man with the camera at all our family events. He captured so many memories for us not knowing that we captured the most endearing memories of him in our hearts and minds for posterity. 
Doug, you have captivated us with your soft spoken, quiet demeanor and we have fallen in love with the constant you have been in the family. We know you are in the light and arriving Home in glory. 
You will be sorely missed in presence, deeply loved and never forgotten! 
We love you always! 

Koozie Group (formally BIC Graphic) Engineering Team
Friday lunch at Miller's Ale House, one of Doug's favorite places.

Doug joined Koozie Group in 2015 and was an integral member of our engineering team.   Our team is a close-knit group and have been deeply impacted by this loss.  

The team has shared with me their heart-felt thoughts about Doug and would like for us all to know that during his tenure he earned the respect and friendship from his teammates and others he supported through all our Koozie Group facilities.  Doug was always willing to lend a hand whether that was after hours or on the weekends, and he was happy to share his experiences and knowledge to help the team.  He was very intelligent, detailed, and willing to put forth extra efforts. He proudly completed projects to the very high standards that our engineering team is known for.

Some of the key projects where Doug was the Electrical Controls Lead Engineer included the SLE Desk Calendar Corners Machine, CLW Budget Mug Dye Sublimation Automation, CLW Drinkware Automation 8, CLW Drinkware 5 Loading Automation, and the SLE Tubing Automation.

Doug was a dedicated husband and father to 3 amazing boys and shared his family values with our engineering team and the entire organization, contributing to the wonderful work environment that we all enjoy.  The team was inspired by the strength he showed during this difficult time. 

The engineering team is very sad to lose one of its brothers. 

Matthew Chan took us on a stroll in his pontoon 🚤

On 6/24, we lost a dear family friend of almost 50 years!  Although we don’t have that many photos to show for the many fond memories we shared as we didn’t have cameras readily available back in the day, Doug/us would laugh and joke about all the dumb things we did as kids.  We climbed trees, built tree houses, dug ditches, and killed rats just to name a few.  A couple of broken arms later and several visits to the ER we are able to reflect on those memories and share them with our family and kids.  I’m so thankful to God for putting Doug in my life. 
Antonia, Steven, Michael and Ethan, your husband/father was very special!  He was so kind-hearted and cherished you/family so much.  Steven/Michael, now you are responsible for making the brisket! ☺️. We will miss him dearly but I am thankful as there is no more pain and suffering.
Psalm 56:13: For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living….until we meet again on the other side.

Antonia and Doug at Fawn Lake Community Picnic in September 2010

Mindy at Doug's Birthday celebration in May 2010

Tam Family at Doug's Birthday in May 2010

Jose at Doug's Birthday celebration in May 2010

Having FUN at Strawberry Festival with the Tam Family in Feb 2020!

We felt very blessed to have known Doug for the last 22 years. We started out as neighbors but quickly became close friends. Doug was a very thoughtful, caring, and faithful friend. We were treated like family and were included in many family celebrations and outings.  

Thank-you Doug for the gift of an everlasting friendship! Until we meet again, please know we are here for your family - Antonia, Steven, Michael and Ethan.




Doug was a neighbor and a friend.  

One memory I have of him is his willingness to help others.  Doug was very handy with household repairs and in general I am not.  He was always there to talk me through a repair, recommend a contractor, lend me a tool, show me how to make the repair or on ocassion do the repair for me.  In one particular instance I was trying to install new moulding after termites had damaged the original and Doug brought his air compressor and nail gun attachment and in the span of about 30 seconds had it reinstalled.  

While I always appreciated his help, it is his friendship that I will miss this most!   Our "driveway chats" where two husbands, fathers, and professionals talked through issues and supported each other in the journey that is life.  

Condolences to Antonio, Stephen, Michael, and Ethan.  

My memories of Doug start when we were both students at H. C.C. He was getting credits to be an engineer and I was getting credits to apply for optometry school. We took Trigonometry, physics and chemistry together and had a lot of good times. Doug was very good with computers and always lent me a helping hand with them.  We continued on our roads of education with Doug becoming an engineer and I becoming an optometrist. We stayed in touch throughout the years working on home projects and getting together for dinners. It was nice to see Doug become an accomplished engineer, find love with Antonia and then the arrival of their wonderful boys, Steven, Michael and Ethan. Doug was a fine man, excellent husband and father. He was a good disciplinarian and his boys are polite and respectful. I will think of Doug often and the good memories of our times together. RIP my friend.
   We send our deepest condolences to Antonia, Steven, Michael and Ethan.

To me, Doug, you were always this soft spoken, confident, but very humble brother-in-law, who wore many hats.  You were an electrical engineer, a computer wiz, a carpenter, a mason, a plumber, or simply put,  a well seasoned handyman.  You were a book keeper, maintaining and monitoring any and all budgets, an auto mechanic, an excellent chef with numerous succulent specialties such as sea bass and brisket, and most importantly, a loving, faithful, and dedicated husband and father.  The love of his life was you, Antonia, and his prize possession were definitely you, Stephen, Michael, and Ethan.  

To his wonderful kids, Doug was a disciplinarian, and always wanted to portray himself as being rough, and tough, all because, I believe, that was the most effective way of getting across his life lessons.  But if you really got to know him, he was actually this  wise, caring, unselfish and dependable individual who’s only objective was to impart knowledge to his sons, to prepare them to face the world and be self motivated.  I know he has succeeded.  

Doug, you were a great husband, father, son, uncle, brother-in-law, friend, and without a doubt, left a lasting imprint on all of us.  We are truly blessed to have had you in our lives.  I know that some day we will meet again.  Until then, enjoy your Dad and Papa, with his hearty laugh, and all that heaven has to offer.  You deserve it!!!






I have many favorite memories with my cousin, Doug.  Most memories were created when we both lived in California....times shared with many cousins over bowling and pool games after restaurant hours.  Over the years, through the distance, we were always able to re-connect and share our lives irrespective of the distance and time lapse.   His FAVORITE restaurant in was a steakhouse named Woodranch in CA, he certainly loved his prime rib!   More than his love of steak,   Doug cherished his love and devotion to his family.   Through all our love trials in our younger years, Doug had found his soul mate in Antonia who was such a compliment and blessing to Doug.   He was so filled with contentment and joy when he spoke of his family - he protected and loved them fiercely!  May you rest in peace, cousin!   Always in our hearts, Jenny Buskirk

It feels like just yesterday that Steven and Anthony were in VPK together. I still remember vividly the carpool trips with Doug, picking up the boys from school. Doug was always a caring father, great husband and a true friend. 
The memories the boys shared are precious. We are wishing your family strength, peace, comfort, courage  and lots of love during this time of sorrow. If there is anything we can do for you, please feel free to reach out.
Love,
The Tran Family 
(Robert, Kim, Alexis and Anthony)

My heartfelt condolences to all of the Tam family. May the loving memories each of you hold with Doug bring you comfort in the times ahead.  
I recall various poems and writings over the years about "The Measure of a Man."  One poem in particular is how I will remember Doug, especially with the words "The true measure of a man is the legacy he leaves behind." One look at the Tam family and it is apparent Doug met the criteria. Husband, father, brother, and friend and surpassed expectations in every arena. Doug, I say to you my friend, indeed I have been warmed by your fire as a true Man and please know you are not forgotten. 

With deepest sympathy,

Michael Steighner
Friend and neighbor



Antonia,

Please accept my deepest sympathy at the passing of your husband.
We often go through our daily routine and forget how fragile this life is.   

I hope you and your children find comfort in the days and weeks to come with the support of family and friends.

Best,
John Meiers 

 Antonia, Steven, Michael, Ethan and your entire family. We are sorry for your loss, and we offer our most heartfelt condolences. Doug was a good man who treated everyone with kindness and respect. May your faith guide you through these difficult times and your love of family keep you strong. 

Antonia,

I am so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers to you and your family!  STAY STRONG!  Peggy Sovich

Antonia, Michael, Steven, Ethan.  My deepest condolences on your loss.  Doug was one of the smartest, nicest people I've ever known.  He helped his neighborhood by volunteering for the Board for years.  Even with his busy schedule, he always made time to help people whenever they needed it.  Doug will be truly missed.  

Doug , you’ll never be forgotten in our hearts.  We’ll always cherish the wonderful memories we had together. You ‘re in a better place RIP my brother.  You’ll be missed.



Having fun in Disney World the happiest place on earth. 

I'm thinking of you as you celebrate Doug's beautiful life!   Warm wishes to Antonia, Steven, Michael and Ethan and the extended Tam family.  I'm hoping you'll all find comfort, strength and peace for a happy life.  Stay well and please don't hesitate to reach out if I can be of help. 
Best Always,
Sherman


I'm thinking of you as you celebrate Doug's beautiful life!  Warm wishes Antonia, Steven, Michael, Ethan and the extended Tam family.  I hope everyone finds the strength and comfort to build a peaceful future filled with happiness.  Please take good care of yourself and each other.  Don't hesitate to reach out if I can be of help. 
Best always, Sherman

Antonia and family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you on the loss of Doug.
He put up a good fight but his cancer was very rare.
Only time will ease the pain of his loss.
May God uphold you and strengthen you through this very difficult time.
Jack and Pam Kilbride
From Zeppelin Systems USA

We want to send our deepest condolences to Antonia and the Tam Family for the loss Doug.  We pray you will find peace, solace, and strength during this time of grieving.  Doug was my childhood friend and I will always have fond memories of him.  I will miss him greatly.



OBITUARY

Douglas Tam

May 2, 1967 – June 24, 2023

Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories

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