Douglas Richard Barlow, commonly known as Dougie B., passed away on Oct. 6th, 2023 in a paragliding accident at Mt. Baker, WA. Born on August 7th, 1961 to Roberta and Richard Barlow in Buffalo, NY, Dougie grew up sailing and ski-racing. He is survived by his wife Sanghamitra Ray, mother Roberta Barlow, sister Gretchen Horth, and three brilliant daughters, Lily Hoffman, Leela Barlow, and Nira Barlow, along with a community that spans the globe.
Dougie B. received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at the USMMA. He regaled his daughters with his endeavors at the Academy and as a Merchant Marine, often in the form of bedtime stories. After a decade at sea and achieving the rank of First Engineer with the US Coast Guard, he settled in Seattle, WA and pivoted towards entrepreneurship in the wellness industry. He joined the Northwest Multihull Association, where he served as Commodore for a time, and spent his summers sailing with his family.
Doug Barlow, KP ’83
8/7/61 – 10/6/23
A Captain at the helm of every great adventure and a humble ambassador of Nature, his friends say that he lived more in one year than they could in ten, but that he forever extended the invitation to join in on his future ventures.
Posted by a friend of Doug:
On October 6th, 2023, Dougie Barlow, known to many and loved by all, embarked on his final adventure. Doug passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will forever inspire and captivate our hearts.
Throughout his remarkable life, Dougie was a living testament to the spirit of exploration, daring, and unwavering passion for discovery. His boundless enthusiasm and fearlessness took him from skating around the kitchen in his new roller blades, blazing through the waters of the PNW, to soaring in the sky on his paramoter.
But what truly set Dougie apart was not just his intrepid expeditions but also his selfless contributions to his communities. Beyond his adventures, Dougie was deeply committed to making a difference right here at home. He was a humble leader and organizer in his neighborhood association, quietly maintaining the roads and tending to the needs of his community. His willingness to step in and help in any way needed was a testament to his character.
Beyond his daring exploits, Dougie was a beacon of kindness and humility. He had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life, treating everyone he met with genuine warmth and respect. His enthusiasm for life was infectious, and his humility despite his extraordinary accomplishments served as a lesson in how to remain grounded yet live life to the fullest.
One of the many facets of Dougie’s community involvement was his dedicated leadership in Juice Plus+ world, where he worked tirelessly to promote health and well-being. He didn’t seek recognition for his efforts; rather, he carried out his work with the same humility and passion that defined his adventurous spirit.
However, there was one area where Doug would occasionally allow himself to boast, and that was when he talked about his three daughters and his amazing wife. He would light up with pride and affection as he shared stories of their accomplishments, their adventures, and the love and support they provided him throughout his own journeys. To Dougie, his family was not only his anchor but also his greatest adventure and source of joy.
In this time of sorrow, let us celebrate Doug’s incredible life, his unquenchable thirst for adventure, and the profound impact he had on each of us. Let his memory be a source of strength and inspiration, reminding us to live life with the same passion, courage, and boundless curiosity that defined his existence.
Our hearts go out to Mitra, Lily, Leela, and Nira and family as we join together to honor the memory of a true legend. Dougie Barlow, the world’s greatest adventurer, edge of the world gardener, international man of leisure, may you continue your exploration in the great beyond, forever etching your name in the annals of history.
Fair seas and following winds, dear friend. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Posted by Peter Huston, a friend of Doug:
Doug Barlow, very active trimaran racer in the PNW good friend and a neighbor of mine died last week in a paragliding accident. Doug was always very upbeat and he loved sailing and talking about boats. He will be very much missed.
Rest easy Slick, I’m sure you are spreading happiness with your infectious smile as you always did in the great boat in the sky.