WHAT WOULD DOUG SR DO?
Join me in honoring Doug by helping complete random acts of kindness around the world in his name.
DOUGLAS
BEMIS SR.
1961-2022
Welcome! Thank you for finding your way to this page. We lost Doug (Dad) September 18, 2022 to terminal lung cancer. I am navigating my grief by searching for meaning in his death. I am keeping his memory alive by creating new travel experiences of things he would have loved and doing more random acts of kindness in his memory. Please help me honor Dad by helping spread kindness around the world in his name.
"THERE ARE SOME WHO BRING A LIGHT SO GREAT TO THIS WORLD, THAT EVEN AFTER THEY HAVE GONE, THE LIGHT REMAINS”
WHO IS DOUG SR?
The most loving Dad, husband, Papa, friend, and man. A smile and a laugh that could light up the room. Doug passed away on September 18, 2022 at the young age of 61. In 2020, Dad was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. The average person is given six months to live with this diagnosis, but he was dedicated to beating cancer. He did everything in his power mentally, physically, and spiritually and never lost his positive attitude. He continued to live life to the fullest and by looking at him you would have never known the battle he was fighting. His medical team adored him and in many ways they believed Dad to be a miracle.
The most common phrase to describe Dad is that he was one of a kind. He always did whatever he could to make those around him happy. The kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back no questions asked. His enthusiasm was contagious. His sense of humor, positivity, and ability to make someone feel like the most important person in the room defined who he was. He had an incredible gift of remembering a face and a name. He truly cared about everyone. His mantra was simply: “treat others how you want to be treated” and “be kind and take care of others with nothing expected in return.” Those around Dad knew that he cared and was genuine and authentic. Humor was a big part of his personality. At times he could be a bit uncensored - but because of who he was and how he said it, the room always filled with laughter. We will always remember him as the best man we have ever known. He was truly one of a kind and adored by all. There will never be another man like him. The world shines brighter because he existed and he will be missed tremendously.
I am so blessed that he was my dad. He never let you forget how much he loved you. He would do everything in his power to help you make your dreams come true. He was always saying “I just want you to be happy.” Kindness, acceptance, safety, and security are an understatement to what he provided to his family. His wife Tammy, us kids- Deanna (Scott), Danny (Ashleigh), David (Becky), Doug Jr. (Allie), his bonus kids- Jackson (Edin) and Jordan (Mary Ann), his four grandchildren - Micah, Reed, Brady, and Dawson, and his beloved fur babies- Julian and Nacho were the light of his life. Dad had so much love in his heart to give and he spent his life making a difference and sharing that love all around the world.
Dad was the life of the party and valued wholeheartedly his personal and professional relationships he built over the years. He loved his work. At the age of 21 (1982), Dad and Grandpa started Caniff Electric Supply in Hamtramck, Michigan. Over the next few decades, Caniff Electric became a major player in the industry-employing over 100 employees and grew to an annual sales volume of 100 million per year.
Although work and family were a big part of Dad’s life, he was also able to enjoy many hobbies. He was a fixture with the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Lion’s communities, having attended numerous home games and games around the United States. He was a talented bowler and enjoyed bowling at the Detroit Athletic Club for decades. Dad loved to travel and create new experiences and friendships.
Dad lived life to the fullest. He lived with honesty and integrity, lived to lift people up and wanted to share his joy and love with everyone he met. When dad saw you, he made you feel truly seen, cared about, and loved. Dad was extra and over the top in all aspects of his life, which coined the phrase “WWDSD”; What Would Doug Sr. Do? Dad had the gift to inspire you to be a better human being. He lives on through all of us and all he created in this world. I want to be and carry on all the things I loved most about him. Dad told me you always think there is going to be more time. Don’t wait to live. Be loving, spread kindness, experience joy, be a good human and do it now, because tomorrow isn’t promised. I encourage you to ask yourself WWDSD, and do it, for yourself and in honor of him. I would like to honor his memory by helping him continue to do random acts of kindness around the world.
SHARE A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS OR HOW DOUG INSPIRED YOU
Thank you for taking the time to share ❤️
HELP DOUG END DUCHENNE
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Dad was extremely close with his grandsons Reed and Brady. They always brought a smile to his face and helped make his struggle with cancer a little bit easier. In addition to DMD, Reed is currently going through treatment for leukemia. Dad and Reed became chemo buddies and would always sit with each other during their chemo treatments.
Dad would have done anything to help his grandsons and it devastated him that he could not do more. The DMD community is making strides every day and we are hopeful there will be a cure in the not so distant future.
Please consider making a donation to
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) in honor of Doug Bemis and help him achieve his dream of helping his grandkids beat DMD.
Thank you so much for your support.
About Duchenne
Duchenne is a devastating, progressive muscle-wasting disorder that slowly robs those diagnosed of their independence and eventually their life. Duchenne is the most common lethal genetic childhood disorder, affecting one in 3,500 boys worldwide. It knows no boundaries and crosses into all cultures and races. Boys with Duchenne typically lose the ability to walk between the ages of 10 and 14. By their late teens, they lose most of their upper body strength, including the ability to move their arms. They need respiratory support at night during their teenage years. Over time, their respiratory systems weaken, and they require more constant support. Most boys typically survive only into their early twenties, losing their battle to Duchenne due to pulmonary and respiratory failure.
To date, there is no known cure for Duchenne.