It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, James Douglas Van Dyke. Doug was born June 30, 1964, in Salt Lake City and was the first-born child to Karl Douglas and Lenora Cosson Van Dyke.
He passed away suddenly at his home in Stansbury Park, Utah, on July 24, 2017, due to health complications.
While he left without permission or fanfare, as was his style, he was apparently called home for something even better than the Pioneer Day celebrations that he always loved.
A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Doug had served a full-time mission in Dallas, Texas.
While his time on earth was cut short, he truly followed the Savior’s example of giving all that he had. He was willing to do anything at any time for anyone in need, and he was truly generous beyond his means.
Stubborn as a mule, Doug was not short on opinions, most especially political opinions, and he spent time volunteering for the Republican Party. However, he was a gentle giant who loved and supported everyone in his family.
You would often find him rolling around on the floor wrestling with nephews or teasing nieces and making them laugh. He was the uncle that took the kids shooting, gave the biggest, noisiest birthday presents, sat through endless musical performances, cheered at countless soccer games, came to every baptism and baby blessing and even played Barbies.
An Eagle Scout and avid outdoorsman, Doug enjoyed spending time skiing, hiking, fishing and hunting. He especially enjoyed peaceful evening walks with his black labs, Misty and Drakkar, whom he was seldom without.
Doug also loved to travel with friends and family. He had explored many countries around the world, which only increased his love for America.
Doug was an industrial designer by trade. He graduated from the Phoenix Institute of Technology with a degree in electrical mechanical design, and he was employed at US Magnesium. The highlight of his career, however, was supporting and working for the Salt Lake Olympic Committee, designing venue sites and systems.
Doug is preceded in death by a long line of noble ancestors, including grandparents and uncles.
He is survived in death by his parents, Karl and Lenora Van Dyke; siblings: Wesley (Jennifer) Van Dyke, Jennifer Van Dyke Spencer and Heather (Tyler) Harvey; nieces and nephews: Ian, Kasey (Brady), Gareth, Karley, Zachary, Lauren, Hayden, Addison, Ashlyn and Maren; and grand-niece Lacin-Mae.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 31, 2017, at the Stansbury Ward Chapel at 417 Benson Rd., Stansbury Park, Utah. A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, 2017, at the McDougal Funeral Home at 4330 S. Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, Utah, and one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday.
Interment will be at the Stansbury Park Cemetery. An online guest book is available at mcdougalfuneralhomes.com.