Douglas D. Wilson — “Doug” — was born May 26, 1953 and left this world to be with the Lord on Feb. 17, 2024.

Doug was born and raised in Eureka. He was active in physical sports — football, dirt bikes … loved those bikes —but at the young age is 13, he was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and had to hang up his helmet, as the doctors told him it would increase his pain and speed up the progression of his disease. He wanted to stay healthy as long as he could.

Doug had really great friends he roamed the neighborhood with, and he was fortunate to continue those friendships throughout his life. He still told stories and spoke fondly of them. Mike Kubala, his lifelong best friend and brother at heart, was there through thick and thin, and we all love and appreciate the friendship and love he shared with Doug. He will always be our family.

Doug worked at the mill in Eureka for years then at North Coast Exterminators, where he developed great relationships with many of his clients. He continued working until his body just couldn’t do it anymore.

Doug fell in love with and married Margaret Toroni and the two of them as a couple provided so much fun and laughter to our family. Margaret loved our family and we loved her. He was a step father to Alicia and they still had a close bond at the time of his passing. Doug lost Margaret 15 years ago and that loss stayed with him every day. He stayed by her side through cancer treatments and wrapped his arms around her until she took her final breath. They have now been reunited.

Doug was an avid ‘49ers fan and could get really passionate in his talks about the state of the world today. He had a love for his family, was protective and never separated from anyone without an “I love you” and a “drive careful.” His siblings were his friends and his brother-in-law Rodney Ward was his brother, and the friendship they had was strong and at times hilarious. They loved each other so very much. Thank you, Rodney, for all you did for Doug and for your family.

Doug suffered greatly from the arthritis he had for 57 years as it progressed he had multiple surgeries and difficulty walking and doing things we all take for granted. We had never seen someone in such pain yet continue to keep his sense of humor and make others around him laugh so much. Along with his two sisters, Doug took the best care of his mother and they had a close relationship with so many funny moments.

The faith that Doug had in God, in Jesus, was unwavering. He kept his Bible close and would talk about his faith openly and with conviction. We, as a family know he is in heaven and reunited with passed loved ones and pain free for the first time in so many years.

We love and miss him more than we can express as his passing was unexpected and hit so hard. We are comforted by the love he showed and knowing where he is today.

Doug was preceded in death by his wife Margaret and his parents Paul and Louise Wilson and brother-in-law Duane McKay, all of Eureka.

He is survived by his step-daughter Alicia Toroni, siblings Connie McKay, Kelly Ward (Rodney), Ron Wilson (Lynn) Paul Wilson (Vickie) . Nieces and nephews: Mike Marcelli (Charity), Angela Gibson, Shane DePute (Tiffany) Sasha Africa (Brett) Ryan Wilson (Estelle) Steve Wilson and LeAnne Ives.. Great Nieces and Nephews: Lacey Gibson, Kody and Katie Marcelli, Capri Curtis and Aria Africa , Maxine Wilson, Kaden, Kinsley and Carson DePute, Kayla Wilson, Rebekah, Caleb, Jeremiah and Isaiah Ives and great-great-nephew Kareem.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr Beth Ables, who took such good care of Doug and showed care, compassion and determination to help him in every way she could. We are forever grateful to you and your staff for loving Doug and he knew you had his best interest at heart.

A memorial service will be held on March 9 at 1 p.m. at the Hospice of Humboldt Conference room at 3327 Timber Fall Court (behind Timber Ridge), with a reception immediately following at the same location.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Doug Wilson’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.