Doug’s Obituary Douglas Berner Audley (June 1, 1955 – January 9, 2019) Family Man, Coach, Builder and Broadcaster Doug Audley, 63, died in Pathways Hospice in Loveland, Colorado on January 9, 2019. His family was by his side. Doug’s maternal grandparents emigrated from Flekkefjord, Norway and settled in Westchester County, New York.
Doug’s grandfather, Berner Andreasen Olsen, built custom homes. Doug followed in his footsteps, leaving a legacy in homes along Colorado’s front range. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, as a young man Doug was an outstanding basketball player in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.
Through his children he learned to love soccer. He became a beloved coach of youth soccer teams, including the U6-12 boys Diablos. Music was Doug’s inspiration.
A volunteer deejay for KCSU and KRFC through four decades, he introduced many listeners to music they grew to love. With an encyclopedic knowledge of lyricists and accompanists, his knowledge spanned nearly a century. He dove deeply into jazz, Tejano, New Orleans influences, blues, country swing, soul, R&B, zydeco, Cajun, rock, bluegrass and Americana.
Doug had hundreds of favorite musicians, but Louis Armstrong and Reverend Gary Davis topped his list. “I can’t help but think back to Doug’s wonderfully quirky Saturday morning show on KCSU. It made me laugh,” fellow broadcaster Pete Simon said.
“It made me shake my head with wonder how he could come up with some of the gems of wisdom that came out of his mouth and over the airwaves. It was the highlight of the week for many of us”. Doug was touched to be honored with community radio KRFC-FM’s “Inspiration Award” in December 2018.
Doug deeply treasured his family, friends and the Fort Collins community. He was immensely proud of his family, as they were of him. At 6’5”, he was tall in character, creativity and wit.
He was gentle, humble, sweet and thoughtful. Known for being quick to forgive and bringing out the best in others, he looked on the bright side even in the darkest times. In life and music, he was often ahead of his time.
“Back in the day you were often the first one through new doors. Seems you will be, again. Always on the vanguard,” his friend, Kevin Quinn, said.
With a green thumb for gardening, he specialized in tomatoes and raspberries. He loved to fish, whether for striped bass near his childhood summer home in Montauk, New York, or rainbow and brown trout in the high mountain lakes and rivers of Colorado. He explored nature’s beauty by hiking in many of the western states and the Poconos.
An avid reader, he also enjoyed movies, sailing, classic cars, playing guitar and cooking. Doug was predeceased by his parents James Francis Mallette Audley and Ruth Dagmar Olsen Audley, and sisters Nancy Karin Audley and Susan Katrina Audley. Doug is survived by Ellen Thompson Audley, his wife and best friend for over 40 years; children Collin Ray and Evelyn (“Eve”) Maureen Audley; his brother James Audley (Susan), sister Barbara Jackson (Charlie Wade); nephews Benjamin Audley and Sam, Will and Cody (Wade); nieces Leslie, Becky, Jen, Kathy and Elizabeth; and special friends Barb Solow, Cynthia Bigelow, Patrice Langan and Curt Amason.
Doug was a ray of light, kindness and humor in our lives. He will be deeply missed. His life will be celebrated at Avogadro’s, 605 S. Mason Street, Sunday, June 2 from 2-4 p.m. Please visit caringbridge.org/visit/dougaudley for additional information and updates.
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