Douglas Ray Shipley

Often referred to as “Dougie” or "Chef Douglas Ray" , Doug entered into rest peacefully at his home in Lakeport, CA, Sunday, February 9, 2020, surrounded by his loved ones and faithful companions due to complications from liver cancer, at the age of 59 years. Doug is survived by his committed partner of sixteen years, Brian Paul Shipley of Lakeport, CA. He is also survived by his loving in-law’s, Helen Shriver, Roy and Rose Shriver, his niece; Cathi Shipley-Pritchard of Santa Rosa, CA, his nephew; Bradley Ray Shipley of Grass Valley, CA, as well as his faithful and loving companions, “Bruiser Woods”, “Gypsy”, “Tango”, “Annabel Lee” and his prized Fresh Water Fish he so enjoyed within his Aquarium. He is preceded in death by his parents; Raymond and Eceneith Shipley, his sister; Peggy Lang and brother; Jerry Shipley.

Doug was a native of Concord, CA, reared in Forestville, CA, where he so admired and was proud to say that he grew up on the "Russian River". He will be remembered as a lovable person who enjoyed his time spent with friends and classmates at Forestville Union Elementary School and El Molino High School. Doug obtained his G.E.D. and was last employed for thirteen years as the Development Director responsible for the North West Region of Canine Companions for Independence. He was one of the first of Canine Companion's for Independence's National and Regional Development Staff who was responsible for helping the Non-Profit reach a National Audience and successfully corralled many Sonoma County notables to participate in the Annual "Celebrity Chef" Event.

Director's at The Canine Companions for Independence have been quoted as saying that in Doug's employment period as one of their North West Regional Development Director's, he organized and assisted in projects that helped bring in funds to provide Assistance Dogs for people with disabilities other than blindness. Doug worked with both the National Office and the Regional Headquarters located throughout the United States. He did incredible and relentless work for the Organization. Doug was instrumental in establishing the Non-Profit’s Regional Office in Florida. He worked to successfully establish and expand both fundraising and public awareness activities including the signature Annual Fundraising Event, "Celebrity Chef" , that broke records every year under his direction. Doug was responsible for recruiting, motivating and training many volunteers locally who are essential to the Non-Profit. He worked extensively with the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County providing more than a hundred volunteers to participate in the Human Race each year, many in wheelchairs.

He was nationally acquainted with several prominent AIDs activists including Jeff Getty, who received the first Baboon Bone-Marrow Transplant to treat HIV Disease. Their friendship ended when Getty died in 2006 but Doug never lost the memory of their friendship. Doug lost many friends to HIV Disease, leading to his using his fundraising talents as a Lifetime Volunteer for AIDS Research Non-Profits. His other consistent fundraising support was for Animal Rescue Organizations.

Doug eventually retired in 2000, and has enjoyed volunteering at many Non-Profit Organizations throughout Northern California.

In his lifetime, Doug enjoyed camping, boating, music, nesting and making his house a home. His best and favorite interest was his enjoyment, admiration and collection of Stevie Nicks Memorabilia, often attending her “Concert’s and Meet & Greets” along with his partner, Brian. His hobbies included his passion for Corvette’s, so much so that he became a member of the “Corvette’s of Lake County”.

The previously scheduled and announced "Celebration's of Doug's Life" in Oklahoma and Northern California have both been currently suspended due to the restrictions in place regarding the Coronavirus outbreak and quarantine in place.

Further information can be obtained by calling (707) 888-7369.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearer’s for the service will be Sean Leonard, Roy Shriver, Amanda Paine, Patty Reed, Colette Gardner, Greg Coelho, Clinton Mugurussa, Bradley Ray Shipley and Brian Shipley.

As an expression of sympathy, Memorial Contribution’s in Doug’s Memory are preferred to the American Liver Foundation-National Office (39 Broadway; Suite #2700, New York, NY, 10006), Telephone number: 212-668-1000.

Expressions of sympathy left on this website will be forwarded to his family.