Douglas Jan Player

Our very own renaissance man, known by many names, Douglas Jan Player to the World, Doug and Uncle to many, brother to some, and Bou Bou and partner to one, slipped into the arms of God in the early morning hours of March 12, 2012.
Doug waged not just a battle but a protracted war against his ultimate foe, cancer. But as is sometimes the case, this war was one of attrition and our dear Doug was worn out from his long struggles. Earlier this year, the fates seemed to be on his side when his brother Glade gave him a precious few months more by giving of himself through bone marrow transplant. It wasn't for lack of prayers that he passed from us, every person who knew Doug loved him, including the doctors, nurses and staff at the LDS Hospital, and his friends and co-workers at Cabin Fever and Tabula Rosa.
Throughout this most arduous campaign, Doug's partner, Todd Bertagnolli was never far from his side. Todd's love never wavered, nor did that of his brothers and their wives, Val and Carolyn, Jack and Gayle, Riley and Sue, and Glade and Dendra, nor that of his "other mother" Margo Bertagnolli and the rest of Todd's family.
Doug was born on April 17, 1950, and graduated from Granger High School in 1968, where his fellow students awarded him a top honor by voting him their Student Body Vice President. Doug graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Utah, and attended on scholarship the Skowhegan Institute of Art. In his younger years Doug lived in New York City where he was a graphic artist, but when called, came home to take care of his mother, Lily Ann Oakeson Player, who along with his Dad, Leo Udell Player, were waiting with open arms when he joined them.
As an Uncle, Doug was unsurpassed. A true Pied Piper, he was often engulfed in nieces and nephews who used to climb his legs for a better perch and he would sing and dance for them. Many, if not all, of those nieces and nephews visited with Doug over the last few weeks, either in person or through facebook. We have no doubt that he gave as much comfort to them as they did him.
As a friend, Doug was endearing and enduring. Those who were lucky enough to come in contact with his radiant smile were changed forever. Those who were recipients of his art, will always share in the beauty he was able to create. Many of those friends and family stepped up when needed to spend days with Doug during the last few weeks. We can't express how much that means to Todd, the family, and most especially, to Doug.
In the next few weeks we will be posting an invitation to join in a celebration of Doug's life through Facebook. Right now though, in honor of his wishes, the good folks at SereniCare, are proceeding with his cremation. After meeting with them, we are sure that Doug will be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. If you want to do something special in Doug's name, reach out to a loved one or friend and give them a big hug and kiss and say, this one's for Doug.