To know Doug was to know a man who loved deeply, served faithfully, and gave freely of himself to God and to those around him. He lived with an open heart and an adventurous spirit, but what stood out most about him was the way he showed up for people. He was someone you could count on—someone who would listen, help, encourage, and stay when life got hard. His faith in Jesus Christ was at the center of who he was and shaped the way he lived and loved.

Douglas Paul Whipple was born July 31, 1952, in Boise, Idaho, to Kenneth and Betty Whipple. He was the oldest of five children. As the oldest, he naturally took on a role of looking out for his younger siblings David, Randy, Karen, and Janet. That tendency to care for and protect the people around him stayed with him throughout his life. He loved his siblings and spoke of them often, remembering their childhood with genuine affection.

Doug loved adventure and he loved a challenge. He was full of energy, had a strong sense of determination, and was willing to try just about anything. But perhaps what people will remember most was his willingness to be there when he was needed. To those he loved, he was a steady presence.

At the center of Doug's life was his wife of 52 years, Sydney Hilton Whipple. Together they built a family and a home centered on faith, love, and shared experiences. Doug valued time together and worked hard to create opportunities for his family to make memories, both in the big moments and the ordinary ones. Those times with his wife, children, and grandchildren were what he cherished most.

His grandchildren brought him a great deal of joy. He loved getting to know each of them for who they were and took genuine interest in their lives. They knew their Papa loved them, and they knew they could count on him.

Doug was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Whipple; his son, Brian Whipple; and his grandson, Easton Whipple. We find comfort in knowing that he has now been reunited with them.

Doug is survived by his wife, Sydney; his mother, Betty; his siblings, David Whipple, Randy Whipple, Karen Richardson, and Janet Henry; and his children and grandchildren: Jennifer Perkins and her six children; Nathan and Tiffany Whipple and five of their children; Laura and John Ellis and their eight children; Jon and Mindy Whipple and their four children; and Nicholas and Sydney Whipple and their six children. He is also survived by an anticipated great-grandchild, as well as a large extended family.

Doug's family will miss his energy, his determination, his willingness to help, and the way he made himself available to the people he loved. We are grateful for the example he gave us of living with faith, working hard, loving his family, and being willing to serve.

Though we weren't ready for him to go, we find peace in knowing that he has been called home to his Savior. We will miss him deeply, but we are grateful for the years we had with him and for the things he taught us. We look forward to the day we will see him again.