WEST POTSDAM — Douglas Stevens Penrose, 71, of West Potsdam, died Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital with his sister at his side, following a month’s-long decline.
Doug’s inquisitive and creative spirit will be sorely missed by family and friends.
His curmudgeonly front hid a basic goodwill towards everyone, human and animal alike.
He was an inveterate vegetarian.
Douglas was born February 4th, 1951, in the Potsdam Hospital to (Dorothy) Ruth Stevens Penrose and Charles Penrose.
He attended the West Potsdam Methodist Church and the West Potsdam “Little” Schoolhouse, graduating to Potsdam Campus School, and then Potsdam High School where he ran track, graduating in 1969.
He studied art and film-making at the Rhode Island School of Design, and maintained a life-long passion for art, film, music, and writing.
He taught photography as an adjunct professor at Mater Dei College, and published his writing in various journals.
He was an active member of the informal Norwood Writers Group, and often regaled them with his humorous pieces.
Doug was an early environmentalist and long-time peace advocate.
He was a regular at the Potsdam Peace Vigils.
He did a stint cashiering at the Potsdam Food Coop (when it was back on Willow St.) and joined the National Organic Farmers Association.
He was a carpenter, house-painter, and handyman, doing renovations and repairs with flair. He dealt in antiques, books, collectables, and dreams. He studied and practiced hypnotism. He enjoyed swimming, canoeing, and informal get-togethers with friends, especially if playing music was involved.
Douglas was predeceased by his parents; his brother Robert Dudley Penrose; his grandparents (Mary) Lois Hunter Stevens & Wilbert Alexander Stevens and Maria Woodbridge Gallaher Penrose & James Brinton Penrose; and by his beloved cat, Kiki.
He is survived by his siblings Bruce Hunter Penrose (Clarence Worsham) and Alice Stevens Penrose (Kevin Miller); his niece Ruth Penrose Miller (Andre Deckrow) and his grandnephew, Oscar.
Family and friends will gather for a celebration of Doug’s life at a warmer time and place yet to be determined.
Arrangements are with the Garner Funeral Home.
Contributions in his name may be directed to the Potsdam Rescue Squad or the Potsdam Animal Shelter.
