Douglas Raymond Huntley

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Douglas (Doug) R. Huntley, 81, of Nashua, NH. He died at the Community Hospice House, Merrimack, NH on October 11, 2024 of cancer. Born on July 11, 1943, Doug grew up in San Diego, CA as the youngest son of Roy and Alice (Baker) Huntley and brother to Raymond. Upon graduation from Lincoln High School, Doug left San Diego to study art and find his place in the world. 

 In the late 60’s he lived in New York City. During his time in the city, he participated in civil rights demonstrations, sculpted, painted, and worked at both The Strand bookstore and for a furniture builder and restorer. He then followed friends to Brattleboro, VT where he worked construction until he was invited to join the Brattleboro Fire Department as a volunteer. He loved the job so much that he became a full-time firefighter in 1971. He attended the Boston Fire Academy and was their first out-of-state graduate. Doug helped start a firefighting course for the Brattleboro area high school, which continued for many years. Doug was named Fireman of the Year in 1973.

 He moved to Nashua, NH in 1977 to become the Assistant Superintendent of Fire Prevention. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Superintendent. After many years investigating fires, he went back to being a firefighter. He retired as a Lieutenant in 2001 from Nashua’s Engine 4. He found a home in the fire department, and felt so lucky to find his true calling. 

 Douglas set out to experience life to the fullest. He became a Buddhist in 2009, and had a daily meditation practice. In his spare time, he enjoyed hiking, mountaineering, ice climbing, and traveling. He had wonderful adventures all over the U.S. and Europe exploring the mountains with friends. After retiring, Doug felt blessed to spend many hours at his art studio, making mixed media abstract paintings. 

 Doug has been married to the love of his life (his words) Theresa (Fariz) Huntley for over 29 years. Doug and Terry had an amazing time hiking, camping, climbing and traveling the world together. They once traveled across the U.S. for three months, and loved to spend time in National Parks. They traveled to Europe several times, and especially loved Italy, which became one of their favorite places. They also spent many weeks visiting family and enjoying the beaches in southern California.

 Doug is survived by his wife Terry; daughter Jennifer Huntley of Providence, RI; bonus daughters Melissa Urban and her husband Brandon Talbot of Salt Lake City, UT and Kelly Baker and her husband Ryan Baker of San Diego, CA; granddaughters Emma Rome and Zoe Grace Corbin of Providence, RI; and grandson Atticus Hartwig of Salt Lake City, UT. He leaves behind sister-in-laws Lorraine Pelletier and Diane Walton and brother-in-law James Fariz, all of Nashua, NH. He will be remembered by loving nieces, nephews, and cousins in New England, California and Florida. Doug also leaves behind a wonderful group of friends, including fellow artists, hikers, climbers, and many “brothers” in the Fire Department.

 Doug’s family would like to thank all of the doctors who cared for Doug during his four years of fighting cancer; the staff at Courville Rehab Center; and especially the compassionate doctor, nurses and staff at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH. They are true angels on earth. 

 Doug’s Celebration of Life will be held on November 9th at the Nashua Country Club, from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. A reception will be held from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, followed by a luncheon. The burial will be private. For additional details on the Celebration of Life, visit pp.events/doughuntley.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Doug’s name to the Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Rd., Merrimack, NH 03054 (hhhc.org) or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (stjude.org)

Doug wanted us to share this last message: “Be kind to others, and don’t smoke!”

 Arrangements are in the care of the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester, NH.