Douglas Lenard

Douglas Lenard passed away at the age of 64 on November 10, 2021 unexpectedly after a brief illness. Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1957, he was the eldest of seven, son of mother Diana and the late William Lenard. The family is deeply saddened by the loss of a man who had a heart of gold.

An artist, creator, inventor, chef, baker, and brilliant mind, Douglas was self-employed. Clever and industrious, he would not only find, but create a solution for the need. His work was always unique and original, crafted with care and love. A master artist with wood he also created in other mediums including inks/pencils/paint, wire, paper, and metal - pieces he often gave to friends and family - he sought little other than appreciation.

Douglas was an immensely caring and giving person to all who knew him, and had deep compassion for those he met along the way. He sought to make people laugh, was devoted to his mother, loved his family and friends and would give even when he did not have.

Spending his early years in the city, Douglas grew up in the Hudson Valley. He was well traveled throughout the US and Canada, including completing a solo cross-country bicycle adventure from Kerhonkson to Arizona in his youth. He chose to settle in the same area as he said the Hudson Valley was the best place in the country to live. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, Douglas would enjoy early morning rides through the countryside. He would share with friends and family a video or photo of a swollen valley stream, forsythia and mountain laurel blooms or a pileated woodpecker tapping at a tree - just to bring some beauty to another’s life.

Besides his mother, Diana Lenard, Douglas is survived by his siblings: Diana, nephew Everett and niece Danielle; Karen; Susan, Phil (spouse); Jessica, Jim (spouse), his nieces Melena and Mira; Andrew, Enkha (spouse), nephew Declan and niece Emilia; his Aunt Mary, Aunt Jean, numerous cousins including his godson Christopher and his family, as well as life-long best friends Mike and Vanessa.

He is predeceased by his beloved sister, Jane, his father, William and two uncles, Edward and Thomas, and dear friend Veronica.

Douglas graduated from RVHS class of 1975. He attended Ulster Community College and Syracuse University and received a degree in Fine Arts.

Visiting hours will be from 9:30 to 11:30 am at Humiston Funeral Home. Followed by a Mass at 12:00 pm on Friday, November 19th at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

A memorial celebration of life for Douglas will be held in the Spring.

Recognizing Douglas’ affinity to see the beauty in nature, we kindly request that memorial contributions be made in honor of Douglas to the National Arbor Foundation at https://shop.arborday.org/trees-in-memory; or with a contribution to pbs.org to support nature programming.