Douglas Gunnell

Douglas B Gunnell spent his life loving and serving the people around him. He passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, at age 70, due to a rare form of Alzheimer’s called Posterior Cortical Atrophy which causes deterioration of the part of the brain that affects visual and spatial processing. Though he received his official diagnosis three years ago, Doug remained remarkably resilient, keeping his sense of humor to the end.

EARLY LIFE
Born May 10, 1956, in Billings, Montana, Doug entered the world 15 minutes after his twin sister, Debi. He liked to jokingly claim he was just being a gentleman to let her come first. His childhood was shaped by his father's career as an Air Force pilot, taking the family from Tucson to Colorado Springs, Orem, and eventually to Japan and Alabama. At the Air Force Academy, Doug and his siblings roamed the foothills in search of adventure—building forts, riding horses, and sliding down snowy hillsides on saucers. In the winter, they would devise any number of snow games zipping in and out of the trees on sleds and saucers. One day, Doug was determined to beat them all and took off on a saucer, gaining speed so rapidly that he sailed off a 20-foot cliff into the middle of the partially frozen stream! Thankfully, he was unharmed.

When his father deployed to Vietnam for eighteen months in 1969, Doug stepped into his natural role as a steadying presence and leader. Already elected student body president in eighth grade, he possessed a genuine kindness and athletic grace that drew people to him.

In ninth grade, the family relocated to Japan. There, Doug thrived—playing varsity quarterback, earning his Eagle Scout award with an extraordinary 42 merit badges, and traveling throughout Asia. Though his football coach presented challenges rooted in prejudice, Doug's integrity and quiet strength earned him the respect of his peers.

Doug attended Brigham Young University for a year before serving a two-year mission in Nagoya, Japan, where he became fluent enough to translate for others. He returned to complete his degree in social work with a minor in Japanese.

FAMILY & SERVICE
Doug envisioned a large family and came remarkably close to his dream of twelve children. His first marriage blessed him with four children; later, he met Kristy, who proved his perfect complement in every way. They were sealed in the Santiago, Chile, temple in 2004 by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. Kristy brought five children into their merged family, and together, Doug and Kristy later adopted two of their grandchildren.

Family was Doug's greatest joy. He attended games and recitals, helped with homework, planned elaborate family home evenings, and organized service projects for neighbors. He was known for his chocolate chip cookies and legendary fudge. Whenever someone needed help, Doug showed up.

We all remember him playing in the leaves with his grandchildren the fall after his diagnosis, making memories while he still could. His love for his family was evident in everything he did. The bond he and Kristy shared, built on faith and unwavering devotion, became a testament to lasting love.

Doug possessed a natural athleticism and a love of healthy competition that never quite left him. Even as mobility became difficult, he maintained a friendly rivalry over daily step counts, pickleball, and cornhole. He was patient and calm, never one to utter an unkind word, and had a remarkable gift for making people feel appreciated and loved.

CHARACTER & CAREER
For 35 years, Doug distinguished himself as a surgical representative, earning top sales awards five years running. He gained the trust and respect of colleagues throughout the mountain west, fostering environments of camaraderie and teamwork. He became an expert at teaching physicians and surgical teams about the latest technologies and was frequently present in operating rooms to train and assist.

Doug was deeply kind, quick to laugh, and a little mischievous. His faith was quiet and unwavering—he read the Book of Mormon every single day until his eyesight declined, then faithfully listened to inspirational podcasts instead. His testimony was something he lived.

His life was one of service in his family, work, and church. He had deep reserves of faith and strength to help him through many challenges and difficulties. His strong testimony of Jesus Christ was his source of peace and perspective. He served in many leadership positions and especially loved working with the youth.

SURVIVING & PREDECEASED FAMILY
Doug is preceded in death by his son, Casey. He is survived by his wife, Kristy Gunnell; his children from his first marriage: Ashley Kay, Barrett (Sabrina), and Baylee (Tayea); his children with Kristy: Ashley Brooke (Brennan), Jason (Taryn), Chase, Colby (ReBecca), Aubrey (Matt), Ava, and Abby. Doug leaves behind 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, along with his lifelong best friend and twin sister, Debi.

MEMORIAL SERVICE
A funeral service will be held Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lindon Utah Stake Center (56 East 600 North in Lindon, Utah, 84042). The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Flowers may be sent to the Nelson Family Mortuary. https://zoom.us/j/92670945551

There will be no viewing or graveside service. A luncheon for family and friends will follow the funeral at the Gunnell home.