Douglas Charles Leland Obituary (1955 - 2020)

Born Jun 27, 1955, Douglas Charles Leland attended Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove Village, IL. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Douglas Charles Leland.

Graduation Year	Class of 1973
Date of Birth	Jun 27, 1955
Date of Passing	Feb 14, 2020
About	In Memorial Douglas Charles Leland 1955-2020 Like Halley’s comet, we come from the heavens and return to the heavens, but not all of us get 75 years of life in-between visits as Halley’s comet does. At 12:40 AM on February 14th, 2020, Douglas Charles Leland, class of ‘73’ passed away from the results of an injury. Doug had just returned to his home in Wisconsin after a wonderful 3-week visit with his sister and her family in California. They had recently reconnected after a long period of lost communication. Doug, for those who spent high school years with him, stole the spotlight on stage, in choir, in teacher’s classrooms after school, in French and Drama club. Well…check the yearbooks. Here are some of his reviews from a just few admirers after hearing that he had passed: Mrs. Jane Fraser (teacher), “Doug was a student in the very first class I taught almost 50 years ago, and he is one of maybe 5 I remember from that year. His wit, humor, and creativity made him a true standout.” Nancy Loprieno Klaman (alum), “ Doug Leland was a beautiful man who danced through his life with love, laughter and song…Applaud him.” Kathy (KT) Tansey Riggs (alum), “Doug was the leader of any group he encountered – his humor was infectious, and he had the ability to converse with anyone at any age, and make each person happy!” Kyleen Wilson (alum), “He was fun and a talented performer.” He was a true cinephile with an encyclopedic knowledge of classic film history. He loved good books and was an expert wordsmith himself. He had a life filled with loves, friends, cooking, music, master gardening and theater. Doug never met a stranger (it absolutely delighted him to have in-depth conversations with people he encountered while out shopping or wherever). Doug’s ability to bring light, love, kindness and laughter to everyone he met was a true gift to all. It really isn’t ironic that Doug would leave us on Valentine’s Day. He was a hopeless romantic. And, rather than have his passing be a shadow on future February fourteenths, many of us will celebrate the addition of his memory to our collection of giant sweethearts. Doug is survived by his sister, Denise Stevens, his niece, Kirsten and nephew, Ian; his Aunt Marilyn, cousins, one great-nephew, eight great- nieces, one great great-niece; and, those of us who are reading this. Stay blessed! Doug is also survived by the love of his friends and the echoes of his laughter. See ya’ around, Doug. ~ Wendy Watson ‘74’ and Sue Kelly Krokidis
Events	In Memorial Douglas Charles Leland 1955-2020 Like Halley’s comet, we come from the heavens and return to the heavens, but not all of us get 75 years of life in-between visits as Halley’s comet does. At 12:40 AM on February 14th, 2020, Douglas Charles Leland, class of ‘73’ passed away from the results of an injury. Doug had just returned to his home in Wisconsin after a wonderful 3-week visit with his sister and her family in California. They had recently reconnected after a long period of lost communication. Doug, for those who spent high school years with him, stole the spotlight on stage, in choir, in teacher’s classrooms after school, in French and Drama club. Well…check the yearbooks. Here are some of his reviews from a just few admirers after hearing that he had passed: Mrs. Jane Fraser (teacher), “Doug was a student in the very first class I taught almost 50 years ago, and he is one of maybe 5 I remember from that year. His wit, humor, and creativity made him a true standout.” Nancy Loprieno Klaman (alum), “ Doug Leland was a beautiful man who danced through his life with love, laughter and song…Applaud him.” Kathy (KT) Tansey Riggs (alum), “Doug was the leader of any group he encountered – his humor was infectious, and he had the ability to converse with anyone at any age, and make each person happy!” Kyleen Wilson (alum), “He was fun and a talented performer.” He was a true cinephile with an encyclopedic knowledge of classic film history. He loved good books and was an expert wordsmith himself. He had a life filled with loves, friends, cooking, music, master gardening and theater. Doug never met a stranger (it absolutely delighted him to have in-depth conversations with people he encountered while out shopping or wherever). Doug’s ability to bring light, love, kindness and laughter to everyone he met was a true gift to all. It really isn’t ironic that Doug would leave us on Valentine’s Day. He was a hopeless romantic. And, rather than have his passing be a shadow on future February fourteenths, many of us will celebrate the addition of his memory to our collection of giant sweethearts. Doug is survived by his sister, Denise Stevens, his niece, Kirsten and nephew, Ian; his Aunt Marilyn, cousins, one great-nephew, eight great- nieces, one great great-niece; and, those of us who are reading this. Stay blessed! Doug is also survived by the love of his friends and the echoes of his laughter. See ya’ around, Doug. ~ Wendy Watson ‘74’ and Sue Kelly Krokidis