Doug Charnley

Doug Charnley, age 60, passed away March 10, 2018 at HMC Hospice Medina County, after a lengthy battle with thyroid cancer. Doug was born August 6, 1957 to Donald and Cynthia Charnley, the second of five children. He was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, graduating from Loy Norrix High School in 1975 and Western Michigan University in 1978. It was at college that he met his wife Kelly (Flynn) and they married on October 11, 1980. Doug is survived by his wife, Kelly; their four children, Don (Katy), Katie (Terry), Kent (Brittany) and Kassie (Natalie), and one granddaughter, Blake Charnley. Doug is also survived by his mother, Cindy, and sisters, Beth (Bob) Loughridge, Ellen (Rod) Lounds, and Sarah Pooler. He also has several in-laws, nieces and nephews, all of which he enjoyed and was part of their lives. Doug was predeceased by his father and oldest sister, Meg. Growing up, Doug delivered newspapers, and later worked in a grocery store as a bagger and stocker. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America, earning the highest Scouting rank of Eagle. He enjoyed two High Adventure trips with the Boy Scouts, one to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and the other to Canoe Base 10 in Northern Minnesota. Doug was also active in his Kalamazoo church growing up in the Sunday School, youth group, and later serving on several boards and committees. He even drove the church bus for youth trips, adult winter weekends in Northern Michigan, and for Christmas Eve services, picking up parishioners at their care facilities. Doug spent his life in the insurance industry, following his father and grandfather's successful careers and footsteps. Initially licensed in 1977 as a life insurance salesman, he transitioned into a multiple line agent, eventually moving to the company side of the insurance industry in 1985 until his disability leave, which began in 2015. A career opportunity brought the family to Medina, Ohio in May, 1991 where he and Kelly raised their children. Doug enjoyed writing letters to the Editor, usually regarding something the School Board, the teacher's union, or the City Council was financially considering, or what he considered to be the misallocation of taxpayers' money. Not afraid to state the facts and get the word out, he sought to better inform the general public. Even ObamaCare was not spared from Doug's pen and opinion. Doug and Kelly were able to travel extensively, though Hilton Head Island was their special place. Many family vacation and Spring break memories were created and enjoyed at "The Island Club." Additionally, they travelled to nearly every state and enjoyed many cruises, including Alaska, Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean, and even a passage through the Panama Canal. Doug enjoyed sports, including golf and downhill skiing. He enjoyed college sports the most and was a lifelong Michigan fan (though Michigan State ranked up there, too!). Not a OSU sports fan in the least, he definitely was a OSU James Cancer Hospital fan; especially his oncology doctor, Manisha Shah, MD, her wonderful staff and all of the nurses. Thank you for everything. Also, many thanks to Doug's personal physician, Sean Hoynes, MD, who first discovered his cancer in early 2004, and remained his local physician until the end. Doug's family also wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at HMC Hospice Medina County for their compassionate end-of-life care. Doug asks anyone who has not accepted Jesus, as Lord and Savior, to please seek the Lord today. Find a Bible and read the Book of John, specifically verses John 3:16 and 14:6. It gives so much Hope and is the Truth. Have a strong Faith. Ensure that your soul will live Forever in Heaven at your passing. Eternal Life is Eternal. I look forward to seeing you there. Doug has been cremated and no formal services will be held. Life is for the Living, so Live! Doug will miss his many friends, from his childhood to his final days, yet they are not forgotten. You are all near and dear to him and he thanks you for your friendships. To honor Doug please make a charitable donation to the Boy Scouts of America - Great Trail Council, PO Box 68, Akron, OH 44309, or a charity of your choice. God Bless each of you and God Bless the USA! Online condolences may be left at waitefuneralhome.com