Douglas “Doug” Alan Azar, born in Raton, New Mexico, on October 19, 1955, passed away March 13, 2021. He was 65. Doug, a real-life superhero, was one of the last of his kind. His superpowers included: a booming, earth-rattling laugh capable of providing joy and a sense of security to all in its path; super strength, the ability to take on any suffering life threw his way with the utmost grace and courage; and finally, he possessed an unbreakable character, a character woven from a combination of adamantium and vibranium.
Doug’s outlook on life was simple. Brains, like muscles, may be purchased through time and dedication. But what is not for sale is character. As a distinguished attorney and CPA, Doug had the brains. Most often, he was the smartest man in the room. As a brother, father, uncle, and friend, Doug also had an unwavering character, remaining loyal and a beacon of support to those he loved. That said, Doug understood that suffering was an ineradicable part of life. Yet how a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, how he takes up his cross, that is how one’s character is tested. Doug did not lose his battle with cancer. He maintained the ability to dictate how he dealt with the external forces and suffering fate sent his way. Despite dealing with kidney failure, a heart attack, two strokes, and an aggressive stomach cancer, he continued to appreciate the beauty of life, to appreciate all the miracles life had to offer. The ability to remain brave, dignified, and unselfish under the most difficult circumstances is something external forces may never take away.
Alas, Doug is no longer with us. Perhaps a more accurate representation of Doug’s battle with cancer would be Superman (1987): Issue # 75, THE DEATH OF SUPERMAN! In that issue Superman died defending Metropolis from the monster Doomsday, finally slaying the creature with his last ounce of strength. Doug, like Superman, remained a hero to the end. He remained brave, dignified, and courageous up until his very last breath.
Doug was predeceased by his mother, Patricia Azar, his father, Richard Azar, his brother Richard H. Azar, and his sister Polly Azar. Doug is survived by his beloved sister, Gail Porter, his son, Richard Ryan Azar, his two daughters, Alexandra Webb and Lila Azar, his nephew Adam Douglas Azar, and his three nieces, Patricia Farr, Michelle Gipe, and Rebecca Snyder.
A mass for immediate family to attend will be held on March 25, 2021. Following mass, a ceremony/celebration of life will be held via Zoom for all to attend. Please email Richard Ryan Azar at: richardrazarlaw@gmail.com to be added to the email list for the Zoom call. The call will be recorded and uploaded to YouTube and a link will be provided to the email list as well.
