Services can be viewed live at the following link: douglassweeney.live
Doug was born in Columbus, Ohio and moved to Arizona at 3 years old. He grew up in Phoenix and attended Central High School. He was a talented athlete and passed his love of sports to his children and grandchildren.
He graduated from ASU in Finance & Real Estate and worked as a real estate developer and custom home builder.
He married his high school sweetheart Kristen Rhead. He was a selfless and devoted husband to Kristen and father to their five beautiful children. His greatest joy in life was knowing that his children were happy and faithful.
Doug was also an adored grandfather and his favorite times in recent years were spent with his grandchildren. They all loved their Papi!
Doug was a tireless worker. Whether at home, work or church, he always managed to get things done. He was everyone’s handyman.
Doug was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He diligently served in many capacities throughout his life. Most recently he loved serving with the Young Single Adults.
Doug passed away Monday, December 7th and some of his last moments on earth were spent serving in his callings on Sunday. He was always so devoted and eager to serve.
His unexpected passing has left a hole in the lives of all who knew him, but especially his sweet wife and family. He will be sorely missed. His family is grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and sacred covenants that seal them for eternity and give them hope of a joyful reunion in the life hereafter.
Parents: Judy & Ron Gawlitta
Sister: Debbie Pennell
Children:
Justin & Marin Sweeney: Carden, Brooke, Rhead, McKay & Ruthie
James & Erin Sweeney: Emma, Lucy, Ethan, Joshua & Benjamin
Ashley & Mike Smith: Halle, Eva, Noah, Greyson & Duke
Jaren & Keisha Sweeney: Jordan
Michelle & Jake Wright: Maggie & Jacob Lo
We are so saddened by this sudden loss. Our heartfelt condolences..
Sending all of our love to your family.
So sorry for your loss. Our heart goes out to your family.
Our most heartfelt condolences. We pray that the entire (extended) family finds peace in the wonderful times enjoyed with such a beautiful person in Doug, as well as Doug’s residence in our father’s home now. God bless.
I am grateful for Doug and his example…..may your family feel peace and comfort.
We will miss our friend and wonderful life Long neighbor. We will cherish our time we spent serving together in the Chapparal Park YSA ward and the family activities we shared together. We will surely miss our friendship and will look forward to our reunion on the other side.
We were so shocked and saddened to hear about Doug’s passing. He was such a fixture in our ward for years and, for us in particular, a great home teacher. He will be missed by many❤️
We will always be grateful to Doug for his kindness to us. He is an amazing man and example. I remember the love that he and Kristen showed to my sister who was a perfect stranger. We will forever cherish memories at Lake Powell and on the cruise.
We love you and your family Kristen!
I am so heartbroken over the loss of Doug and will miss him so much. He was easily the kindest man I have ever known and he showed both myself and my daughter such love and kindness. Both him and Kristen have been such faithful friends in my life and I will miss his calm and steady demeanor. Thank you Doug for showing me what a real man is in how you cared for and loved others. I am sad that we will not have any more dinners or great conversations .
We are shocked and saddened to hear about Doug’s death. You are in our families prayers. Doug will be missed by all that knew him. We love your family.
Scott and Suzy Perkinson
Dearest Kristen, Judy, kids, grandkids and friends. Our souls’ ache along with and for yours. We are so, so very sorry for your loss. May the Lord provide you the strength you’ll need for the days ahead. With much love – Laird and Leigh Ann
Kristen: I am so saddened to hear about the sudden passing of your husband Doug. So often I felt the Lords promptings and blessings in Institute class with you and the wonderful people who attend. These feelings have sustained me through hard times as I reflect back on them. I truly pray the same and more for you!
In class you have often shared wonderful experiences you had with your husband and family as you learned and served and traveled together. I pray that all these memories of your family and all the love felt in the amazing Institute class can surround and comfort you and give you eternal perspectives and strength as you and all your family work your way though this sorrowful time.
I remember meeting Doug for the first time at a pool party at Bishop Rhead’s house circa 1981. He was courting Kristen at the time and he was such a handsome young man and he and Kristen made such a beautiful couple. A beautiful couple and family they have remained for the past 40 years.
Doug was a month younger than me, so, I was righteously socked when I heard of his untimely passing. In a year of great upheaval and unprecedents, Doug’s passing makes an otherwise dysphoric year, a lot sadder.
I know he made a peaceful transition and that someone of his talents and dedication to the gospel, is probably very needed on the other side of the veil, as the hastening of the work continues. I also know his family will be strong enough to hold to gospel truths to get them through this tremendously difficult, albeit, temporary, separation.
All my deepest sympathies to all the members of his family.
Rest well my fellow Bobcat. Doug was indeed a talented athlete and a good man. Condolences to Kristen and the family. God’s Peace comes in His time, so be patient. Doug legacy will remain.
Life can never prepare us to lose the ones we love. Heaven is gaining a really great man. We love you Kristen and are sending prayers and love to you and your family. ❤️
I am so sorry to hear about Doug. I remember meeting him on one of his projects several years ago. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. He will be missed and was a great man…
I was privileged to work with Doug for the last 6 years and can attest to the great man he is, both in business, church and home. Our family is deeply saddened and are sending prayers and love to your family. He was a blessing for our family and will be missed.
Condolences to all the families
This was truly something no one could have predicted, and the reality of this, leaves us all feeling grateful for every minute we have to be with our families here, but thankful for the knowledge we share of life after this one.
Doug was like a brother to Jeff. They spent time working together for many years. The last ten years they have had the opportunity to serve together with the YSAs and that was indeed a blessing to us all. We love you all and are here to help in any way we can. Our heartfelt hugs, prayers, and gratitude for having Doug in our lives will never end.
We are so saddened by Doug’s passing . For many years he was a fixture at the MV gym watching basketball games and cheerleaders performing. The Sweeney family is one of MV’s very best. We will miss you Doug. Prayers to the family.
Sending my love & prayers to all of you, Kristen. I am so very sorry for this great loss. What a beautiful legacy Doug leaves with us and even more ahead on the other side. I pray you all feel the endless comfort and love of our Savior.
Shocked and saddened by this tremendous loss. To Kristen, Judy, and all the family, I am so sorry!
In HS, Doug was part of a great group of friends, though he was way more mature than most of us! He was sort of like a Sr. Adviser, watching out for us, keeping us out of trouble (not always possible!), giving good advice. He was a very loyal friend, such a hard worker, and full of common sense. His adult life was a natural continuation of the same, as he created a wonderful life full of family, service, and hard work. Though tragically shortened, Doug lived a great life, and made the most of it. The world is a better place thanks to Doug! Rest well my friend, you’ve earned it!
We love your family so much and are so sad for your loss. Doug was a great example of hard work, faithfulness and commitment. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this heartbreaking time.
Beautiful service! So sorry for such a hard loss! Love you all!!
I was given an absolute gift from God to have known and worked for Doug Sweeney. He has been an example of how I should be living my life. Doug’s passing will always make me strive to be a better Father, a better Husband, a better employee and a better person. He will be a part of me forever and that should say a lot of how Doug Sweeney has touched a community and an entire world. I will miss him dearly. Love to all of you.
Kristen I am so, so saddened by the passing of your sweet husband. It truly reminds us that every moment is precious. He was and is a great man and your Temple covenants are sweeter now than ever. I am praying for you and your family in this very difficult time. I want you to know what a blessing you have been in my life. Thank you for your words and wisdom. Now I hope you feel the love coming back to you. God bless
Our prayers are continually offered for you and your whole family.
I am so sorry to learn of Doug’s passing. He was a kind, hard working and honorable person and I am sure is greatly missed by his family.