Douglas Michael Walsworth, born Dec. 30, 1949 in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan to parents Linda and Lawrence Walsworth, passed away on Oct. 12, 2023 at the age of 73 in Houston, Texas after battling a complex, undiagnosed illness. Doug was an exceedingly smart and funny man, a loving father, devoted husband and a cherished friend. He grew up in Winnfield, La. until the passing of his father and his mother’s remarriage to the man Doug would forever call “Dad,” Robin Shaddox.

Doug established his career in chemical engineering. Doug Walsworth was one of the smartest and most respected chemists to work in the field. His expertise was sought out for highly complex engineering projects domestically and abroad. He loved the intricate nature of his work and even more so, he loved to teach junior engineers to love it as much as he did. Doug was also a consummate outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, hunting, sport shooting and fishing. He lived for a good cigar, a good gin cocktail – martini or negroni depending on his mood. Doug was an exceptional storyteller, a constant comedian, and a lifelong learner. He shared his sense of humor and diverse interests with his children and grandchildren and was always incredibly proud of their academic, professional, and personal achievements. Serving as a lay minister and helping to rebuild the Chapel of the Holy Spirit was a great source of honor to Doug as his faith and commitment to the Episcopal Church was an integral part of his life.

Doug is preceded in death by his father, Lawrence; his mother, Linda; his dad, Robin, and many beloved dogs and cats whom he treated as his children. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his son, Brandon and daughters, Lindsey Walsworth, Cristina Aalders (Alexander), Kelly Vastine and Robin Teekel; his grandchildren, Grace and William Walsworth and Eleanor Aalders, and his sisters, Carmen Campbell (Joe) and Beth Shaddox. Doug leaves behind an incredibly wide circle of friends and colleagues. He will be so dearly missed.

A very special thank you to the nurses and doctors at Houston Methodist Hospital and Houston Hospice. We hope the research collected by medical experts across the nation during Doug’s experience will allow advances in this complex illness so that others may be saved.  

A memorial service will take place on Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd with visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the service.