Douglas Wayne Hutaff

Douglas Wayne Hutaff, 82, passed away in October 2023. 

Douglas was born in Alameda, California in 1941 and completed his early school years in California before moving with his family to Oahu, Hawaii. His favorite memory was swimming to Nā Mokulua from Lanikai Beach. Douglas returned to California and attended Campbell High School before graduating from Del Mar High School in 1960. The weekend prior to his passing he was able to attend his 63rd Tri-high school reunion where he reminisced about his beloved 1932 Ford Model A roadster and participating in the California Cadet program with the hope of making a career in the Air Force. 

After high school, he spent a brief time in Air Force training. While he was unable to officially serve, he held a lifelong love of the military. He explored a variety of professional opportunities including working in a cannery in Monterey, a print shop, and a rocket science laboratory. He developed a love for motorcycles, Hamm radios, and scuba diving. 

He married his beloved wife, Susan, in 1973, and after living in Hawaii for a short period, they moved to Colorado and raised their children. He worked for Safeway for 32 years before retirement. He was an active volunteer for Red Cross and Boy Scouts. He also loved photography and worked as a professional photographer. He earned the ASPA’s Outstanding Photography award for the 2014 cover art entitled “The Master’s Hand”. He loved traveling with his family, especially returning to Hawaii and taking train trips through various parts of Colorado. 

He loved learning and took a variety of photography classes and completed EMS training through Arapahoe Community College. He earned his bachelor's degree in 2009.

He is survived by his two children, Christa (Greg) and Jeremy (Tara); grandchildren Grace, Johnny, and Jimmy; as well as his sister Debbie and brother Mark (Linda) and their children and grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife (Susan), son (Jeffery), and parents (Mildred Ada Mowll and Gustav Harry Hutaff). 

A celebration of Douglas's life will be held on November 18, 2023. Please contact the family for details. The family wishes to thank all of those who provided kindness and support for Douglas over the years. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Maui Humane Society (www.mauihumanesociety.org/donate-olx/ or Hawaii Pacific Parks.  (hawaiipacificparks.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/hawaiipacificparks/donation.jsp).