Dr. Glen Douglass

A beloved member of the Kalamazoo community passed away peacefully at his home on October 15, 2023, just two months before his 90th birthday, with his family by his side.

Born on December 27, 1933, in Connersville, Indiana, Glen's self-made journey through life, from small town Indiana boy to respected physician, was marked by an ever-curious mind and an incredible memory. He had a deep commitment to serving others and a passion for medicine. He discovered his love for the field after enlisting in the Army where he was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. There he was assigned to the medics. During his time with the doctors, Glen realized that with dedication and passion he could make a difference in people's lives.

After his military service, Glen pursued his dream of becoming a physician. He enrolled at Indiana University, where he met the love of his life, Greeta Eyth, in a chemistry class. They married in 1962 and shared a loving relationship for over six decades. Glen's family was everything to him. He shared a close bond with his children, Amy Suzanne Douglass Melvin (James Melvin) and Peter James Douglass, and his cherished grandchildren: James Douglass Melvin, Stuart Coleman Melvin (Maggie Blair Melvin), Abigail Elizabeth Melvin (Andrew King), Andrew Glen Douglass, Jake Peter Douglass, Isabelle Eyth Douglass, and Brooke Whitaker Douglass, as well as his brother Dr. William P. Douglass (Ann Douglass). He also shared a very special relationship with his brothers and sisters-in-law Diane and Peter Basso and Susan and Timothy Eyth.

Glen's professional journey led him to become a prominent figure in the medical community. After graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University and leaving the Army, he attended and graduated from Indiana University Medical School in 1964. He completed his internship at Detroit Receiving Hospital where he was chief resident. In 1968, he and Greeta moved to Kalamazoo where he started his medical practice, later cofounding Kalamazoo Internal Medicine alongside Dr. Daniel Christian and Dr. Doyle Wilson. Glen's dedication to his patients was unparalleled, and he was humbled by the respect and affection they afforded him. He served as the Chief of Internal Medicine at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan, from 1972 to 1974. After retiring from private practice Glen continued to keep his medical license active through his work as a medical consultant for the State of Michigan’s Disability Determination Services for more than 20 years. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there and especially the companionship of his coworkers.

Beyond his medical achievements, Glen was a man of diverse interests and passions. He found solace and joy on the waters of Lake Michigan, sailing the Gretel with his family and friends. He relished traveling the world, embracing adventures like riding a three-speed bike around the peninsula of Florida in high school and biking over the Alps in college. Later, he and Greeta loved biking in Europe. Glen was an avid outdoorsman. Besides biking he enjoyed golf, tennis, skiing, and fishing.

Glen was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He had a modest disposition and a scholarly mind and delighted in befriending those he met. His quick wit and his ability to turn a phrase endeared him to all. And what a vocabulary he possessed! He always had the perfect, and often uncommon, word for the situation. His warm demeanor allowed him to connect with others, leaving a lasting, usually humorous, impression.

Glen's legacy of compassion, determination, and love for life will continue to be an inspiration. His generous spirit and agile mind will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

A Life Story Celebration will be held Thursday, November 9th, from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900. Visit BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, or sign his guestbook. Glen requested in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or Centrica Care Navigators (Hospice).

Ever the planner and organizer, Glen left us this poem: In masks outrageous and austere, the years go by in single file; Yet none has merited my fear, and none has quite escaped my smile. (Elinore Wylie)