Douglas Warren Waters

Douglas Warren Waters January 28, 1957 – August 19, 2026 Douglas Warren Waters, 69, passed away unexpectedly on August 19, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, adventure, friendship, and more than a few questionable dad jokes. Doug was born on January 28, 1957, at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Daniel Waters and Carol Wilson. He was raised by Daniel and Eileen Waters, the woman he knew and loved as his mom. He grew up in Salt Lake City and attended East High School. Early in his career, Doug worked in film editing, sparking a lifelong fascination with everything that happened behind the scenes in film production. In 1987, the year his daughter Sarah was born, he left the film industry and took a leap that was very much in character for an incredibly independent man: he founded his own company, Brite Blinds, which he owned and operated until his retirement. But work was never what defined Doug. Doug loved being active, and if it involved fresh air and sunshine, chances were good he was up for it. He was a marathon runner, cyclist, tennis player, and hiker, with a particular love for hiking and biking among the red rocks of Southern Utah. He stayed remarkably young at heart throughout his life—so much so that it was genuinely difficult to believe he was closing in on 70. And if you knew Doug, chances are you laughed with him. He was the life of the party, a social butterfly who could get along with just about anyone he met. Naturally funny and always quick with a joke, Doug loved making people laugh and also had a special talent for occasionally putting his foot directly in his mouth. Doug also knew how to be a friend. Some of his closest friendships spanned more than 40 years, filled with vacations, concerts, festivals and phone conversations that could somehow last for hours without ever running out of things to say. He genuinely loved people, and people loved being around him. Of everything in Doug’s life, nothing mattered more to him than his family. His daughter, Sarah, was his whole world. The two shared a relationship that went far beyond father and daughter—they were best buddies. Doug was not only a wonderful father but also a great life teacher. Through both his words and the way he lived, he taught Sarah the importance of independence, honesty and kindness—lessons she will carry with her for the rest of her life. Then Layla and Harlow came along. If Sarah had been his whole world before, his granddaughters somehow made that world even bigger. Doug was an incredible grandfather. He didn’t simply spend time with Layla and Harlow—he was truly present with them. He took them outside on adventures, introduced them to new experiences, played with them, explored with them and gave them the kind of memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Being their grandpa brought him tremendous joy, and being loved by him has been an extraordinary gift. In the final month of his life, Doug was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He spent two weeks in the hospital receiving chemotherapy, and even there, he was still unmistakably Doug—joking
with people, making them laugh and, naturally, flirting with the nurses. After treatment, he was feeling well enough to get back to doing what he loved—being out, spending time with family, seeing friends, and enjoying life—and was optimistic about what was ahead. His death was sudden and completely unexpected, making his loss all the more difficult. His family is incredibly grateful that even in the weeks before his passing, they were still making wonderful memories with the same funny, active, independent, young-at-heart man they had always known. Doug’s 69 years weren’t nearly enough for the people who loved him, but he certainly knew how to fill them. If Doug left us with anything, it’s that life is better when you get outside, stay curious, love a lot, laugh often, and refuse to act your age. Call your friends, take the trip, find some sunshine, and never pass up a chance to make someone smile. Getting older is mandatory. Acting your age, as Doug demonstrated, is entirely optional. We love you, best buddy. Doug is survived by his daughter, Sarah Cisneros and her husband, David; his step-daughter, Chandra and her partner, Brittni his beloved granddaughters, Layla and Harlow Cisneros; his brother, Dean Waters and his wife, Kristina; his sister, Krista Mitchell; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends who became family along the way. He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Waters; his mother, Eileen Waters; and his brother, Danny Waters. A viewing will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 E. 10600 S. Sandy, Utah. The graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Wasatch Lawn 3401 S. Highland Drive Millcreek, Utah. An evening open house will also be held from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at 6968 W Docksider Dr., South Jordan, Utah, where friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate Doug’s life.