DOUGLAS ROBINSON BLACKHURST, age 62, and ELAINE WOOLSTON BLACKHURST, age 60, died in a plane crash on July 3, 2020, in American Fork Canyon, Utah. Doug was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Robert and Virginia Blackhurst. Elaine was born to Joseph and Vyrle Woolston in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on July 1, 1980. Together they raised four sons, Tyler, Cameron “Bum”, Nate, and Zach.
Elaine loved the mountains, Choffy®, and dogs of all sizes. Her greatest passion was her family and friends. Her smile could light up a room and her eyes always sparkled with love, humor, and a zest for life. Affectionately known to her family as Grammie, she could always be counted on for big hugs, a pantry full of treats, and letting the grandkids stay up way too late. She continually served others in her family and in the community. Her kind and compassionate spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. Elaine had a gentle heart and the capacity to love others “to the moon and back.”
Doug had a passion for music and a beautiful tenor singing voice. He spent 17 years singing with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Whenever a choir performance was broadcast, playing “Where’s Waldo?” was a delight to his friends and family. “Papa” to his grandkids, Doug strove to teach his family through his quiet service and Christlike example. His easy-going nature and quickness to serve blessed family, friends, and strangers alike. Doug loved the outdoors, all things scouting, and was an avid Utah Utes fan. He was a 6’4” gentle giant and will be remembered for his warm smile, big heart, and his barbequed tri-tip.
Doug and Elaine actively served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Their favorite assignments were in serving the young men and young women.
Doug and Elaine are loved by their four sons, four daughters-in-law, and twelve grandchildren. They were inseparable in life, inseparable in death, and now they are inseparable in heaven.
A memorial service will be held at 9:00am, preceded by a visitation at 8:15am, on Friday, July 10, 2020 at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108). For those who cannot attend the memorial service, it will be streamed live via Facebook Live on the Doug and Elaine Blackhurst Memorial Group. The family invites all who knew Doug and Elaine to post memories on this group page.
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember how responsible and respectful Nate, Cam, and Zach were when I was able to teach them at Crescent Elementary. I missed out on being able to teach Tyler. Doug and Elaine taught them by principle and example. They were the supportive and involved parents that every teacher appreciated. I remember Doug brought a shuttle van to school to talk to the students about his job. I was happy to receive info about Eagle ceremonies, mission farewells, and weddings. Once in a while, Doug would be the shuttle driver for my ride to the airport and he was always excited to report on what all the boys were doing. I know both Doug and Elaine were pleased that their boys have become such amazing men. I hope your family finds comfort through God's love, the Savior's Atonement, and the Holy Ghost as well as your memories and the prayers and thoughts of your family and friends.
So sorry to hear about the passing of your parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Our hearts were broken when we heard the announcement of the plan crash. So sorry for your lost. We lived next door to Doug & Elaine in Murray in our frist Condos. Best neighbors and friends! We have very fond memories of your parents and we're very blessed to be aquatinted with them. We use to tend Tyler for them and I think of them every time I make Elaine's 7 layer dip. God bless your family at this time.
We were next door neighbors to Elaine and Doug in Sandy for many many years. We loved this family and will miss them greatly. You couldn’t of asked for kinder more loving neighbors. They were are friends and they took care of us and they were always looking out for us. Doug mowed our lawn several times and Elaine made us amazing deserts. We remember one night when we were sitting at home and Doug ran our bell and delivered hot out the oven apple crunch deserts with ice cream topping. What a nice surprise. We loved getting our dogs together to play and visit. They were taken way too soon. Our love is with all of you at this time.
Bum! I wish I’d realized earlier that I sang in the choir with YOUR DAD. My heart aches for your family. Thinking of you with love and prayers.
I am a stranger to Doug and Elaine’s children, I am Doug’s cousin on the Blackhurst side. My heart has been so heavy since the names were released relating to the accident. I echo the many sentiments expressed remembering the Blackhursts and their love for all. Doug and Elaine are one of the strongest examples of pure love, for each other, their family, and those of us lucky to be in their circle of influence. Please accept my continued prayers of comfort and peace at this tender time.
I'm so grateful that I was able to visit with Doug and Elaine on Father's Day. I will treasure that time forever. Loved my "little brother" so much and his sweet wife. I will miss them terribly.
I knew Doug when he was one of the owners of Express Shuttle. He was great to work with and brought a lot of his family along as customers. I got to know him well and he was a great guy. My condolences go out to the Blackhurst and Woolston families at this time of grief and may God comfort you knowing him and his wife are in a better place. Till we meet again.....