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.
As everyone else, I was greatly shocked to hear about the deaths of Doug and Elaine. They were long members of the Crescent 23rd Ward and neighborhood. Some of my children went to church with some of their children. We felt a great loss. I hope that the Spirit of our Lord and Savior will wrap His arms around you and your children. May you and your children will remember how they lived more than how they died.
Bless you always.
They were such wonderful people. Ellen Frost just told to today. I am saddened. No words express the loss of these wonderful people.
I am so sad about this whole accident. I was at Bear Lake last week remembering when Doug stopped to talk to me. He told me he was in the Tabernacle Choir, and from then on I looked for the tall guy on the back row. He was in my very first class when I was a brand new teacher just graduated from the "U." I'll never forget that class.
I love all of the Blackhurst's. You were one of the special families at Mill Creek. I had Doug, Leslie, and Mason, and your dad was my docent for the symphony when we used to take the 5th graders. Your mom was always so sweet, and I'm sure it's comforting to know she's with them now.
I didn't have Janice, but my brother, Shand, talked often about the fun you used to have in the Young Adult program. I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how you feel.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Odette Waddoups (Miss Waddoups)
To the brother and sisters of Doug. We are so sorry to learn of the plane accident. You all grew up next to us. I remember the fun family parties you had in the back yard. Doug always visited with us when he did yard work for your parents. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love!