Doug W. Coursey

Douglas W. Coursey, 80, of Harbor Springs, died December 30, 2020 at Boulder Park Terrace in Charlevoix.

Doug was born in Savannah, Georgia, on April 3, 1940, the son of Doug Sr. and Anna Louise (Bruning) Coursey. After WWII, his mother remarried Douglas Sweany and the family relocated to Rochester, Indiana where Doug graduated high school. Doug proudly served his country by joining the United States Marine Corps. After his discharge from active duty, he enlisted in the reserves and returned to his studies. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Master’s Degree in Production Management from the University of Toledo. On August 25, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol (Berns) in Rochester, Indiana.

After Doug and Carol settled in Plymouth, Indiana, Doug worked in the road construction field for over thirty years and owned his own successful asphalt paving and construction-related businesses. After many years of vacationing at their second home in Northern Michigan, in 1997, Doug and Carol moved full-time up north where Doug continued working in the construction industry. He was known for his “never quit” attitude and strong work ethic. He enjoyed carpentry and home renovation projects just as much as he liked golfing, boating and tennis. He found relaxation in tending his vegetable garden and his roses, but perhaps Doug’s greatest pastime was aviation. He had a private pilot’s license and obtained an instrument rating requiring highly specialized training. He piloted many family trips up north and cross-country and derived immense joy from being above the clouds.  He has been a life-long member of the Episcopal Church, most recently a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Petoskey.  He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club in Indiana.

 
Doug is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol Coursey of Harbor Springs; daughters, Dannielle Coursey Ottimer and Leslie (Daniel) Burk both of Harbor Springs; and grandchildren, Summer Burk, Sylvan Ottimer and Alexander Ottimer; brothers, John (Linda) Sweany and Ronald (Melanie) Sweany; and by his beloved and loyal pets Teddy and Tilly. Doug is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Elaine Baugher.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests charitable donations to either the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Heart Association or Wreaths Across America in his memory.
The family is planning a memorial service and celebration of Doug's life at a later date. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Doug W. Coursey, please visit our floral store.