It is with great sadness that we share with you the loss of one of our Pilots N Paws pilot volunteers.  Doug passed away January 1st, unexpectedly, and will be missed by all who knew him and his gift of giving.  His close friend and fellow PNP pilot, Dennis Einstein states “he was  a great man”. 

You will be remembered Doug and our thoughts are with your family and friends.  You made a difference in all the animals lives who crossed your path.

Pilot Doug

Douglas Manning Stephenson

Douglas Manning Stephenson, beloved husband of Susan L. (Dowds), devoted and loving father to Robert Scott and Elise Marie, adoring father-in-law to Thomas Laskas, died on New Year’s Day at the age of 61. He is the loving son of Edwin and Alice (Crowe) Stephenson and devoted brother to Jane (Stephenson) Wagner, brother-in-law to Martin Wagner, brother to Carl Stephenson and brother-in-law to Audrey Ramey. He is a beloved uncle to Nichelle, Christopher, Kyle, and Justin and loving son-in-law of Carolyn Dowds.

Doug was a renaissance man: a man of honesty, integrity, honor and wisdom. A devoted and loving husband and father and son he had many passions. As a Senior Vice President of Morgan Stanley he was caring and concerned for his clients, putting others first and making others lives easier. Doug achieved everything he always wanted to experience.

He was vibrant, knowledgeable, funny, courageous, ambitious, patient, generous and most of all loving to his family, clients, and many friends. He always had a positive attitude from his first day to his last. Always showing compassion, Doug made sure to see the other person’s side. He held no grudges, always giving second and third chances.

He was born in Chattanooga, TN moving to the Wilmington area in 1958. He graduated from Brandywine High School in 1969 and from the University of Delaware in 1973. A man of passion he loved golf, flying, shooting, grilling had community spirit and was on many community boards. Many called him a best friend. He was a golf enthusiast and fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling to Scotland to play with one of his best friends. He loved the beach, was a wine enthusiast and as a pilot he flew for Pilots N Paws Animal Rescue; he enjoyed attending the Academy of Music as well as Phillies, Eagles and Flyers games.

He loved history and politics. He started flying in the Civil Air Patrol when he was 15 and received his private pilot’s license in 1969, the same day as the moon landing.

If it caught his interest, Doug went full throttle.

He valued his team of professionals at Morgan Stanley. His awards were numerous and accomplishments many. He was a leader and a mentor to many and loved to enrich the lives of family, friends and clients.

Doug’s life reflects all that is good about living and his legacy will continue through his loving children and beloved wife and parents. He touched many lives. Like the stars his light shines everywhere. His memory is filled with love, laughter, and light. When you see the stars look for him, he will always be shining upon you.