Douglas Wayne Scarth

Douglas Wayne Scarth was born on August 10, 1949 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Orange, New Jersey to Evelyn “Jean” and Sidney Scarth, Jr. He grew up in Livingston, New Jersey – often getting into trouble with his lifelong friends, Ron Mayer and Ron Hirschel. Doug attended Livingston High School and excelled in track & field – setting school records in hurdles (a surprise to those who met Doug later in life). It was at Livingston High where he met Audrey Russo, his one true love. Doug studied poker and beer at C.W. Post College with his conscience, Jeff Bradshaw. He went on to graduate with a B.A. in Economics & Business from Rutgers University. In 1970, Doug & Audrey headed west to Colorado. Doug had a quick stint in the National Guard and then went to work for Fashion Bar in 1973. He held many positions over his 20+ year career in retail including store manager, buyer, and director of personnel; he retired from Fashion Bar in 1996 as Sr. Vice President. Doug left corporate life to follow his dream of becoming a teacher. While earning his educator’s credentials at Metro State College in Denver, he worked as a School-to-Work Specialist at Goodwill Industries helping at-risk youth transition into the workforce. He used his unique fashion sense to help kids “dress for success.” Doug completed his student teaching at Greenlee Elementary School in inner-city Denver. He felt so at-home there, he stayed for over a decade! After officially retiring in 2015, Doug could be found substitute teaching most days in Jefferson County, mainly at Hackberry Hill Elementary, in Arvada, Colorado. His beloved students and coworkers will remember him for his crazy, majestic socks and kind heart. Teaching was his passion and truly his life’s honor. Aside from teaching, Doug enjoyed cooking, often whipping up gourmet meals (or sometimes just eggs and hotdogs)! He was an avid reader of mysteries. Like his dad, Doug dabbled in painting. He loved the sounds of the Beatles & Willie Nelson, the color red and $5. He was patron of the Denver Center of Performing Arts and supported the Denver Broncos and New York Jets. Doug liked to drive his M.G. convertible and escape to the Rocky Mountains for rest & relaxation. Doug was blessed with dear friends and enjoyed trying new restaurants with his cherished D.O.G.s (Dining Out Group) – Nancy, Dennis, Ellen, Deb & Bob. His furry dog, Buddy, was his loyal companion. Doug’s greatest joys were his children and grandchildren. Always the loudest fan at the soccer field, hockey rink, basketball court, track meet, band concert or awards ceremony, Doug was extremely proud of son Derek; daughter-in-law, Lisa; daughter, Brook; son-in-law, Steve; and grandkids, Tanner, Clayton, Gavin, Jack and Kate. Doug is also survived by his sister Virginia (Bruce) Bohrer & family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean & Sid; his parents-in-law, Grace & Anthony; and brother, Greg. To honor Doug, in lieu of flowers, please purchase some wrapping paper, a magazine subscription or some stale popcorn from a child’s next school fundraiser, or donate warm socks to a local shelter. A celebration of Doug’s life will be held at a future date.