Doug Bugai's Obituary

[Marie LaFreniere]

TRAVERSE CITY â?? Douglas Neal Bugai, 61, of Beaver Island and a native of Greilickville, died Friday, Oct. 14, 2011, at his family home, surrounded by his family.

Doug was born on Friday, July 7, 1950, to the late Stephen and Ethel Bugai in Traverse City.

Following graduation from high school, Doug served our country as a member of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Following his discharge, he worked for many years in saw mills and the oil fields, but for the last 14 years he worked for the Beaver Island Transfer Station.

He made Beaver Island his home for the last 21 years. Doug loved the out of doors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. He also enjoyed country music, as well as Polish dancing.

Doug was a member of the Beaver Island AmVets and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Traverse City.

Doug was proud to serve as a volunteer fireman on the Elmwood Fire Department and was honored as one of their Fireman of the Year.

Doug is survived by his son, Stephen "Stef" Bugai, of Beaver Island; his brother and wife, David and Linda Bugai, of Traverse City; his nieces and nephews, Tony (Julie) Bugai, of Kalkaska, Mickie (Hal) Miller and Mindy (Nate) Kujawski, all of Traverse City, Courtney and Tyler Skipski, of Three Rivers; eight great-nieces and nephews; and one great-great-niece, Lilly.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services for Doug will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with Father Jim Hayden officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Beaver Island AmVets or to the Elmwood Township Fire Department.

Please share your memories and condolences with the family by way of Doug's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.