Douglas MacKenzie Scribner - Walker Funeral Home

Douglas MacKenzie Scribner was born on February 9th, 1938 and died January 8th, 2021. He is survived by his wife Cecile, his brother Steve and Steve’s wife Mary, his eight children and their spouses, whom he loved like his own children. He is also survived by thirty-five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Doug lived a life of service and found deep fulfillment and true friendships wherever he went. Doug held many positions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He went on his first mission to Australia from 1960-1962. While in Santa Rosa he was called as a Bishop (1974-1979) and Stake President (1993-2002). While living in Scotland he served in the Stake Presidency and Mission Presidency (1984-1987). Doug and Cecile were the Temple Visitors’ Center Directors in New Zealand from 2004 to 2006. Throughout his life, Doug served the church in so many different ways, from working with scouts to his last position in church: teaching activities to the young boys. For him, helping one child was as important as speaking to hundreds.

Life Sketch

Dad was never one to boast about his successes. He didn’t want a lot of recognition or accolades, which meant that he never talked too much about his job. We knew that he loved working at Hewlett Packard and that he admired his mentors there. He would, however, share his excitement about work by praising his co-worker’s contributions while keeping his own role out of the limelight.

There was, however, a smartly matted photo that he hung in his office for as long as we can remember. It was a photo of Dad, in the prime of his life, looking off into the horizon from the stern of a boat. The photo was a gift from his co-workers and it was simply titled, “The Pathfinder.” This was a simple acknowledgement from his peers of the work he did in expanding the engineering divisions in Scotland and Santa Rosa, but to us, it held a more poignant meaning.

In truth, the title “Pathfinder” encapsulates the best qualities of our Dad. He never looked at disappointments, setbacks, or loss with the mindset of failure. No, that was never his style. Instead, he faced them all with the strength of someone who knew that great things were possible, especially with the help of his Heavenly Father. Leaning on his unswerving faith, he would pull himself up by his boot straps, and get to work. When he lacked skill or knowledge, he was eager to reach out to others, excited to lean on their experience and advice. In all aspects of his life, he was a Pathfinder.

Dad has always had a brilliant mind. His love for learning led him to Stanford, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. It was this same thirst for knowledge that led him to first investigate the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After seriously studying the precepts of the church and pondering and praying about its message, he believed it to be true. Within a month of graduating from Stanford, he was baptized, and a year and a half later he was on a plane to Australia, excited to serve a two year church mission.

After returning from his mission, Dad went on to earn an advanced engineering degree from Brigham Young University, where he became reacquainted with a fellow missionary, Cecile James. That is when Dad, a handball-playing, body-surfing, Californian college-boy, became engaged to a small-town Provo girl, born and raised in a family of horse-riding, mountain-lovin’ hunters.

It was a perfect match. Dad and Mom sealed their marriage in the Manti Temple on June 2nd, 1964. It was a wonderful marriage full of hardships and success, joy and heartaches, fantastic adventures and, after eight children, many, many diaper changes, one of the few technical skills he had little interest in learning more about. Silliness aside, Dad whole-heartedly supported Mom in every big idea or creative vision that came to her. As introspective and deliberate as he was, not only did Dad encourage Mom’s dreams, he joyfully immersed himself in any way that she could use him. He acted, he sang, he danced the haka in full Maori regalia. He was never the star, but always her champion. Simply said, he believed in her.

During Dad’s final hours, each sibling took the time to reflect on his legacy. We would love to share some of those thoughts with you:

Jim– Dad was never judgmental. He approached each person and situation with eyes clear of bias and a heart full of love.
Russ– Dad was always fully engaged with those around him. He was more concerned with their needs than his own.
Gina– Dad only saw the good in us. He had a gift for making every person he ever talked to feel special, important and loved.
Craig– Dad had a zest for learning. That love of knowledge ranged from lofty intellectual discussions to teaching a hot-headed teenage kid how to convert fractions to decimals.
Christy– Dad was the master listener, convincing you that all your thoughts were not only interesting but held real value.
Spencer– Dad was a true role model. He was a great father, a devoted husband and genuinely cared about all those in his personal and professional life.
Lora– Dad was a true optimist. He only saw the best possible version of everyone he met. This allowed all of us the ability to see ourselves as he saw us and to easily see what we could become.
Scott– Dad passed on his unwavering conviction of faith. He found joy and hope in the scriptures and peace through prayer. He led with a soft voice and a firm belief in God that resonated with all of his children.

Dad loved his work, he loved his family, and he cherished his friendships. Even more, Dad loved his Heavenly Father. He spent countless happy hours working in the temple. He delighted in the scriptures. His large print scriptures are well worn and marked, and he was regularly seen in his office poring over them. He was fascinated with church history and the histories of all religions. He fervently scoured the internet to research genealogy and strove to share the stories of our ancestors with all of his family. In true engineer fashion, dad provided precise, hand-drawn graphs and charts of our family tree, including lovingly obtained photos of relatives and their homesteads. Dad ardently researched and studied the Gospel with his mind, but shared his faith with his heart and his soul.

We will be slightly adrift without our steady ‘Pathfinder.’ Thankfully he has left enough for us to find our way and one day, God willing, we will join him.

And he talked of Christ, he rejoiced in Christ, he preached of Christ, and he prophesied of Christ…that his children might know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

2 Nephi 25:26

The funeral for Douglas MacKenzie Scribner will be held on Tuesday, January 19^th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Due to Covid-19, it will be attended by immediate family only. However, Walker Funeral Home will be posting a YouTube live stream video. All are welcome to join us. The link to the livestream of the memorial service will be at the Walker Funeral Home website at the end of this obituary.

The audio cut out from the original video after a while. Please click the video below to continue watching with audio.

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15 Condolences for Douglas MacKenzie Scribner

Condolences(15)

Stacy Henderson says

January 12, 2021 at 4:09 pm

Cecile and family: Bishop Scribner was truly a wonderful man and had a huge impact on my life. He was like a second father to me and was our bishop when my family joined the LDS church in 1977. He was so thoughtful and cared deeply about our family and was always so willing to invite us over to their home for Family Home Evening. He will be truly missed. He is a special person and will always be remembered in our hearts. Love to you all. Stacy Henderson

Larry & Barbara Wilkes says

January 12, 2021 at 7:20 pm

I only met Bro. Douglas a couple of times at family events. He seemed like a very amiable man. But I know his son, Scott, very well, and from the man Scott is, I must conclude Bro Douglas must have been a very loving and devoted father and family man. I don’t know of a better tribute to any man. Please accept my Boss & my sincere condolences for his temporary absence from your family.

Charles Thorpe says

January 15, 2021 at 6:37 am

We enjoyed working with Brother Scribner and Sister Scribner at the Payson Temple. He was always bright and cherry and willing to help any where. We thought he did a good job as an assistant recorder. May Heavenly Father comfort you in ways he can. Charles & Audra Thorpe

Jill Thompson Shumway says

January 16, 2021 at 1:20 am

I remember fondly all the time I spent in the Schribner home as a teen. President Scribner was always so patient and hard working. I remember him teaching me slow dance at a stake family dance. I remember camping in the redwood forest. I remember him cleaning up my mess after I got sick at a stake event. He walked me out to my parent’s car and told me to sleep and he would take care of everything.
I remember our last real conversation. We were visiting Santa Rosa and my husband our three kids and I spent the night in their home. My youngest was a fussy baby and Doug spent the evening rocking the baby and talking to me about his successes and what he viewed as failers as a parent. He was a great example.

Vaughan Austin says

January 16, 2021 at 5:53 pm

Cecile I was saddened when I heard about your husband Doug passing away. I know how much you’ll miss him and how much you loved him. I appreciated your obituary it helped me get a little more acquainted with this great man. We are grateful for the knowledge of the Gospel. We know he is now in a beautiful place and contributing to the spread of the Gospel in the spirit world. May the holy ghost comfort and bless you until the time comes when you can be reunited with him again. With all our love Cheryl and Vaughan Austin

Kelli Jones says

January 17, 2021 at 9:00 pm

I was not only shocked and saddened to read of the passing of Doug. I joined the church when Doug and Cecile were directors of the visitors center. On both my visit to USA the scribener have welcomed me. My first trip they picked me up from the Salt Lake Airport and dropped me in Colorado on their journey to Denver. On my second holiday they welcomed me into their home where I stayed for 2 weeks. He will be greatly missed. Love to Cecile (Sister Scribner) and all their wonderful children

Ken and Terri Wilks says

January 19, 2021 at 3:57 am

We miss Doug and will never forget him. What a joy it has been to share children and grandchildren with Doug and Cecile. If I had the choice of what family I would want our daughter (Jenny) to marry into, it would be Doug and Cecile’s family. Of course my choice of who I would want this daughter to marry would be Scott. What a joy life has been with our combined families. Thanks be to Doug and Cecile for their/our families. We miss Doug more than words can tell, but know Heavenly Father has so much for him to do and what a joy he will have doing it. Our love always to Doug and Cecile.

Andris Balodis says

January 19, 2021 at 12:25 pm

To Our Dearest Cecile and the Scribner Family, it is with a very heavy heart that I write this sad message of condolence from the Balodis Family from Adelaide, South Australia. You and Doug have been two of the closest friends to our family since as long as I can remember. Your Christmas Cards and Family updates were always one of the most looked forward to and treasured gifts when it arrived. We have had several chances to spend time with each other over the years and I can truly understand why my Mum and Dad always held a special place for you both in their heart. As far as I am concerned you and Doug are the closest things to Angels that I know. We are lucky that Heavenly Father let us borrow him for a little while…with all our love Andris, Maggie and the Balodis Family xxxooo

TERRELL RICHARDS says

January 19, 2021 at 4:20 pm

Cecile, We can’t imagine your loss! Didn’t know Doug at all, but knowing you, we can surmise what a special man he was. Please accept our condolences and sweet wishes for you and your family. The knowledge we have of the family togetherness in the life after this certainly makes parting easier – perhaps even sweet. We can look forward to being together again and the marvelous work of redemption our Father In Heaven has given to us. I/we look forward to our next Class of ’59 Reunion and hope that you will continue your good work in that event. Terrell & Barbara Richards

Andrew Cunningham says

January 19, 2021 at 5:38 pm

“I suppose while we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil; and while he has left us, others are coming into the world at the same time, and probably in this our territory. There is a continuous change, an ingress of beings into the world and an egress out of it.” – John Taylor.
This quote has always given me comfort and hope. As I mourn Doug’s passing I know that he is with loved ones who are joyful at his return. From my early teen years both you, Cecile, and Doug have been a positive influence and a guiding example of how to live a gospel centred life. I cannot repay your kindness, your love and your affections towards, not only me, but my whole family. I will miss Doug but will always carry him in my heart and in my actions.
We love you Cecile and all you crazy Scribners. Scotland misses you.
All our thoughts and prayers from Andrew, Hannah and Clan Cunningham.

Georgia Samuels says

January 19, 2021 at 7:22 pm

Your children are a real tribute to the love in your family.

Helen Hull says

January 19, 2021 at 7:40 pm

Dear Cecile, I was sorry to read of the death of your husband. I wish you much peace and comfort as you think of the wonderful memories you have with him and your family. And, thankfully, you can look forward to being together forever. Love, Helen Rowley Hull

Kurtis Hyde says

January 19, 2021 at 10:30 pm

Dear Scribner family how we love you. Thank you for sharing the broadcast today! It was so great to hear the tributes to Doug. I’m so grateful for all of you and thankful that our Savior Jesus Christ makes it possible for all of us to be together again. Love you, love you, love you. I’m sure Doug and my Mom are enjoying a visit in heaven. Love, Kurtis, Tina, Max, Ashton, Cameron and Macy Hyde

rose larsen says

January 21, 2021 at 4:13 pm

Dear Cecile and Family, I’m sorry to hear about Mr. Scribner.
I always enjoyed the visits at the fruit stand. What a nice tribute to him that you have written. Peace be with you all at this time.
Love, Rose

Brad Read says

May 27, 2021 at 7:54 pm

I worked at HP Santa Rosa in the 80’s while Doug was there. I was just searching for him to to we he was when I came across this site. I now live in Lehi Utah. Doug is a great man!

Douglas MacKenzie Scribner February 9, 1938 - January 8, 2021

Private Family Service

15 Condolences for Douglas MacKenzie Scribner