Douglas Treat Olney, Sr.

Douglas Treat Olney Sr., 79, was born on February 17, 1945, to Walter Olney and Harriet Clinton, passed away surrounded by his loving family. He was a lifelong resident of Coventry, Rhode Island, and spent his retirement years in Kissimmee, Florida, with his beloved wife of 54 years, Helen Olney.

Doug's life was filled with love and dedication to his family. He is survived by his brother, Arthur Olney, and his children: Catherine, Patricia, and Douglas Jr. He was a proud grandfather to Stephanie and Norah, with whom he cherished every moment spent together. He also loved his sons-in-law, Scott “Bo” Vincent and the late Daniel Murphy, with whom he spent many mornings eating breakfasts out together at PJ’s Diner.

After a long tenure, Doug retired from Arlington RV in Warwick, a place where he left a lasting impact with his hard work and dedication. Doug had a variety of interests and loved golfing, camping, and going on cruises. A true Disney enthusiast, Doug enjoyed many visits to the parks and regularly delighted in live music at Epcot, where he saw performances by a range of popular artists. Some of the family’s best memories are times spent together at Disney through the years.

In high school, Doug was affectionately and humorously known as "the wolf in sheep's clothing" by his classmates. He was also a talented trumpet player, voted the class musician, and an active member of the Future Farmers of America. His hard work earned him a scholarship to the University of Rhode Island, where he furthered his education.

Doug was frequently an early adopter of new gadgets, making the family frequently amongst the first to have the latest innovations, whether it was video games, a VCR, a home computer, or the first satellite dishes available. He also instilled a love of adventure in his children by taking them on numerous vacations, hitting every state on the East Coast and Canada, and traveling in a custom pickup truck and camper.

Doug had a knack for entrepreneurship, engaging in various ventures, including a ceramics studio, an online store that he ran for 26 years, and even a laundromat. His love for remote control cars, boats, and airplanes showcased his playful and inventive spirit. Doug was also a Freemason with Manchester Lodge #12 in Coventry.

Douglas Treat Olney Sr. will be remembered for his warm heart, adventurous spirit, and the love he shared with his family. A true “dad,” he was always there for his children and grandchildren, and selflessly devoted to his wife. His legacy lives on in the memories of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A Masonic memorial service will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Gorton – Menard Funeral Home, 721 Washington Street, Coventry, RI. A visitation will be held prior from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Burial to follow will be in the Knotty Oak Cemetery, Coventry, RI.

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.

For online condolences please visit www.gortonmenardfuneralhome.com