Douglas Oakley

Douglas Oakley LeeAge 64, a resident of Bernalillo, NM, passed away on Saturday, October 20, 2012. Doug was the Managing Director of the WESST Enterprise Center in Albuquerque and was instrumental in helping the facility earn national accolades as a model startup business incubator. A graduate of Leadership Albuquerque, Doug was a member of the New Mexico Angels, the National Business Incubation Association, and the Coronado Ventures Forum. His passion for people and entrepreneurship made Doug a popular guest speaker at various business events throughout the state. As an Air Force "brat," Doug lived in many locations throughout the world, but grew up in Welsh and Lake Charles, Louisiana. After graduating from McNeese State University in Lake Charles with a BA in Radio and Television Communications, Doug embarked upon his career in broadcast journalism, working as a news director and television anchor. He later held other related positions, including Media Manager for the White House during the administration of Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, and Director of Communications for the National Federation of Republican Women. In the late 1980's, Doug was ordained as an interfaith minister. He presided at numerous weddings, christenings and was a keynote speaker at A Course in Miracles conferences around the country and abroad. A gifted and caring teacher, his strong sense of spirituality remained an integral part of his life, and he continued to serve people in need wherever his career took him. For over 20 years, Doug ran his own direct marketing and fundraising firm in Washington, D.C., C & L Communications, which helped establish AFNE (Americans for Nuclear Energy) and the NASC (National Association for Senior Citizens). In 2001, Doug was appointed as the first Executive Director of the Louisiana Technology Park and remained there until joining WESST in 2008. In addition to Doug's numerous professional accomplishments, Doug was also a gifted tenor and guitar player. His favorite songs were Broadway show tunes and he had many of them committed to memory. His family recalls many a night being awakened by Doug's booming voice, or when he was unable to contain his enthusiasm for a new recording by one of his favorite artists until morning. After moving to New Mexico, Doug took full advantage of the mountainous terrain and sunny weather. He loved downhill skiing, cycling and touring Albuquerque in his restored Mustang convertible. Doug is survived by his sister, Betty Wolfe of Lake Charles, Louisiana; his sister-in-law, Dottie Lee of Atlanta, Georgia; nieces, Jennifer Renee Lee and Kathy Wolfe O'Neil; nephews, Gregory Allen Lee, Ganesh Giri Lee, and William George Wolfe, Jr.; along with many great nieces and nephews; and his beloved canine companion, Buddy the Boxer. A celebration of Doug Lee will be held on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the WESST Enterprise Center in Albuquerque. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Doug Lee Entrepreneurship Fund in care of WESST, www.asandoval@wesst.org.