Douglas Gene Schneebeck

Douglas Gene Schneebeck, our darling Dougie, passed from this life to the next on October 17, 2016, with loved ones at his side. He was born on July 26, 1960 in Stuttgart, Germany. He leaves a devoted family to cherish his memory: the love of his life, his wife of 26 years, Jean Bannon; daughters, Jessa (Craig) Walker and Abigail; and son, James, all of Albuquerque. Doug is also survived by his loving parents, Joann Patton of Albuquerque, and Gene (Charlotte) Schneebeck of Richland, WA; sisters, Michele Schneebeck of Albuquerque, and Stephanie (Paul) Bonnington of Lynnwood, WA. By marriage, Jean's family also became Doug's family: surviving are nine sisters (including Maureen Bannon of Albuquerque), one brother, their spouses of Illinois and Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from the University of Virginia Law School, Doug practiced briefly in Virginia. But New Mexico called him, and he moved to Albuquerque in 1985. He joined the law firm of Modrall Sperling Roehl Harris & Sisk, where he made countless friendships with colleagues and clients alike. Although a highly accomplished lawyer, his greatest joy was the life he created with Jean, and the blessings of their children.

He loved life and lived fully. Everything he chose to do, he did 110%. He hurdled at Chantilly High and James Madison University, and became a national champion as a Masters athlete. In New Mexico, he coached student athletes at Albuquerque High, Monzano High and UNM. He was an avid skier and volunteered with the Adaptive Ski Program for many years, both as an instructor and board member. He sailed anywhere he could find water, from Lake Montclair to Elephant Butte to the British Virgin Islands.

Then Tim bought him a bike, and life was never the same. His love for the sport took him to mountains from the Rockies to the Alps. His 2010 ALS diagnosis did not deter his inimitable spirit, and he went on to earn Paralympic medals in Montreal, Rome, Prague and a 2013 US National Championship.

ALS altered the course of his life, but not the passion with which he lived it. He established the Oso High Endurance Sports Foundation, raising more than $400,000 for ALS research and patient support. His blog, which chronicled the hilarity and heartache of his journey, can be found at www.osohigh.com.

Doug's family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received from their village the past six years. From food for our bodies and souls to ridiculous adaptations to bikes and our home, loved ones from near and far supported Doug on his journey. The SLRAPs made him laugh until he cried, and his angel caregivers Mel, Nick, Joe, Michele, Nick2 and Mylan took care of him with incredible love and tenderness. We witnessed the abundant power of prayer and love through every act of kindness.


Donations in Doug's honor may be made to the Adaptive Sports Program of New Mexico or the ALS Association of New Mexico.

Services to celebrate Doug's life will begin with a Visitation, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2016, followed by the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. at St. Therese Little Flower Church, 300 Mildred Ave NW. The Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 21, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at St. Therese Little Flower Church, followed by a reception to celebrate Doug's life.

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