Doug Jensen

And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light that shines on me. Shine until tomorrow, let it be. 

—Paul McCartney

Obituary

Douglas Nicol Jensen, 71, passed away of natural causes at his home on July 23, 2025. He was born on November 15, 1953, in Calgary, Alberta, and adopted as an infant by Arthur and Helen Jensen. The family later settled in Dallas, Texas.

Doug was an animated and curious young man who loved summers on his family’s farm, woodworking with his dad, and riding motorcycles. In 1978, he moved to Alaska to work on the North Slope with a survey crew for the NPRA/Alpine project until 1983. He spent the rest of his life as an entrepreneur, running ventures like a jewelry store on 4th Avenue and a contracting business. He was proud to work right up to his final day.

Doug had a deep love for music—especially The Beatles and the Grateful Dead—and often played his guitar. He was happiest near water, whether scuba diving in Hawaii or water skiing on Lake Texoma. Known for wearing camo nearly every day, Doug had a larger-than-life presence and a heart of gold.

“Though his passing was sudden, we find comfort in the joy and memories he gave us. His spirit will live on in the small traditions he loved—Costco pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, Discovery Channel facts shared over dinner, and the occasional gin and tonic,” the family shared.

Doug is survived by his son, Arthur Jensen, and daughter-in-law, Rachael Jensen; his dear friend and Arthur’s mother, Fran Rabago; his brother, Bill Jensen; cousin, Nolan Jensen; and close friends Matt Renkert, Wayne Helander, Todd McDonald, and Dan Anderson.

His ashes will be scattered in Alberta, Canada this fall.

Photo gallery

Memory wall

August 5, 2025

3

I met Doug on North Slope also 1978. Wayne and I were working for oil exploration company called GSI. We all quickly became friends as well as fellow "Doodle Bugger Surveyors" Soon we became home owners as well, trusting each other year round.
Being the Bohemian that he was Doug began making gold jewelery as a side hustle. Doug was always innovating new ways to make money!
This led him to purchase a suction dredge dry suit zodiac and a motor home to head into Klondike with gold fever dreams. He enlisted me as Cook and "Sluicee man". We spent over two weeks with Doug under that cold water for hours every day. He looked like a purple puffer fish coming out.
Later after dinner we would pan thru our buckets over sluice wash we accumulated that day. Doug would just giggle like some little kid as the gold revealed itself in our pans. Every time he found a nugget he would jump up and do a miners jig around th campfire. "There's GOLD in them hills" I can hear his laugh even now...🙏
Bob May

Bob May

July 31, 2025

2

I am Doug’s cousin, and I have known him my entire life. Doug and I grew up together and were practically brothers. I grew up on a farm in East Texas and Doug’s family lived in Dallas. Every summer Doug and his brother Bill would spend a week or so with me at the farm. And then I would spend a week with Doug and Bill in Dallas. At the farm, Doug and I did the usual kid stuff: swimming in the creeks, fishing in the farm ponds, catching frogs and crawdads, and enjoying homemade ice cream.
In Dallas, Doug’s Dad (aka “Uncle Art”) would take us fishing. First at Lewisville Lake (named Garza-Little Elm Lake back then), and then later at Lake Texoma. Uncle Art built a cabin at Lake Texoma, and it became known far and wide as THE place for fishing and fun.
Eventually Doug moved to Alaska, and I moved to Florida, so we did not see each other very often. In 2000, I visited Doug in Anchorage and Doug took me to his favorite spot for Salmon fishing. Later Doug visited me in Florida, and we fished often, catching grouper and sea trout. On one of Doug’s visits, my wife pointed out to Doug and me that our house needed remodeling. We hired Doug and he did a significant portion of the work. The result was fabulous.
I am still in shock and grieving the loss of Doug. My family has lost its most colorful and beloved member. Thanks for the memories, Doug!
I will post photos later.

Nolan Jensen

July 31, 2025

3

I first met Doug at Thanksgiving in 2023. What struck me was his constant eagerness to learn new things. He always wanted to stay up to date with the advancements of the world, in tech and elsewhere.

I had a great time showing you how to use multiple craigslist accounts on your phone :) May you bring your curiosity with you, wherever you are now

Victor Careil

July 29, 2025

5

I first met Doug on a bleak and cold January day in 1978, when he was assigned to an oil exploration crew that was working on the North Slope of Alaska. We would end up working together for the next four years. During the same period, Doug, Bob May and I owned a home together in Anchorage. That time was filled with many memorable raucous and fun filled parties and outdoor exploits. Doug was a great fisherman, musician, handyman, business owner and jovial friend to all who new him.

Wayne Helander

July 29, 2025

3

I have known Doug for 50 years
Doug and i grew up in the same neighborhood in North Dallas . I came to Alaska in 1982 As i recall, Doug and i were on the same plane in adjacent seats when i first came to Alaska . So, Doug was a prominent influence for me personally to come to Alaska in the first place . Best thing i ever did in my life . Doug and i always talked fairly frequently throughout the years . We had a lot in common. Similar backgrounds and generally overall common ground . Doug was and is one of my extended family . This came to say the least as unexpected.. Life is fragile for everybody without regard for health or wealth or social prominence . Doug will be sorely missed by me and a lot of others . I trust firmly that Doug is now in a better place .
Rest Well old friend , you done good .

Michael Todd McDonald

July 29, 2025

3

I met Doug in 1989 or so, I lived on Northwood in Anchorage. We soon became friends, worked a few handyman jobs and fishing trips. Oh the fishing stories, I will ad some photos. It was always a hoot to take Doug. We once did 120+ miles round trip out of Whittier exploring the Prince Williams Sound. Doug once dropped a lead headed jig into 350 feet of water and caught a 55lb Ling Cod, put on a shrimp head on a $3 Walmart lure, cased it out from a rock cliff and got a 145lb Halibut on 17lb test line. Those were the reasons I took him on so many trips. I moved to Michigan but still one of my best friend in Alaska, glad he came to visit me here twice. His passing is a shame great guy, proud of his son and always a pleasure to be around. He will be missed.

Dan Anderson

July 28, 2025

4

In October 2017, Doug and I went to a Beatles tribute concert at the Performing Arts Center in Anchorage. We dressed up, grabbed some wine before the show, and had a blast. Doug was totally in his element, cheering and at one point shouting out, “GO RINGO!” It was a really fun, unforgettable night.

Rachael Jensen