Douglas “Doug” Michael Kuznik
Doug Kuznik, age 64, of Vacaville, CA passed away unexpectedly on March 27, 2021. The exact cause of what led to a sudden medical emergency is not known, but he passed painlessly, and quickly, despite his doctors’ best efforts. He was accompanied in the final moments by his oldest daughter who happened to be working at the hospital that day and was permitted to hold his hand.
Doug was born in Vallejo, CA where he attended St. Basil’s Elementary and St. Patrick’s High Schools and went on to marry his high school sweetheart, Kathy (Elizalde), shortly thereafter in 1976. His career as a plumber and contractor began at Local 343 as a plumber’s apprentice, and ended as joint owner of his own plumbing company from which he retired in 2015. He enjoyed the years of his retirement traveling, relaxing, finishing renovations on the home he shared with his wife Kathy, hunting with his dogs, and spending his time with his family – especially in this last year when they all quarantined together. He enjoyed the outdoors, snow and water skiing all of his adult life.
Doug was a phenomenally talented craftsman, builder and businessman who succeeded anywhere and everywhere he invested his efforts. He had a knack for fixer upper projects – whether that be the homes that he owned, a houseboat, cars, or the countless projects he built for the grandchildren he so intensely adored - from bookshelves, to beds, to swing sets. There was seemingly nothing he couldn’t do. He loved his family with all that he had and all that he was, and he loved anyone whom he considered to be a friend as if they were family.
He is preceded in death by his great nephew, John Ryan Davis; his niece, Janet (Elizalde) Davis; and his mother, Margaret (Schuerman) Kuznik. He is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Kathy Kuznik; his children, Jennifer (Kuznik) and Jason Chen and Stephanie (Kuznik) and Jerome Bond; as well as his four grandchildren, Riley Bond, Mia Bond, Lucas Chen, and Leo Chen; and his father, Robert (Bob) Kuznik, all of Vacaville, CA, as well as his three siblings, Bob, Joan, and Tom Kuznik. He will be remembered for how fiercely he loved his family, his generosity of both his time and material possessions, his willingness to stand up for his convictions even when it was uncomfortable to do so, and his quick witted sarcastic and slightly dark sense of humor.
There will be a Celebration of Life Mass on Wednesday, April 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, at 350 Stinson Avenue in Vacaville.
Feeding and caring for those who did not have enough was a cause very close to Doug’s heart. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Mary’s Food Locker, 350 Stinson Ave., Vacaville, CA 95688. (707) 448-2390 1956 - 2021 Vacaville, CA