Dudley Dewitt Douglas

Dudley was born at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital; died at home in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico. He enjoyed a carefree childhood near the Santa Ynez River in Paradise. A gifted athlete, he excelled in track and field and football at Santa Ynez High and graduated from San Marcos High in 1967. On graduation he took a surf trip to Mexico with friends and so began his love of Mexico.

In 1975 he bought property at Sun Star, near CA/OR border, built a home and took up wood carving. The winters were cold; the tradition of going to Mexico for the winter months began. He became an accomplished artist, known as “Tequila Dudley.”

He married Janine David and had two children, Adriana and Shawn. He stayed close to home for a few years then resumed spending winter months in Mexico. With partner Allison Gutshall Sullivan they had son, Woody. Dudley later learned he had an adult daughter, given up for adoption in 1968. He was thrilled to welcome Charmagne into the family.

He built a home in La Cruz, settling there full-time. He loved music and the arts, always supportive of other artists. He was a free spirit and lived that way.

Forever loved by children Charmagne Howe Westcott, Shawn Douglas, Woody Douglas; siblings Aaron (Darlene) Douglas, Jena Douglas; niece Kelly Douglas; nephews James Coberly, Keith Douglas, Dylan Douglas; many cousins. Preceded in death by infant daughter Adriana Douglas, sister Kim Douglas, nephews Jerome and Phillip Coberly, and parents Alice Rawsthorne Douglas and Walter Douglas.

Memorials were held at Sun Star and in La Cruz. In honor of Dudley, create, purchase, or just enjoy some art and music.