Douglas Peter Sjoquist
Douglas Peter Sjoquist (born March 30, 1951, in Escanaba, Michigan) passed away at Eaton Community Palliative Care peacefully on March 5, 2024. He is survived by his dearest friend and wife, Jan, of Charlotte, MI, and his children: Jonah (Yoko) from Brighton, MI, Mei-li (Nick) Restani from San Francisco, CA, Michelle (Mike) Erickson from Grand Rapids, MI, and Stephanie (Dean) Leavitt from Charlotte, MI as well as his two brothers and best friends, Paul (Annabelle) from Mililani, HI and Bill (Cathy) from Gladstone, MI. He had several grandchildren including Kainoa, Kaleo, Novella, Alessio, Alyssa, Maleia, Julia, Ethan, Elana, Collin, one great granddaughter, Freya, and one great grandson, Eli.
He graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1974 and the University of Hawaii in 1979. Sjoquist was a professor at Bay de Noc Community College (1980- 81), Lansing Community College (1982-2015), and at Michigan State University (2008- 2020). He was a curious mind who enjoyed an active and rich lifestyle of traveling, rockhounding, swimming/snorkeling, music, art, and writing on a variety of topics. He was also a professional musician playing in various rock and country bands throughout most of his life.
It is nearly impossible to sum up Doug’s influence on all who knew him, but former student, Justin Parker Pool 1 came close:
“It has been about 25 years since I took his class, but I still remember him explaining with wonder how the old Taoists would not mourn the dead, but rather parade down the street in celebration of their life. It is with that sense of joy that I am thankful to have known him as a teacher and friend. Sjoquist-Sensei’s kindness and joy for life will live on in all of us who knew him.”
There will be no funeral service. In honoring his life, donations may be made to Doug’s cause of spreading compassion and knowledge to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813 or Friends of Charlotte Community Library, 226 S. Bostwick Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Doug’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is in the care of the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.