Douglas Ward Truter, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend died April 19th at age 73 following a long, courageous battle with cancer. His life was defined by his kind heart, generosity of spirit, and an unwavering commitment to his family and friends.

He is survived by Lizzie, his beloved wife of 43 years; his daughters, Logan Sheehan of Boston, MA and Morgan Truter (Rob Forte) of Pittsburgh, PA; granddaughters Caroline Sheehan, Addison, Hayden and Cameron Forte; siblings Steven Truter (Margaret) of Santa Rosa, CA and Christina Truter of Concord, MA; sister-in-law Deborah and her husband, The Honorable David A. Faber of Bluefield, WV; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Born in Jersey City, NJ to Dr. Carl William and Marjorie (Ward) Truter, his family moved to Fox Chapel, PA in the early '50s. Doug's youth was a precursor to what he would achieve later in life. He attended Fox Chapel Country Day School, Shady Side Academy, and Avon Old Farms School in Connecticut. From the start of his freshman year in high school, he earned varsity letters in three sports, presided over various committees, and graduated with high honors as Head Prefect. He later graduated from Colgate University as a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, and he earned a master's degree in business from the University of Pittsburgh.

His business career, beginning with Consolidated Coal Company, took him around the world conducting business in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. Later in 1994, he joined John Alexander of Alexander Mill Services, moving his family to Warsaw, Poland. Over the next 15 years the company grew under his leadership from one with only five employees to one spanning five European countries. Ingeniously, they devised a business model where they were paid by European steel mills across various countries to remove the byproducts of the steel-making process, which they then repurposed and sold back to those same markets for use in infrastructure development.

Doug's entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to partner with the right people led to a varied portfolio of successful ventures. Some of the companies included Pittsburgh Import Export, Framesi Hair Care, a Polish Vodka Bar, an indoor play land in Warsaw, Poland, the first medical marijuana company in Pennsylvania, and popular local restaurants.

Doug, a single-digit golfer for much of his life, won more trophies than could fit in one room. Golf was a passion and a joy for him. In fact, he told his new bride that if she wanted to see him on the weekends, she would have to learn to play golf. She did and this was an activity they enjoyed together with their daughters, son-in-law, and friends. Many of those friendships were formed while playing in the SWAT at Oakmont Country Club over the past 54 years. Perhaps his finest moment was winning the Senior Polish National Amateur Championship in 2007. He also believed in the 14-club rule – not how many clubs you can carry in your golf bag, but how many clubs he could join. He was a member of Oakmont Country Club, Fox Chapel Golf Club, Fox Chapel Hackers, The Duquesne Club, Hideout Golf Club, Royal Poinciana Golf Club, Rolling Rock Club, Yellow Creek Fishing Club, Riverbound Extreme, and the First Warsaw Golf and Country Club.

For the past decade, Doug was an avid fly fisherman, fully immersed in every aspect of the sport he loved so much. He reached an impressive level of skill—the kind that comes not only from practice, but from genuine curiosity and dedication. He took joy in the intricacies of the craft: the precise art of casting, reading the water with a keen eye, and selecting the perfect fly for ever-changing stream conditions. But his love for fly fishing went far beyond the water. He spent countless hours researching new streams and planning scouting missions with his wife, always in search of that next perfect fishing spot. What made it even more special was the way he shared it—with enthusiasm and patience—with those he loved, passing down a piece of himself in the process.

His family was his greatest pride, and he made countless selfless decisions to ensure they were cared for, supported, and deeply loved. As a grandfather to his four granddaughters, he was nothing short of extraordinary. He had a remarkable ability to connect with each of them on a very personal level, making every moment together feel meaningful and fun. Whether he was swimming, playing games, giving golf cart rides, or patiently teaching them how to fly-fish, he was fully present—always creating memories they will cherish forever. He never missed a soccer game, a school event, or a chance to cheer them on. The love he felt for them was immeasurable and they were a constant source of joy in his life.

Doug's presence filled every room. He had a gift for connecting with people from all walks of life and approached each person with genuine interest and respect. He was charismatic, generous, and deeply welcoming. With his warm smile and unparalleled storytelling prowess, he had the rare ability to find common ground with anyone he met. The countless lives he touched and the relationships he nurtured are perhaps his most enduring legacy—a testament to a life lived with exceptional tenacity and grace.

We would like to acknowledge the wonderful care provided to him during his final days by Shea, Chrisi, and Brad.

It was Doug's wish to have a celebration of life. His family will host a private tribute to his wonderful life in May. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Doug's honor can be made to Trout Unlimited,1700 N. Moore St. Suit 2005Arlington, VA 22209-3801 (1-800-834-2419) or a charity of your choice.

Final arrangements will be conducted by Burket-Truby Funeral Home Cremation & Alternative Services, Inc. in Oakmont, PA (412-828-3535).