Douglas Keith Clifton

Douglas “Doug” Clifton and his partner, Katherine Katz, of Discovery Bay, California, passed away on September 15, 2025. Doug was born November 27, 1956, in San Francisco, California. He dedicated nearly three decades to the Alameda Fire Department, building a career defined by calm leadership, technical skill, and unwavering service. He was a devoted father, grandfather, son, and partner. An avid outdoorsman and a fixture in the Grateful Dead community, Doug was affectionately known as ‘the mayor’ of Terrapin Crossroads.”

Following in his father’s footsteps, Doug joined the Alameda Fire Department on November 16, 1979. He rose quickly through the ranks, often testing first. He served as an Apparatus Operator in 1984, Lieutenant in 1991, and Captain in 1997. In 1994, he became one of the department’s first certified paramedics — an achievement that later led to his appointment as Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services in 2002. When Doug retired on January 4, 2007, he left behind a department strengthened by his leadership, skill, and commitment to others.

Those who worked beside him knew Doug as someone who stayed calm when things got hard — practical, thoughtful, and dependable. He mentored younger firefighters and members, supported his colleagues without hesitation, and believed the responsibility to serve extended beyond the emergency call. He led through consistency, respect, and example.

Beyond the badge, Doug was known for his signature smirk, quick wit, unmistakable red ponytail, and lifelong love of the Grateful Dead. He could fix just about anything, was always willing to lend a helping hand, and never hesitated to show up when someone needed him. He built a wide circle of friends from coast to coast and loved spending time outdoors — camping, fishing, and hunting with one of his beloved Labrador Retrievers by his side.

In retirement, Doug and Kathy traveled, rode motorcycles on open roads, went to concerts, and spent time with friends and family. Doug liked to joke that he was “busier retired than he ever was while working,” and he meant it — always moving, always exploring, and always making time for the people he loved.

He also loved photography and rarely went far without a camera. He photographed landscapes, concerts, and family gatherings, and he loved livestreaming events so others could enjoy them too.

He was preceded in death by his father, Otis Clifton; his stepmother, Frances Clifton; and his mother, Nancy Cunningham.

Doug is survived by his daughters, Cassady and Kendall; his grandchildren, Greyson, Callie, and Rex; his sister, Lori; his brother-in-law Shawn, his niece and nephew, Kylie and Trevor; and an extended family of firefighters, friends, and community members.

In his final years, Doug remained closely connected to his fire service family, sharing stories, offering guidance, and encouraging the next generation of firefighters. His watch may have ended, but the love, laughter, and memories he shared will not fade away