Douglas Westley Huntze
Feb. 2, 1933-May 25, 2026
Pleasanton, California

Dr. Douglas Westley Huntze died after a short illness. He was surrounded by family in the loving hands of spiritual and medical care. He was a devoted and loving son, husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa.

Doug was born in Oakland, California, to parents Westley Michel Huntze and Eleanor Albertha (Palmer) Huntze. He excelled both academically and athletically at Fremont High School. Doug served as student body president, participated in many other clubs, and placed third in the 440-yard sprint at the California State Championships. While he attended the University of California Berkeley, he was offered an invitation to train for the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team due to his exceptional track times. Doug chose his education over athletics and pursued dentistry. In 1958, he graduated in a class of thirty students from the University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry.

In June of 1958, Doug married his high school classmate Marty Long and relocated to Pleasanton, California. In August of 1958, he took over Dr. Henry Trowbridge’s practice, becoming one of only two dentists serving the town’s 3500 residents. Doug participated in many dental societies promoting continuing education and peer oversight. He spent 39 years earning a professional reputation as a caring and painless dentist before retiring in 1997. Doug and Marty were deeply rooted in their community and actively participated in the well-being of their neighborhood and friends. Being civically minded, Doug served with the Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Department from 1967 to 1974, helping plan and build the Black Avenue Aquatic Center, where his name remains on a plaque near the entry doors.

Doug and Marty raised two children: son Chris Huntze and daughter Taren (Huntze) Drabing. Doug and Marty both were devoted to raising their family and enjoyed having outdoor adventures. The love of the outdoors and nature began during Doug’s childhood camping trips to Fowlers Campground on the McCloud River. He grew into an enthusiastic lake fisherman, spending many evenings on the water in his aluminum boat. He also enjoyed backpacking, waterskiing, snow skiing, and playing tennis. He liked watching sports and creative hobbies like crafting-stained glass, pottery, and fly tying. Doug was known for his dry wit, love of puns, and cheerful dental rhymes for children learning how to brush their teeth. Both Doug and Marty would plan and prepare their home for family celebrations and holiday parties, which were enjoyed by all who attended. One of Doug’s favorite parties was the February birthday party, which included up to five family members who celebrated their birthdays with his own.

Doug and Marty celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary before her death in 2018. Doug had an adjustment period with life without Marty, but he was determined to keep going on. Despite problems with his memory due to dementia for many years, Doug was always able to be aware of things in the moment. He never forgot people from earlier in his life and enjoyed hearing about them. As his abilities waned, he was always accepting and content. He lived his last years in a care home in San Ramon, where the other residents and care staff noted how gentle and polite he was. He was always grateful for all the support he received there.

Doug will be missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends. He is survived by his brother Gord and sister-in-law Kay (Flaherty) Huntze of San Jose, California, and their extended family; his son Chris and daughter-in-law Katy (Spooner) Huntze of Pleasanton, California; and his daughter Taren (Huntze) Drabing and son-in-law Mike of Colorado.

His legacy continues through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: granddaughter Kiera (Huntze) Isham and her husband Jeremy and their children, Tommy and Emerson, of Colorado; granddaughter Kelly (Huntze) Ketner and her husband Jake and their son, Jackson, of Nevada; grandson Craig and his wife Julia (Driver) Huntze and their children, Brynn and Ledger, of Livermore, California; and grandsons Hadyn Drabing, Shane Drabing and granddaughter Abby Drabing of Colorado.