Our hearts are heavy as we share the news of Douglas Robert Worley’s passing on January 13, 2025. To know Doug was to be touched by his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the potential of others. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, mentor, and friend.
For over 50 years, Doug—known to his students as Mr. (Coach) Worley—dedicated his life to shaping young minds across the Santa Clarita Valley. His influence touched countless high school and junior high students, many of whom remember not just a teacher or coach, but a mentor who instilled values, wisdom, and confidence that continue to guide them today. As one student shared, Mr. Worley didn’t just teach—he quite literally raised so many of us.
His renowned "Strategy" class was legendary, but it wasn’t just about academics—it was about life. He taught self-image, goal-setting, and the power of positive thinking, introducing students to transformative books like Zig Ziglar’s See You at the Top and Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Many still cherish their notebooks from his class, filled with timeless wisdom that continues to carry with them to this day.
As a coach, Doug understood the power of the mental game. He helped his athletes push past self-doubt and realize their true potential, often reminding them, "You are an athlete—stop thinking you can't when, in fact, you can." His belief in his players was unwavering, and he instilled unconditional love, strength, and confidence that extended far beyond the field.
Doug’s love for his Savior, Jesus Christ, was evident in everything he did. Whether on the baseball field, in his classroom, or at church, he exemplified his faith, sharing scripture, praying with his players before games, and living as a role model. He was known for his storytelling and his ability to lift others up. Doug often shared the poem A Smile, reminding everyone that "a smile costs nothing but creates much." He had an attitude of gratitude, and his signature statement, 'Wow, look at you!'—delivered with warmth and genuine enthusiasm—was the perfect way he ended many of his conversations.
Born on March 27, 1943, in Seattle, Washington, Doug developed a lifelong passion for education, athletics, and community. As a boy, hours spent fishing in a local creek and playing baseball sparked his love for sports, competition, and the outdoors. In high school, he ran cross-country, cheered as a yell leader, and joined the Navy Reserve.
After graduation, Doug was accepted into the Naval Academy at Annapolis before enlisting in the Navy. During his three years of service, he taught anti-submarine warfare, revealing his natural gift for teaching and laying the foundation for his future career. After his military service, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and English from the University of Washington and a Master’s in Administration from the University of La Verne. He began his teaching career in 1969.
In 1975, Doug joined the faculty at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita. He became the school’s first baseball coach, and his dedication to his players was evident in every practice and game. His voice became a staple of Friday night lights as the football announcer at COC Stadium. He also called basketball games and taught English, Poetry, and his renowned Strategy class. Through this course, Doug imparted invaluable lessons on self-image, relationships, spiritual growth, attitude, motivation, accountability, and career planning, leaving a lasting impact. It wasn’t just about the lessons—everyone remembers Strategy like it was yesterday. The goal boards, life principles, and wisdom Doug shared instilled confidence and a sense of responsibility in his students, leaving them excited for the future and carrying those lessons long after graduation.
And if you saw him around town, even decades later, he always had an uncanny ability to remember your name, making former students feel just as valued as they did in his classroom.
Doug retired from Saugus High School in 2007 but continued to share his love of teaching part-time in Santa Clarita at West Ranch High School and Legacy Christian Academy, remaining a mentor and inspiration.
A man of deep faith, Doug lived his life guided by scripture. One of his favorite verses, Isaiah 40:31, perfectly encapsulated his belief in God’s purpose: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." For over 23 years, Doug led a weekly Bible study for men of all ages, served in prison ministries, sharing the Gospel, and taught Adult Sunday School. Alongside his wife, Karen, he mentored countless individuals and couples, offering prayer and guidance. He had a gift for showing up at pivotal moments in people’s lives—always seeming to arrive by divine appointment, fulfilling a God-given assignment.
Doug was also known for his competitive spirit and love of animals. He enjoyed collecting sea glass, reading poetry, all kinds of sports (especially Washington Huskies football), fishing and fly fishing, travel, golf, pickleball, and racquetball.
Doug was a devoted husband to Karen for 39 years and a loving father to five children. His children were his greatest joy, and he poured his heart into shaping their lives with patience and unconditional love. He had a deep love for his grandchildren and was passionate about passing on the legacy of wisdom and values that he had instilled in so many of his students. Doug found great joy in sharing the life lessons from his Strategy class with them, even teaching via Zoom to ensure that the wisdom he had shared with countless young people continued to live on in his grandchildren. Always eager to engage and uplift them, Doug enjoyed teaching them about baseball and creating exciting and memorable games—whether it was adventures on the hill behind the house, dueling animal mitts, treasure hunts with clever clues, epic water gun fights, or even the challenge of finding a cat on a leash.
He is survived by his beloved wife Karen of 39 years; his children, Jennifer, Brian, Robert, Stephanie, and Shawn, along with their spouses; his sister, Linda, and brother-in-law, Pat; ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Crossroads Community Church, 25300 Rye Canyon Road, Valencia, CA 91355.
Doug’s legacy of love, faith, and unwavering belief in others will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His impact is immeasurable, and his legacy is enduring.
As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
Let us honor him by sharing a smile, an encouraging word, and the love he showed to each of us with everyone we meet. In Christ, there are no goodbyes.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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