Doug was born in Brockton, MA April 1, 1946 to Russell Wade and Ethel Douglass Symmes.  He graduated from Woodstock Union High School in 1965 and Boston University in 1969, majoring in English History. He was in the Army reserves.

Doug taught History at Spaulding High School in Barre, then worked for Quechee Lakes Real Estate and for United Farm with Clayton Adams.  He operated his own commercial real estate agency, D.R. Symmes & Associates, until his illness prevented him from doing his beloved job.

Doug loved to go Saratoga, New York to see the thoroughbreds race. He loved good food and vodka martinis, and golfing with his friends, Steve Wilson, and Scott and Bill Musty.  He always had a new book to read and enjoyed opera as well as sixties rock and roll.

Doug is survived by  his sister, Sherry Symmes Mahady; long-time friend and Real Estate Associate Paula Atwood;  his good friend and Guardian Ron Dwinell; and many friends and business associates.  He was predeceased by his parents, and a niece, Shannon Mahady LeRoux.