Douglas Charles Mepham

Douglas Charles Mepham, age 75, passed away on November 10, 2022, in Hastings, Michigan.

Doug was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 4, 1947, to Jean Elizabeth Irvine and Charles Thomas Mepham. His father owned a one room beer and wine grocery store, with his family living in the back. At nine years old the family moved to nearby Allen Park, MI. Doug proceeded to spend fourth through eighth grade living at the Hall of Divine Child, a military school. Doug went on to attend St. Francis Cabrini High School, then Western Michigan University. During that time, he was in the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. He received his Bachelor's degree in Social Studies and Education, followed by a Master's degree in Special Education. Doug was hired at Hastings Middle School in 1970 where he taught Special Education for 21 years. For the next 19 years he taught social studies and history. During that time, he created the Mephdog and Maddog clubs to motivate students to achieve higher grades and make learning fun. He was an unconventional teacher who had a passion for each student to succeed and look forward to school. Doug also taught an Adult Handicapped Program through Barry ISD after school hours for many years. He retired from teaching in 2010, but then continued to serve his community by volunteering with Meals on Wheels.

During his career, Doug started the Hastings High School boys and girls soccer programs, where he coached 30 years. To help develop and further promote soccer in the area, he coached many youth YMCA teams. Soccer was his passion! The community recently surprised Doug by honoring him with "Doug Mepham Day", a tribute to him as well as being a fund raiser for ALS, a fatal disease Doug was diagnosed with in May, 2021.

Doug enjoyed playing and coaching Soccer, attending sporting events, walking through the woods with family, lawn work, listening to music and making play lists. He enjoyed reading about WWII history and people's lives. He spent every summer fishing and boating at Temagami, Ontario, where the family has a summer cottage. He also enjoyed attending his men's Bible study group. Doug learned and enjoyed painting during the last few years of his life; he often gave his work as gifts to his family and friends.

Doug met Deborah Northrop, a new Art teacher at Hastings Middle School in 1972, and they married at Greenfield Village on July 8, 1973. They were married for 49 years making the Hastings community their home. They have four children, Rachel Ann Basso (Fabrizio), Rebecca Elizabeth Prefasi (Kelly), Sarah Christine Mepham, Andrew Douglas Mepham (Jessica). Doug's joy were his grandchildren include Elizabeth Ann Basso, Alessandra Sophia Basso, Annabella Mia Basso, Gabriel Andrew Mepham, Nolan Thomas Mepham, Charles Christian Prefasi, Jonah Kelly Prefasi, and Benjamin Alexander Prefasi.

Memorials can be sent to the Susan Mast ALS Foundation ( https://www.susanmastals.org/ ).

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Thornapple Valley Church, 2750 S M-43, Hastings, MI 49058.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .