A local treasure of Bluegrass music has died. Self-taught Banjo player, Douglas (Doug) W. Moore, 76 passed away peacefully at Pioneers Memorial Hospital on May 13th, 2023, due to complications with COVID.
Due to Doug’s passing, the family is now faced with a dilemma, because, sadly he did not leave a will or testament…
When someone dies without a Will and Testament, their assets are frozen until the court system combs through every detail of their estate which can take from 10 to 12 months. This has caused numerous burdens, stress and worry for Doug’s daughter, Niki who lives in Los Angeles.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations for funeral expenses, and most importantly costs relating to monthly housing expenses and services related to caring for Myra this coming year, who is mildly developmentally disabled. The family sincerely appreciates the kindness, phone calls, and offers to keep an eye out for Myra. It’s been a blessing and truly uplifting to hear from family, friends, neighbors, classmates, and Doug’s coworkers. Memorial gifts/donations made in honor of Doug’s life will be a blessing in defraying surmounting expenses since Doug’s passing.
Obituary
A local treasure of Bluegrass music has died. Self-taught Banjo player, Douglas (Doug) W. Moore, 76 passed away peacefully at Pioneers Memorial Hospital on May 13th, 2023. Although Doug was stricken with Parkinson’s the last few years of his life and was very frail, he passed due to complications with COVID. He was born on January 18th, 1947, and was the eldest of two sons to Wesley and Mary L. Moore.
He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn A. Moore of Calipatria (2020), Mother Mary L. Moore of Imperial (2010), and Father Wesley Moore of Imperial (1982). He is survived by his brother, Stephen O. Moore of Imperial, daughters, Niki R. Moore of Los Angeles and Myra D. Moore of Imperial, as well as daughter in-law Jennifer Limas and grandsons Jensen Halbert and Marin Moore of Los Angeles
Doug lived his entire life in Imperial, attending Ben Hulse Elementary, Frank Wright Jr. High and was a graduate of Imperial High School, Class of 1965. He attended Imperial Valley College from 1966 to 1968. Doug taught himself how to play the banjo at the age of sixteen. A natural entertainer and exceptional banjo player, he was a musician for over six decades entertaining audiences around the Imperial Valley and the Southwest with his unique and individualized style of banjo playing. He played with several bands throughout his musical career, one being the Colorado River Boys. In addition to the banjo, Doug also played guitar, mandolin, and the dobro.
Locally, Doug was passionate about Bluegrass music. He volunteered numerous times to play during the Imperial County Fair; Fall Appreciation Dinner for the University of California Desert Research Center’s Farm Smart Program and the Imperial County Farm Bureau’s Annual BBQ. Doug and Carolyn spent their summer months in Live Oak Springs, CA and hosted many Bluegrass jams at their cabin. His music was very uplifting. Many local musicians credit Doug, an expert and prestigious banjo player, with encouraging, sharing tips, and techniques of his experience and deep knowledge of the banjo.
Doug began his lifetime career with the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), June 1968. He was employed as a laborer, Operations & Maintenance, Water Department. After 46 years of loyal service to IID, he retired February 2014 as Supervisor of Transportation Section, Water Department.
Doug will certainly be missed but his legacy lives on in his family and his music.
Graveside services will be held Friday, June 30th at 10:30 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, 201 East Gillett Road, El Centro, CA. A luncheon in his honor will be held immediately following the services at Faith Assembly of God Church, 320 South J Street, Imperial, CA.
