Douglas McIlroy

Douglas “Doug” McIlroy passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, with his beloved wife, PJ, by his side. He will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, wonderful sense of humor and deep love for the land, the community and the people who meant so much to him. Born June 29, 1958, in London, England, to Margaret and Malcolm McIlroy, Doug grew up in Belvedere and Tiburon and spent most of his life in Sonoma County. As a graduate of UC Davis, where he earned double majors in Plant Science and Economics, Doug devoted his career to the wine industry, serving as a Grower Relations Director for several wineries. Doug cared deeply about agriculture and the environment. He was a passionate advocate for sustainable, fish-friendly farming and responsible stewardship of the land. He believed that doing things the right way, with honesty, integrity and respect, mattered. Doug’s contributions to the agricultural community were recognized with the 2012 Sonoma County Winegrape Commission Viticulture Award of Excellence. In 2018, he was honored with the Luther Burbank Conservation Award by the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, presented on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and signed by Members of Congress Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman. It was an honor he cherished deeply. Doug met PJ Lenz on October 10, 2010. They became engaged on November 11, 2011, and married on December 12, 2012. Their marriage was a loving partnership, filled with companionship, laughter and a deep bond that made them stronger together. Doug found great joy in fly fishing, photography, volunteering at the Healdsburg Museum and, most of all, spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his siblings Patrick McIlroy (Kathy), Elizabeth “Liz” Stonehill, and William “Will” McIlroy (Merry); his beloved nieces and nephews Tara (David), Sean (Ulla), Shannon (Daryn), Laura (Nick), Alex (Sarah), Julia (Tricia), Katrina (Joe) and Nick (Corynn); and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews. He also is survived by his mother-in-law, Mami, Marlyse Lenz. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Andrew, and his brother-in-law Jeff Stonehill. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Enso Village, the Sutter Hospice team, and the many care companions who brought Doug comfort, kindness and care. Doug was also surrounded and supported by many wonderful friends and neighbors, and especially Nancy Estomba, whose help and friendship meant more than can be expressed. A celebration of Doug’s life will be held in spring 2027. In his memory, donations can be made to UC Davis Give.UCDavis.edu/Area or The Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society HealdsburgMuseum.org/take-action And, most importantly, raise a glass of wine in Doug’s honor, to a life well lived, a land well loved and a man who made the lives of those around him a little brighter.