Doug M. Weinberg † (1976 – 2005)

WEINBERG - Douglas Mark, 29, died Sun., March 13, 2005, in Hemet, CA, as a result of a pulmonary embolus. Douglas was preceded in death by his mother Lauren Weinberg. Survivors are his father Harold; his brother, Brian; his grandfather, Aaron; Harold's wife, Claire Schmelzer Weinberg; her children Erika Schmelzer Webb and Stephen Schmelzer; and many other loving family members and friends.

Born in Lexington, KY, Doug was named a National Merit Semifinalist while at Lafayette High School. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with honors in anthropology and began a career in archeology in Belize.

Most recently (2003-2004), Doug was Field Director and Principal Supervisor of the Belize Valley Archeological Reconnaissance Macal River Project. As such, Doug oversaw the reconnaissance and excavation of Maya archeological sites deep in the rain forest of the Macal River Valley in western Belize. Doug's final report on the project has sparked public debate over the construction of the Chalillo hydroelectric dam which threatens to flood these sites (hundreds, perhaps thousands still undiscovered) and destroy a primary nesting habitat for the endangered Scarlet Macaw.

As an archeologist for the Belize Tourism Development Project (2002-2003), Doug helped oversee the excavation and restoration of some of Belize's most stunning Mayan structures: the temples of Altun Ha.

In the January 2005 issue of Toyota Trails, Doug wrote of his drive from Belize to KY in his 1987 Land Cruiser, a truck he completely rebuilt.

At the time of his death, Doug was working in archeology and cultural resources management in California while researching graduate schools; he wanted to use his experience as a field director for a humanitarian cause: international aid and relief. Doug's intelligence, knowledge, resourcefulness, empathy, generosity, and sense of humor made him a strong leader in his professional life and a treasured friend to many. To everyone who loved Doug, perhaps the site of Altun Ha can stand, at least in part, as a monument to Doug's work as an archeologist and his indomitable spirit.

An "online memorial" is being constructed at www.weinberg.org/dmw. Memorial contributions may be sent to The Lauren K. Weinberg Fund at the Bluegrass Community Foundation, 200 West Vine Street, Suite 205, Lexington, KY, 40507.

Visitation was held on Mon., March 21, 2005 at Temple Adath Israel; burial at the Lexington Cemetery. To sign an online guestbook, send a condolence, or for more information please visit the Milward Funeral Home.

Excerpt of Archaeology Magazine’s Q & A

Excerpt of Doug’s own twaddle bio

Aj Took’ Yaxakte’ Winik El Mero Pepe Chango (Doug’s full nickname, as coined collectively at Pook’s Hill in 2002), will forever remain our cherished friend and greatly valued colleague.