Douglas Renwick Caldwell

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — Douglas R. Caldwell, 70, passed away peacefully at home February 1, 2025, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family and faithful St. Bernard, Finn. A native of Northampton, MA, he was born to Renwick K., M.D. and Justine (Mintie) Caldwell in 1954, where he joined his two doting sisters, Marjorie and Pamela. Doug attended local public schools where he excelled in academics and was a member of the band, swim and cross-country teams. Later, he headed to Dartmouth College where he forged lifelong friendships and discovered his love for geography. He went on to earn master's Degrees at both the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Edinburgh. Geography to Doug wasn’t just a major or springboard to a semi-related career, but a passion he segued into a 40-year career with the federal government. After a short stint with the then-known Defense Mapping Agency, he found his permanent home in Alexandria, VA, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its everchanging alphabet of research and development agencies. His endless knowledge of maps, features and place names culminated in his appointment as the Department of Defense’s representative to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, serving as its Chair from 2013-2015. Doug was so much more than what he did professionally. He was a critical thinker and lifelong student who read voraciously. He believed in the power of books and education to lift up and inform, to help people make wise choices about their lives and who they select to lead them. Being in Doug’s orbit meant you were surrounded by his unerring kindness, patience, gentle humor and loyalty. His humble, creative nature made him an ideal mentor to many friends and colleagues throughout his lifetime. In 2017, he and his wife Sandy moved to Charlottesville, VA, where he embraced his retirement and volunteered his geographic knowledge with the Charlottesville Fire Department and Smart Cville Center for Civic Innovation Information. Doug’s favorite place was home with his family. He was overjoyed to become “Pop’ to his grandchildren Alden and Renwick Swab and begin to share his love of reading with them. To his children John and Meg Swab (Robby) he was their north star, gently illustrating by his daily example how to choose the honest, moral, ethical course of action in every situation. To Sandy, he was simply her world. Two services are planned. The first will be Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 1 PM in Northampton, MA, at Edwards Church. A second service will be held Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 1 PM at Jefferson Funeral Chapel in Alexandria, VA If you would like to make a contribution in Doug’s memory, please consider your local library or literacy organization.

Tributes

Douglas Renwick Caldwell

August 7, 1954 - February 1, 2025