Douglas C Iles

Iles, Douglas C Saginaw, Michigan Doug lived a life of devotion and immeasurable love that his wife, children, and entire family will cherish forever. He passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 30, 2016 at the age of 56. Doug was born February 5, 1960 in Saginaw, the son of the late Carrie Opal (Wale) and Clarence A. "Buck" Iles. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School with the Class of 1978. He also received his Bachelor Degree from Central Michigan University and, later, his Master of Financial Planning from the College of Financial Planning. He married the love of his life, Sandy Christ, on June 26, 1981. Doug knew from the first day that he met Sandy that she was his soulmate. They were blessed with three loving children, and together they formed the family around which Doug and Sandy's lives revolved. Doug had a passionate and brilliant mind, and his zest for life was evident in everything that he did. His selflessness, compassion, and open nature enabled him to share his gifts, touching the lives of everyone he met. He was incredible during good times and even greater during challenging situations always being the first to recognize and step forward when others needed help. His tremendous leadership qualities empowered others, for he often believed in people before they believed in themselves. Those who knew Doug knew that his family was always the most important thing in his life. He was a devoted supporter of his children's endeavors in sports and other activities. At their track, cross country, and swimming meets, his enthusiastic voice could always be heard cheering them and their teammates on. Doug further treasured time with his family, especially at their cottage on Higgins Lake. He greatly enjoyed traveling, biking, hunting, scuba diving, and tinkering with his latest project at the lake. Carrying with them forever the legacy of Doug's powerful love are his beloved wife, Sandy, and their children, Ryan (Chelsea) Iles and twins Jeffrey and Kristen Iles, all of Saginaw; two sisters, Janet Iles (Joseph) Streeter and JoAnn Iles (David) Schneider; his parents-in-law, John and Lois Christ, all of Saginaw; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David (Kathy) Christ, Kalamazoo; and Pam (Michael) MacDonald, Grand Rapids. He has five nieces and four nephews: Karrie (Jayson) Molina; Megan Streeter; Lindsey Schneider-Wilcox; Erin (Aaron) Kirsch; Andy, Jon, and Sarah Christ; and Nick and Griffin MacDonald. In addition, grandnieces and grandnephews Connor, Kayson, Bennett, CarrieAnne, and Jacob adored their "Uncle Doug." Doug will always be known for his wholehearted love of family. He truly served as our "rock." Doug was also a true visionary and cared deeply for his community. His countless acts of kindness embodied the idea that "the greatest good leaves no footprints." He served selflessly in various ways with the Saginaw Community Foundation and was a member of the St. Mary's of Michigan Foundation's Investment Committee; he was fundraising chair for the Central Michigan University Medical School and was a member of the Central Michigan University Foundation Development Board, on which he served as Chair of its Investment Committee. He was also a member of the Salina Lodge #79 F. & A.M. and other Masonic affiliations and served actively in the Higgins Lake Property Owners Association and Higgins Lake Conservation Board. Doug began his exceptional career as a Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor in 1981. After forming The Iles Group in 1988, he also served as the Sales Manager and Resident Manager of the Great Lakes Complex from 1989 to 1995. Doug's exceptional client-driven service also led to his consistent recognition as one of the nation's top financial advisors. In addition to his success at Merrill Lynch, Doug was passionate about fostering and mentoring the next generation of financial service professionals. As a reflection of his pride in his alma mater, he returned to Central Michigan University as an adjunct professor and became the head of the Certified Financial Planning Program in the College of Business. The legacy of Doug's career will carry on because of the numerous lives that he touched. A celebration of Doug's life will take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2016, at Second Presbyterian Church, 2665 Midland Road. Rev. James Neumann will officiate, with entombment in Oakwood Memorial Mausoleum. Doug's family will receive family and friends at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road, from 2:00 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 2:00 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. They will also be present at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Saginaw Community Foundation, the Central Michigan University College of Medicine, or Second Presbyterian Church. Cards will be available at the funeral home. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603