Douglas died aged 53, following a long illness, which he bravely battled. He was born in Dulwich and was brought up in the East End of London. The oldest of six children, his first career was as a market trader and he ran a souvenir stall on Oxford Street. He met and married his wife Bridgitte, who was training to be a nurse at Guy’s hospital.
After moving to Norfolk, Douglas started training as a nurse, specializing in mental health; he worked in a variety of mental health roles including a spell at the Norvic clinic and as a community psychiatric nurse in Harlow.
Douglas held the post of Criminal Justice Liaison Nurse Practitioner at Norwich Magistrates court and was responsible for developing a pathway and protocol to help people with mental health problems and (uniquely to Norfolk) people with learning difficulties. He developed his role at the Norwich courts for almost 10 years, forging excellent relationships between the Health services and the Criminal Justice system. His special role was recognised by Judge Paul Downes who paid tribute after learning of Douglas’ death, saying, “Mr. Shad was very experienced and did a lot of work for this court. He will be greatly missed by everyone”. He was held in high regard by judges, barristers and solicitors for his practical approach.
Outside work, he enjoyed fly-fishing and country sports and was a loyal supporter of the Masons. A lifelong Arsenal FC supporter, he was thrilled to receive a hand-written letter from the manager Arsene Wenger, sending his best wishes during Douglas’ illness.
Douglas regularly attended synagogue in Norwich and continued to attend throughout his illness. He was an active member of the Norwich Hebrew Congregation, which gave him great satisfaction and played an important part in his life. The community also provided much needed support and comfort to him throughout his illness.
He leaves a widow Bridgitte and a daughter Joanna who is about to begin her barrister training in Birmingham and a son Louis who is entering his final year at university in Dundee.