Douglas Kennedy Viland

Douglas “Doug” Kennedy Viland was born in February 1950 in Medford, Massachusetts. Doug died peacefully on April 13, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He graduated from Wakefield High School and joined the Army in 1968. After being injured in Vietnam, Doug returned to Boston, Massachusetts for treatment. He was grateful for the lifelong care provided by the Veterans Administration.

Doug worked for many years as a carpenter and later as a butcher. He loved hunting and conservation. He was also an avid motorcyclist. He was an excellent gardener; dahlias were his favorite flower to grow. Doug was very friendly, making friends and connections everywhere he went.

Doug met his beloved wife, Karen, in Sacramento, CA, and they married on June 23, 1979. They later moved to Karen's hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Doug passed away shortly before their 47th wedding anniversary.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Ernest Viland, and his brother, Eric Viland. He is survived by his wife, Karen Kost; children, Sara Whisenant (William) and Michael Viland; and grandchildren, Arianna and Ava Whisenant. He is survived by family 'up north' including, brothers-in-law Andrew Kost and Jeffrey Kost and their children, cousins Rick Richardson, Randy Richardson (Margo), Mark Richardson, and Sarah Vinyard (Kevin). He is also survived by three sisters, Leslie Hurton (Bill), Janet Castiglione (Gary), and Ellen Richard (Ralph), along with many nephews and nieces, including Eric (Charlotte) and John Viland.

Doug was an excellent husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Please share your favorite memories of Doug with us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Camp Liberty.

https://camplibertymichigan.org

There will be a Celebration of Life on May 4, 2-4pm at Knight's Restaurant, 2324 Dexter Ave. in Ann Arbor, Michigan, followed by a private family celebration in Roscommon, Michigan this summer.