Doug Vriens

Douglas Ray Vriens, 70, passed away on Friday July 29th 2022. He was born on August 17, 1951 in Salt Lake City, UT to William and Johanna Vriens, first generation immigrants from the Netherlands. Doug married Janice in 1969, Dawnene in 1985, and for the last 33 years he was with the love of his life and best friend Joanne Buck.

Doug was passionate about cars from the time he was young. As a child he would build model cars, but he took it a step further and made the cars look like they were wrecked. He used heat to melt the plastic and etched cracks in the windshield with an exacto knife. As he got older he began restoring classic cars and opened his first shop at the age of 19. He built some beautiful cars and won many awards at car shows over the years. He opened the Draper shop in 1988 and continued his art building cars, custom painting motorcycles, and performing collision repair. The shop was home to many. Doug apprenticed and inspired several young car enthusiast over the years. You couldn’t go anywhere without him running into someone that knew him. He spent many great years riding his Harley, water skiing in Lake Powell, and camping in the Motorhome. He built a cabin in Fruitland UT and loved spending time there with friends and family.

He loved being a grandpa “papa”. Doug was an amazing problem solver and gave good advice. He was a shoulder to cry on and a hand to pull you back onto your feet. He made countless life long friends and relationships. He was a fighter but never went looking for a fight. He was ferociously protective of his friends and family.

He is survived by his children Todd (Nickelle) Burton, Mickey (Chante) Vriens, Brandie (Randy) Silver, Adam (Brandi) Vriens, Zack (Kimberly) Vriens and Erin Buck (Andrew). He had 13 grand children and 2 great grand children, brother Willliam Vriens Jr, sisters Margery Wright and Christina Montoya, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by Joanne Buck, both parents, brothers Robert & Leon Vriens, and sister Sharron Alfrey.

Per Dougs wishes there will be a celebration of life held for him and Joanne. Come join us Sunday Oct 2nd 2022, share memories and moments.

https://jenkins-soffe.com/obituaries/douglas-vriens