It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Douglas (“Doug”) Jude Tafoya, who returned to our Most Sacred Creator in the early morning hours of September 19, 2026. Though our sorrow takes burden on the heart, we can take solace in knowing that Douglas’s final days were filled with the love and laughter of many of his family members, who celebrated his eighty-fourth birthday with him just two weeks ago, and with the comfort and care provided by the staff at Los Alamos Wellness and Rehabilitation over the past several months.

Douglas was born in the late summer of 1942 in Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico, and lived most of his younger years there. When he was a teenager, he moved with his family to southern California, graduating from Ganesha High School in 1960. As a young man, he worked for General Dynamics, in Pomona, California, and later returned to Santa Clara, where he began working with clay—first, by helping his mother and grand-mother (Christina Naranjo) with various steps of the Pueblo pottery-making process, and eventually producing his own individual creations.

Douglas was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed beyond measure. He was preceded in death by his step-father, William (“Bill”) Cain; his mother, Mary Cain; and his brothers, John Warren Cain and William (“Billy”) Cain Jr.

Though time will ease the burden of our grief, it is in holding our memories of Douglas close to our hearts that his legacy of kindness will live on through all who loved him. He is survived by his sisters, Marjorie Tanin, Tina Diaz, Joy Cain, and Linda Cain; twelve nieces and nephews; ten great-nieces and nephews; numerous great-great-nieces and nephews; and by his many cousins and other members of his extended family in Santa Clara.

Douglas lived each day with a positive outlook, and always embraced the best in life: on sunny days, he was happy and lighthearted; when the clouds rolled in, he looked toward the pending tomorrow with hope and joyful anticipation of what was to come when they passed; and when the storm broke, he patiently waited for the rain to stop so he could get on with what needed doing, which usually included helping someone he cared about with a task or chore.

Even in his absence, Douglas has left us with an important lesson: that what matters most is not material riches, wealth, or status, but love and grace for one another. May Douglas rest in peace. And may God’s grace be with all of us as we await the sun again.

Douglas was laid to rest in Santa Clara Pueblo Cemetery on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

The family of Douglas Jude Tafoya has entrusted the caring professionals at Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola to support them during this time. Our heartfelt condolences to all. (505)753-2288 www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com