Douglas Akin

Douglas A. Akin of Dryden, MI passed away on November 21, 2021, at the age of 85. Devoted son of the late Orville and Hilda Akin, dear brother of Wanda Hatcher (Gene) and family to his nieces and cousins. Doug grew up in Pontiac, Michigan, enjoyed big band music, and was a dedicated bachelor. More than anything, Doug had a passion for driving race cars that became his lifelong hobby. From racing his 1958 Corvette Stingray on Woodward Ave to the modified Austin Healey 3000 at Waterford Hills and then racing a single seat Formula Ford race car for the next 40 years, Doug loved racing. He traveled to race circuits throughout the Midwest, New York state and Ontario Canada and even competed in the Canadian Bulova Championship at Mosport Park in the mid 1970’s. Doug retired from racing at the age of 73 where he made many friends and will be missed. Donations may be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills, MI. Internment is at Perry Mount Park Cemetery in Pontiac, Michigan. (written by lifelong friend, David Rogers)

Douglas Allen Akin passed on November 21, 2021 in Rochester, Michigan of a massive heart attack. A life-long Michigan resident, he was 85. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Orville C. and Hilda P. Akin and his niece Lisa C. Carr. He is survived by his loving sister Wanda C. Hatcher (Gene), nieces Diane Kilmer, Judy Ide and Jan Hatcher and their families, as well as many beloved extended family members across the country and long-time Michigan friends. Doug grew up in Pontiac, Michigan and graduated from Pontiac Central High School. He was an accomplished trumpet player in the high school’s award-winning band and popular jazz band. Doug enjoyed listening to a wide range of music, everything from jazz (especially Miles Davis) to Big Band, Cuban music and favorite guitarist Jesse Cook. He also enjoyed reading fiction, particularly detective stories. He appreciated well-made cars, drove a Corvette in his younger years, and learned how to build auto engines. Although Doug took flying lessons for a while, the hobby that captured his interest for decades was auto racing. He was a Formula Ford race car driver and began competing at Watkins Glen in Pennsylvania in the early 1970s. He built his own race car, welding the majority of the entire car himself—no kits and very few body parts. His mentor was Joy Lee Fair. Family members recall that he was always studying, always learning something new. After a stint painting Lincolns at the Ford Motor Company plant in Wixom, Doug decided to go into general maintenance of apartments. He acquired certification in refrigeration and developed skills in heating, electronics and plumbing, applying his knowledge to privately-owned apartments as well as property at Camp Oakland, a non-profit youth assistance program in Oakland County. Doug also attained his real estate license, then sold and managed apartments for himself and others. Doug was a quiet, private man who believed in Jesus. He had a dry sense of humor and enjoyed emailing good jokes to his cousins and close friends. Whenever someone asked him how he was doing, Doug always joked, “Livin’ the dream!”  Now he really is. No memorial service is planned at this time. Donations given in Doug’s memory may be sent to Leader Dog for the Blind , 1039 South Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. (written by Dougs family)