It is with deep sorrow, that the Union Bridge Fire Company announces the passing of one of our family members, Lifetime Active Honorary Member - Charles Douglas Bostian, 71. "Doug" died on Friday, January 8, 2016 at The Dove House in Westminster after a two-year fight with cancer. He was the husband of Linda E. Bostian, his wife of 30 years. Born June 19, 1944, he was the son of the late Charles T. and Lois Hobbs Bostian of Middleburg.

Doug was a tremendous asset to the administrative and fundraising operations of our fire company. He served this company (his company) with great pride, selflessness and honor. He was considered part of the ‘backbone’ of our company and he will be greatly missed. He served the company for nearly 53 years. His most recent duties included “Executive Committee member” (representing the company in the CCVESA), "Chief Cook" and our pseudo “Procurement Manager” (buying and cooking food for fundraisers or events). He was always at the firehouse, discussing company and county issues or in the kitchen getting ready for the next event with his apron on.

Doug began his volunteer career with the Union Bridge Fire Company on May 7, 1963. At that time, he responded on emergencies and did whatever was needed to help the community and this company. Over the years, Doug constantly took different classes to learn all of the different aspects of being an emergency services provider. He would not only attend MFRI classes, but also classes at the National Fire Academy, FDIC and many other short courses wherever they may have been held. In fact, he had probably taken more training than anyone in our company, primarily so that he knew what was going on and why things were done the way we do them.

Doug has worn many “hats” and held many offices, committee chairs and positions within our company, as well as in the Carroll County Volunteer associations. He served as President, Vice President, Trustee, Executive Board member, the Executive Committee and he chaired many committees including the Building Committee. He was the Juniors' Director for many years and served as a delegate to the Maryland State Firemen's Association for many years. Doug was also a Past President of the Carroll County Volunteer Firemen's Association in 2002-2003 and was inducted into Carroll County Volunteer Firemen's Association Hall of Fame in 2001. He served on many committees of the Firemen's Association.

Outside of the fire company, he was a member of the Masons Monocacy Lodge #203, AF & AM in Taneytown, serving as Worshipful Master in 1983. He was also a member of the Boumi Temple, Baltimore, the Western Maryland Shriners, 32nd Degree A & A Scottish Rite, Carroll Scottish Rite Club and Plymouth Chapter #41, Order of the Eastern Star. He was employed at the National Bureau of Standards (NIST) for 33 years, retiring in December 1999. He enjoyed his grandchildren, fire company activities, going to sales and auctions to collect "treasures", coin collecting, guns and tools.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters; Jennie Jack and husband Andrew of Hagerstown and Lottie Wieboldt and husband James of Honeye Falls, NY; four grandchildren, Braiden and Ashlynn Allen and Wyatt and Charles Wieboldt; two step grandchildren, Dylan and Kasey Jack; two nieces, Kristy Erb and Robin Zinn and two nephews, John and William Harchenhorn and two great nephews, Billy and Derek Erb ,two sisters, Judy Eyler and Debbie White, both of Taneytown. He was preceded in death by his parents and cousin, Melvin "Pete" Bostian.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 16 at the fire hall of the Union Bridge Fire Company, with Rev. Richard L. Michael, UBFC Chaplain and pastor of St. James Lutheran Church in Union Bridge; and Deacon Charles Barnhart of Keysville Lutheran Church, officiating. The family will have private inurment services at Haugh's Cemetery, Ladiesburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Union Bridge Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 1050, Union Bridge, MD 21791 or to The Dove House, 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD 21157

There is so much more to say about Doug and his accomplishments and guidance not only within this fire company, but also among the community. He will always be remembered as a mentor, leader, navigator and most importantly, our friend. He is and always will be part of our family and it was an honor to be part of his!