We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ambassador Doug Barclay, former partner after whom the firm is named, on March 14, 2021.
Born in New York City on July 5, 1932, Doug was the only child of Dorothy (Moody) and Hugh Barclay. He graduated from Yale University in 1955 and served in the US Army from 1955 to 1957. Doug graduated from Syracuse University Law School in 1961 and joined Syracuse law firm Hiscock, Cowie, Bruce, Lee & Mawhinney (predecessor of Barclay Damon), where he practiced for over 40 years.
In 1964, Doug was elected to the New York State Senate and served in his role for 20 years, during which time he sponsored major legislation in housing, criminal justice, court reform, and economic development. In 2003, President George W. Bush nominated, and the US Senate confirmed, Doug as US Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador, a position he held until 2006.
In addition to his career with Barclay Damon, Doug had a keen interest in business and served on a number of corporate boards, including as chair of the board of Syracuse Supply from 1988 to 2003 and as general counsel and secretary of Key Bank from 1971 to 1989. He also served as chair of the board of Syracuse University from 1992 to 1998 and as president of the Syracuse Metropolitan Development Association from 1991 to 2003.
Doug had a sincere fondness for his hometown of Pulaski, New York. He lived on his family’s farm, which has been in the family for more than seven generations. Doug was a committed fundraiser for the Pulaski Fire Company, the Northern Oswego County Ambulance Service, and the Pulaski Health Center. He often boasted that the Salmon River and Lake Ontario were the premier fisheries in the country.
Doug is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sara “Dee Dee” (Seiter) Barclay; their five children, including Will Barclay, partner and NYS Assembly minority leader; and 10 grandchildren.
Doug will be laid to rest in Pulaski Cemetery.