Douglas Marshall Lake

September 24, 1953 – July 22, 2026

A life well lived deserves to be well remembered. Douglas Marshall Lake, known to most as Doug, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, surrounded by love.

Doug is survived by his wife, Donna Lake; his daughter, Jennifer Lake, and her husband, Ivey Och. He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Bob Lake.

An entrepreneur in every sense of the word, Doug was the founder of CSA Martial Arts & Wellness School, where he dedicated his life to helping others build confidence, strength, discipline, and balance. His influence reached far beyond the dojo, shaping the lives of countless students, families, and friends through his patience, encouragement, and unwavering belief in their potential.

Endlessly curious and always eager to learn, Doug found joy in creating, discovering, and sharing. He was a talented artist, accomplished photographer, lifelong practitioner and devoted teacher of martial arts and tai chi, an avid reader, music lover and passionate collector who found joy in discovering treasures both ordinary and extraordinary. Whether immersed in a new idea, behind the camera, creating art, or sharing his knowledge with others, he approached life with imagination, purpose, and enthusiasm.

Those who knew Doug will remember his loving heart, brilliant mind, quick wit, infectious sense of humor, and remarkable creativity. His unwavering faith gave him strength through life’s joys and challenges and was reflected in the kindness, grace, hope, and compassion he shared with everyone he met. He had a gift for making people feel seen, encouraged, and capable of more than they believed possible. He often reminded those he loved to choose “faith over fear.” It was more than a saying; it was the way he lived.

Above all else, Doug was a devoted father. He was Jennifer’s greatest champion, always believing in her, encouraging her dreams, and celebrating her successes as if they were his own. His love, guidance, and unwavering support shaped her life in immeasurable ways, and the lessons he taught will continue to live on in those who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Doug’s remarkable life on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Gordon Center for Performing Arts, located at the JCC, 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117. Together, we will honor Doug by sharing stories, laughter, and memories of a man who lived with purpose and loved deeply.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial gifts in Douglas Lake’s honor be directed to support Merkel Cell Carcinoma research at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Gifts may be made online (https://secure.jhu.edu/form/Kimmel) .

Doug measured success not by what he accumulated, but by the lives he touched. Through his family, his students, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know him, his compassion, wisdom, and unwavering belief in others will continue to live on. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.