Mr Dougan, who spoke to the Belfast Telegraph in September to raise awareness of the disease, died on Friday morning.
The chef, who lived near Bleary in Co Armagh, told Belfast Telegraph he hoped to survive for some years after being diagnosed with the disease in 2024.
“It will kill me eventually. I know it will but if I get another 10 or 15 years, what the hell, and I can enjoy the things around me. I’d be happy with that.
He co-founded Yellow Door more than 30 years ago, catering for weddings and functions as well as high-profile events including gatherings at Hillsborough Castle.
The business also operated a deli restaurant in Portadown, and a cafe on Belfast’s Lisburn Road.
Simon Dougan with wife Jilly (Geoff Telford)
News Catch Up – Friday 12 December
In a tribute, the business said: “It’s incredibly hard to say goodbye to someone who filled the air with so much laughter, passion (and small amounts of swearing).
“Though he’s no longer here in the way we wish, Simon remains with us in the stories we share, the things he taught us and the warmth he has left behind.
“Simon Dougan was a chef like no other; warm, generous, wickedly funny and along with this his determination to feed people the type of food he himself would enjoy: flavoursome; honest; proper plates of food.
“At Yellow Door he built a team reflecting this ethos, and championed the very best of Northern Ireland’s food heritage which would later earn him an honorary MBE in 2017.
“Simon never attracted any fuss and he’d probably be annoyed at reading this… but here’s to Simon; the chef, family member. mentor and friend whose legacy lives on in everything he instilled and entrusted to everyone here at Yellow Door.”
Belfast Telegraph restaurant critic Joris Minne described Mr Dougan as “a pillar of culinary excellence”.
“His and his wife Jilly’s love and passion for growing and producing food in the drumlin fields of Co Armagh was matched by his ability to prepare dishes which would become loved and known for their originality and authenticity.
“A co-director of Yellow Door, among the best of local catering companies, Simon always sought to deliver the best experience whether for large scale corporate events or intimate private dinners.
“Yellow Door, based in Portadown, was the first in Northern Ireland to secure a two-star rating Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good award last year.”
The company had won catering contracts from key venues around Northern Ireland, including at the MAC Theatre in Belfast.
Mr Minne said: “When I was chair of the MAC, we appointed Simon and Yellow Door to take on the first catering contract for the venue which immediately sealed its reputation for quality.
“He was combative, charming, funny and generous and I will miss him terribly.”
Mr Dougan was also an ambassador for the food and produce of Co Armagh, working with Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on its Food Heartland initiative.
Simon Dougan with wife Jilly and dog Ernie (Geoff Telford)
In September, Mr and Mrs Dougan hosted a fundraiser for pancreatic cancer charity NIPANC at the Yellow Door Kitchen Garden.
He spoke to the Belfast Telegraph before the event about his desire to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and how he was diagnosed with the illness.
He said he had been suffering from an “excruciatingly sore” back, and his skin later turned yellow, with his wife bringing him to A&E.
Simon Dougan with his wife Jilly
Mr Dougan said: “The tumour blocked the duct and that’s why I went yellow, but it took two or three weeks to get diagnosed so that’s where my journey started.
“I think that peace of mind and having a good head space is number one.
“And getting to your doctor earlier and getting your doctor to listen to you is sometimes hard. Wouldn’t it be good if somebody says ‘you’ve lost weight, you’ve got a sore back, maybe we should just do a test’. So it’s trying to raise that awareness and get people in time.”
Simon Dougan, chef/proprietor of Yellow Door at his premises in Portadown
Stephen Moutray, Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Brough Council, said: “It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of Simon Dougan, a much-loved businessman and an inspiring figure within our community.
“His role in shaping our Food Heartland initiative was truly transformative. Simon brought vision, energy and authenticity to the project, helping champion local produce and elevate our reputation as a hub of excellence in food and hospitality.
“On behalf of council, I extend sincere condolences to his family and loved ones at this very difficult time.”
