Douglas Ronald McDonald

Although beset with debilitating health issues for most of his adult life, Doug accomplished much; including a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Washington and a Masters from Pacific Lutheran University. He also served in the United States Army at Fort Benjamin, Indiana, from October 1967 to October 1969.

Doug’s family and friends remember him best from beach house summers -- as a kid, as an adolescent, as a young man … some remember him getting into mischief with the “beach gang,” such as, climbing the “verboten cliffs.” Some remember taking the boat out with him for hours, where he had the annoying habit of catching more and bigger fish than anyone else. And although everyone enjoyed setting off fireworks on the 4th of July, it is probably true, as rumored, that Doug had way too much of good a time. He is also well remembered for being too good at sports, especially basketball, where his height at over 6-feet certainly gave him an unfair advantage.

However, family and friends also remember another side of Doug. Even at a very young age he could be quiet, reflective, and observant. These qualities, coupled with his intelligence were a formidable combination. For example, one string of accomplishments that benefited from this reserved and perceptive nature were his steady advancements through the Boy Scout ranks, achieving Boy Scout Explorer and Star Scout. In addition, Doug had an uncommon sensitivity about him – a tenderness and empathy for others– factors that no doubt later played into his choice of Psychology as a career. Perhaps Doug’s cousin Pat McDonald Seaman describes his quiet, contemplative side best. When Doug graduated with his Masters, a party was held at her house in Tacoma. Apparently, Doug sat calmly, his reserved, unpretentious self, watching with a bemused smile, as everyone else acted silly with pride at his accomplishment.

Doug’s illness cruelly swept away the incredible life he would have lived. For friends and family - - grief, loss, and mourning started when Doug’s decline began. It took its toll. It was a human tragedy; certainly, this was true for Doug and his loved ones – but also true for all the future loved ones he never had a chance to know. With Doug’s passing, this tragedy is over. It does not get any worse. Our mourning does not start now – It ends. Now the remembering begins. We remember a vital, dynamic man, who was full of promise, with so much to offer a world in need of an empathetic heart and a sympathetic ear. And for those of us who had the opportunity to know Doug, before his illness, Pat McDonald Seaman’s words are a gentle reminder of how much he enhanced our lives:

A good soul can leave quite an impact even more powerfully as we remember and reflect, thereby

enriching our exposure to that particular goodness.