Ronald Eugene Douglass

Ronald E. Douglass was born October 5, 1927 to Fred and Jeanette (Johnson) Douglass of Stanwood, WA. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Stanwood, and graduated from Twin City (Stanwood) High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician’s mate from 1945 to 1947 and later was in the State Patrol as a radio operator and technician. He graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1953 where he met and married Margaret Lucas. They went to New York where Margaret taught elementary school and Ron received a Master Degree from Columbia University in 1955. He taught Physics at both High School and College level. He spent most of his career at Boeing where he managed electro-optic Research and Development Laboratories for Boeing Aerospace. He was elected a Fellow of the International Optical Engineering Society. He retired from Boeing in 1988 after more than 30 years of service.

He was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Auburn, serving on the church council, various committees and teaching adult Bible classes. He served as PLU Alumni President, PLU “Q” Club President and three terms on the Board of Regents for PLU. In 1996, he received the PLU Heritage Award for distinguished alumni service. He was also active in the Auburn community as a Board member and treasurer of the YMCA, member of the Auburn School Board for 8 years, and member of the Auburn Planning Commission. Most importantly, he was a devoted Christian husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife Margaret of Auburn, sons Mark (Teresa) Douglass of Kent, David Douglass of Mill Creek, and Peter (Janine) Douglass of Renton, grandchildren Bethany, Andrew, Paul and Rachel Douglass; Luke Douglass and Taylor Smith.

His Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 12th 11 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church in Auburn, WA. The Graveside service will be held prior to the Memorial Service at 9:30 a.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery in Covington, WA.

Memorial gifts can be sent to Messiah Lutheran Church's Ron Douglass Memorial. They will be used to fund an endowment scholarship at PLU.