Douglas W. Finrow

Douglas was born in Seattle, WA on October 5, 1923, and went to be with the Lord, Saturday July 2nd, 2011 at the age of 87. He is a long time resident of Oak Harbor where he would enjoy watching the eagles and boats go by in front of his home in Dugualla Bay. He was a graduate of Roosevelt High School and the University of Washington where he earned a degree in civil enginering. After graduation he joined the effort in the Pacific theater during World War II. He also served his country in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, retiring after thirty years of service as a Public Works Officer for the Navy. After several years working as an engineer in San Diego, Greece and Iran he returned to Whidbey Island in 1979 where he built several homes and has resided ever since.

In 1944, Commander Finrow marrried Mary Virginia Ford of Seattle while he was in Midshipman’s school at Notre Dame. Together they raised five sons, Larry, Tom, Fred, Mark and Jeff, and traveled the world to various duty stations. In Hawaii, Douglas was the Officer in Charge of building the Arizona Memorial, one of our nations beloved monuments. Together they gave direction to a growing number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Doug spent much of his retirement years building structures for several mission organizations including, Wycliffe, Africa Bible College in Malawi, Africa and The Evangelical Alliance Mission. Virginia passed away in 1997. In 2000 Douglas married Rosemay Olsen of Keyport who was his love and companion until his passing.

Doug loved to spend time with his family, to build things for his grandchildren and to relax in the sun on one of his many boats. He loved building things, hunting fishing, playing golf and skiing. He was called “boat papa” by his grandchildren because he always had a boat handy to go crabing or fishing. He loved the people at the First Reformed Church where he attended for over thirty years. He always felt the love of Christ in that fellowship.

Doug died the way he lived, spending time with family, praising Jesus and sharing his love with others. He was cared for when his health started failing by his wife, Rosemay, her daughters, his sons and many outstanding nurses and aids. Recently Doug suffered a setback requiring him to seek hospital and nursing care. He was getting stronger and thought he was going home on July 2nd when the Lord took him to his eternal home. His place overlooking the bay was spectacular, but where he is now he has a view higher than the eagles.

His family invites all who knew Doug to a celebration of his life at 2 p.m., Monday July 18th, First Reformed Church, 250 SW 3rd Ave, Oak Harbor. Remembrances to the First Reformed Church building fund. Burial to be at Sunnyside Cemetary in Coupeville. Douglas is survived by his wife Rosemay, his five sons, 10 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and will remain in our memory forever. Family and friends may sign an online registry and leave notes and memories at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor, WA.