Douglas Dougie Fresh H Kato

Douglas Hiroshi Kato was the second of four children born to Henry and Chiyo Kato. He was born in Portland, and raised in Gresham when the family returned to the area after their internment in Eastern Oregon during WWII. Doug learned his strong work ethic and the importance of family during the years of working on the family berry and vegetable farm.

Doug was a good athlete and pursued track, football and basketball at Pleasant Valley Grade school and Gresham High. He graduated from Gresham High, received his Bachelor degree from the University of Oregon and Doctor of Dental Medicine from OHSU dental school. His dental practice was in Gresham. A kind person, he would accept in payment what the patient could offer in-kind, and was known to open his practice on a holiday for a dental emergency or take his mobile equipment to a foster home to accommodate a patient.

Doug raised his children Andrew and Amy in Gresham. He helped coach and attended their school and athletic events, often with a camera in hand. His other leisure activities included boating, fishing, card and board games, mushroom hunting, and bike riding. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Doug had a dry sense of humor and could amuse patients, friends and family with quips, anecdotes, jokes, stories and reminiscences. As Doug reflected upon his life, he said he had no regrets and was content.

He is survived by his son Andrew (Heather Heikkila) and daughter Amy Kato; his siblings Carl (Toni) Kato, Kathy Kato (Steve Burgess) and Curtis Kato, niece Denise Kato, nephew Brian Kato and grandson Blake Heikkila.