Douglas James Ness

Douglas J, Ness died unexpectedly on October 13 in Tualatin Oregon at the age of 74. Doug was born on August 1, 1948, in Buffalo, NY, the only child of W. Franklin Ness and Ellen Wurtz Ness. Doug spent his growing up years on Grand Island, NY where he attended public school before transferring to Nichols School. Grand Island was the source of many school and neighbor friends as well as a love of boating, water skiing and swimming. Doug spent 4 of his most memorable years at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio where he made countless friends, many of whom he remained close to throughout his life. Graduating from Hiram with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he moved to Boca Raton, Florida where he worked in real state.

Doug and Cheryl became a team in 1977 and moved from Florida to Oregon in 1980 – first to Salem and finally to the Portland area. They married on Valentine’s Day of 1986. Doug had a 25+ year career in commercial real estate. Doug’s last business venture, and possibly the one he was best suited for, was as the owner/operator of the Westmoreland Liquor Store in the Sellwood area of Southeast Portland.

Doug was an avid traveler, especially in his younger years. Just after college, Doug spent several months “camping” through Europe, Mexico, and the western US with his dear friend Joe Stuart. Cheryl and Doug traveled when their work schedules permitted including trips to Hawaii, several Caribbean islands, many areas of Canada (from Nova Scotia to the Queen Charlotte Islands off the west coast of Canada, to Alaska, Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Czech Republic. They cruised twice and found cruises interesting, but Doug’s favorite trips were road trips – with Cheryl and with other friends. Over the years they drove across the US several times and visited every state, a bit of Mexico and much of Canada. In 2016 Doug bought the car of his dreams – a Tesla Model S. From the time he bought the Tesla, most road trips were planned around places he could drive that car.

Doug is survived by Cheryl Brendle, his wife of 36 years, his first Cousin Maria Vitagliano, her daughters Ellie Skillin, his God daughter Katy Pape as well as his God son Gregory Stuart. Doug was also close to his wife’s family that included Cheryl’s sisters, their husbands, and children.

Doug counted his wealth, not in dollars, but in the multitude of good friends and relationships he maintained his entire life. A Celebration of Doug’s Life is planned for December 4 at Cheryl & Doug’s home. Friends and neighbors are welcome!

Doug’s concerns for animals remained a passion throughout his life – especially cats! For those who wish to honor Doug, the family suggests donations to Oregon Humane Society (www.oregonhumane.org) or

Cat Adoption Team (www.catadoptionteam.org) in his memory.