We are so sorry to hear the news of Doug's passing.  We met him just once in August when we were lucky enough to telephone his office to ask about an apartment for our daughter, Martha who was about to begin at UW.  Doug's kind, earnest, friendly manner put us immediately at ease about leaving our child in a new city and in off campus housing for the first time.  

Doug not only re-directed us to a more appropriate apartment for Martha, but he supplied many around-town details to make us knowledgeable and comfortable with the lease we were signing.  And in getting the paperwork started that day and with Martha's roommate later, Doug was the most efficient multi tasker I have ever met.  And Doug generously shared his candy even pointed out which ones were his favorites!

Doug completed our perfect apartment hunt afternoon by calling home to speak to his wife to confer on a seafood restaraunt recommendation.  After some conversation opening joking, Doug and his wife settled on Ivar's Salmon House.  We had a wonderful meal, not because of the fine food, but because we all felt thankful for the nice apartment and for the kind servant, Doug, God had sent to meet us in Seattle.  May God bless you all.

You will be greatly missed.  Your enthusiasm and warmth was felt by many.  I will fondly remember our times together.  You truly modeled the christiam faith.  I think about the time you mistakenly took my keys and I had to catch up with you at the chinese resturaunt.  We often laughted about it.

Dear Fran, you and Sean and Devin are in our prayers. My sister became a widow on June 28, 2003 - at age 46. She wondered if she'd make it, but she is finding God to be sufficient. We are praying that you will too. The family of God is your family too. That's us. You can lean on us. May God sustain you. Love, Linda and Kirby

Fran,

You have my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband, Doug. I know this is a very difficult time for you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Elaine Ervin

We have such wonderful memories of our bike ride in Victoria with the Erhardts and Laurens.  So glad we got a chance to know Doug and Fran.  Our prayers are with you all.

Dear Fran,
We are so terribly sorry for your loss and the untimely passing of Doug.  We are about 50 steps from your door step to ours and we are available for absolutely anything that you may need...friendship, conversation, a meal or a drink.  I say this in all sincerity and do hope that you take this sincerely. We have been pretty much home all the time because of our son and would do anything that you need. Phone number is 546-6482. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.  Bette and Joe Mandich

I met Doug only once...but I'll always remember what he said to me........"An empty unit is a worthless unit."  Truly a real estate guy.


Fran,

I attended the service for Doug this morning.  What a wonderful ceremony!  You and your family should be proud of yourselves for the manner in which you celebrated his life.  I saw as many smiles as tears.

My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Fran,
Sunday, our church choir sang this song and we were both thinking how appropriate for your circumstance now.  Here are the words:

           Through It All

Though the future seems uncertain
Though the fear erodes my peace
Though the circumstance seems hopeless
and the doubting will not cease
I will claim what He has promised
For my heart must recognize
Ours is not to question,
but keep focused on the prize.

Through it all I choose to serve the Savior, through it all I claim Christ as my Friend, Through it all my faith will never waiver, 'til He calls me Home or comes again.

This path now set before me
is not my route of choice
But I must keep looking forward
listening to His still small voice
Each step along this journey
I'm reminded I'm His own
And through the cold dark loneliness
I'm aware I'm not alone.

Through it all I choose to serve the Savior, Through it all I claim Christ as my Friend, Through it all, my faith will never waiver, 'til He calls me Home or comes again.

What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see!  What a day, glorious day that will be!

Through it all my faith will never waiver, 'til He calls me Home or He comes again.

The service was awesome, Fran!  We both were very moved by it.  It's the best Memorial Service either of us has ever been to.

Blessings on you and the rest of your family as you heal from this experience.

Love,
Tim and Katie

Fran,
I've never been to such an inspiring and motivational funeral.  It truly was a celebration of Doug's life, and of his accomplishments within his life and his family.  It made me realize what a very small impact Searle had on his life, yet he obviously had a tremendous impact on several of our lives.  I will never forget how he introduced me to the first physician we called on together by telling him I'd be willing to do anything to earn his business, even dinner.  The doctor called me for 6 months straight until I finally took him to dinner at Canlis, by his choice I had to wait until Bruce had finally come into my life, although Doug did offer to go with me since he set me up.  We'll also never forget our trip to Tahoe - the snowstorm, the hot tub, the snowmobiling and stealing the chocolates off the maid's cart at Harvey's.  Doug also introduced me to our first product launch by taking half a dozen bottles of champagne from that party and initiating his own private hot tub party later at the pool, only to be broken up by security 10 minutes after it got started.  I will also never forget riding with Doug, thinking I was going to lose my life.  Instead, it was his company VCR that lost it's life as a passenger in his car.  Yes, Doug was a legend in this area, remembered by reps and physicians.  I will always remember the fun times we had.  You truly were blessed by having someone in your life that had the greatest capacity to enjoy life of anyone I've ever known.  I doubt you'll ever find someone to fill his shoes, yet want to wish you and his children all the happiness that you could ever hope for.
Shelly & Bruce

Dear Ones, Ever since Doug's unexpected homegoing, our hearts have been with you.  On Sunday morning as we were worshiping, the Lord gave this word - for you - to our hearts:  "When at last our efforts to care for ourselves fail, the Lord, in His great love, gathers us to Himself."

We love you each one & will treasure our precious memories of our fun, laughter & worship together.

Dear Fran.  My heart goes out to you and your very courageous family.  Doug was a wonderful man, the right kind of person, the had the right "stuff".  I will forever be inspired by his family's, and his own, faith.  Be well, with love, God Bless you, most sincerely Mike Cochran.

Fran, Devine, & Sean:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We have so many wonderful memories of Doug.

Camping with the kids.
 
Lots of discussions about what it meant to be a disciple of Christ.

Months and months of construction! Workmen coming and going. Jack hammers running while Emily was napping. Water pump alarms. So much construction that our couch became "built in" to the apartment. When we moved we couldn't get it out the door. They had to remove the large window so that we could get the couch out.

I think that one of the prominent memories I have of Doug were his heavy footsteps. We always knew when Doug was home! It occurred to me as everyone was sharing at the memorial that Doug has left his footsteps in all of our lives. He will be so missed.

The peace of Christ be with you.
Love,
Lisa

Fran and family,

The memorial service for Doug was truly inspirational.  It was obvious from the testimonies that God was working through Doug to touch many lives.  Sean's passionate message about his dad touched my heart and causes me to stop and reflect on my relationship with my family.  I can only imagine that the message to Doug on crossing over to eternal life was â€œwell done my good and faithful servantâ€.    I will be praying for your family.

I'm still shocked and saddened by Doug's death. However, his departure has left me returning to a miriad of  indelible memories that will always leave a smile on my face after I've relived them. 

The quickest memory was the time my small Toyota broke down and I asked Doug for a tow to my mechanic on Aurora Avenue. After hitching up my car to his Ford Aerostar I mentioned I would try and keep the line taught as he pulled me along. Little did I know there would be no need for me to even attempt to keep the line taught. My first indication that it wouldn't be a typical tow was when we pulled out of the driveway. Doug layed scratch! My expectations of a slow, safe and careful ride were dashed. What I experienced was a rollercoaster ride without the tracks. It was quite the adventure as Doug weaved us through cars, my rear bumper just clearing other cars as we passed them. It was definitely a white knuckle experience.

When we finally reached the garage, I calmly mentioned to Doug that he had taken the trip a bit fast. I just remember him chuckling saying, "really, was I going too fast?" 

As I recall this event I can only smile. Even as close as we had come to calamity, I can chuckle as he did because he got my adrenaline pumping, and deep down I think I appreciated him  doing that.

Dear Fran, Devon and Sean.
We are so glad to have known Doug. Our memories of him are many. The friendly, funny, and loving friend. Always willing to share the Lord. With such a busy live, but always having time for the Lord.
He was such an encourager to us. We remember how he always talked lovingly and proudly of you,Fran and of his children. 
More than once mentioned the cruise that just he and Sean took. He really liked that, also the trip to " go see Devon". I am so glad Fran, that you both took that cruise recently, just the two of you.
I had something on my mind yesterday and forgot that he is no longer with us here on earth. I told myself, " I have to tease Doug about that when I see Doug and Fran Sunday at Church". I will share that with you Fran, when I next see you.

How comforting it is to know that Doug is now with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. What a comfort to know as believers that we can be so sure that we will see each other again. The Lord is good and so faithful.
We are paying each morning and evening that He will comfort you all. When in the quiet times He alone will sustain you. HUGS!

I first met Doug in early 1993, when I arrived in Washington working for the same company Doug did. Since then I had worked with and for Doug. He and I were partners for quite some time  and we really had a blast working together.

My first day with Doug was unforgetable. I shared a car ride with him, and Doug's driving was impressive by all standards. Doug only knew two positions of the accelerator: All the way up and all the way down. There was nothing in between. And that was how he was living his life. Doug was always firing on all cylinders. Doug had the energy of an Alaskan Husky and the enthusiasm of a Dachshund.

One of Doug's favorite sayings was: "I have got to go cranking..." and off he went, creating those stellar sales results that got him a well deserved promotion.

Working for Doug was one of my best times here in Washington. I had 15 different managers in my career, and Doug was by far one of the best. He had more charisma and personality than anyone else, and he understood how to create a motivating environment. I received more "thank-you-for-a-great-job" cards from him than from all other managers combined. These cards have an even more special meaning now. Doug allowed his representatives to take risks and fail. He was always supportive of ideas and encouraged leadership.

Doug's promotion was well earned. He had paid his dues and he had the results as well as maturity of a manager. Doug was one of the few managers  realizing that his role was not to be a star, but to create one. He never took credit for accomplishments his team performed, instead he recognized and rewarded individuals. Doug's success as a manager and in life never went to his head, he had no need to impress others. That's what made Doug impressive.

Doug was the life of any party. His enthusiasm and spontaneity were infectious. When Doug and Fran joined us for our 25th wedding anniversary last year, it was the last time we saw each other.

My spouse and I still want to visit Fran in her new home. Somehow it does not seem to be reality that Doug is not there...

Doug, you will always be remembered with fond memories. You had a great impact on my life and your spirit and zest for life were unparalleled by anyone else.

I will miss you.

Hans Klaas

Fran, We wanted to say our condolences and hope you're doing ok. Diana Denham was out to help with the year end stuff and told me what happened.
 Best wishes      BOB AND LESLEE

My memories and friendship with Doug go back to our high school years.  We were in a Church folk group that played every Saturday evening.  Even though Doug's singing voice was "less than perfect" we all loved him and just positioned him away from the microphone so he could sing away.  Then after the service's at church were over, the group of teenagers from the Folk Group would go out on many adventures that I will not go into here.  

We stayed friends in College.  I remember one time when Doug wanted to get together and talk about life.  We went to the park, but Doug decided we should climb a tree because he did his best thinking in trees.  Well, I couldn't reach the lowest branch, so Doug hoisted me by one arm despite my kicking and screaming.  I was so mad I climbed out on my own branch and wouldn't talk to him.  Then he threated to climb out on my branch which I knew would break if he came out on it.  When it was time to get down out of the tree, I couldn't climb down so Doug told me to just jump and he would catch me.  I was sooo mad at him.  I don't remember jumping, but I am alive today, so I guess I made it.  I did not talk to Doug for a long time.

I remember Doug calling when he met Vicki being so happy and ready to start his future.  We had our children about the same time and I remember the his joy over being a dad.  Both our marriages failed about the same time.  I remember Doug's sorrow and how he turned to God in his sorrow.  He got involved in teaching in the "Promise Club" and took my kids and I to the church.  We both supported each other through the single parenting years, and encouraged each other when times got tough.

When Doug met Fran his life began again. HIs commitment to his kids stayed at the top of his priorities, and it was wonderful for him to have someone to love and share his life with.  We would see each other normally at COSTCO and say how we should all get together.  I wish we could have made the one more time before January 2004, but I will have to wait until heaven to see Doug again.  I plan to keep my friendships with both Fran and Vicki, and also keep an eye on Devin and Sean as they are such a tribute to all their parents.

Just one more memory, before I close.  As far as Real Estate, when Doug was in college I remember him coming to talk to my dad about his interest in Real Estate.  My dad was quite success in comercial Real Estate and thought Doug would do well in the field.  Later in life, I became an agent and Doug again wanted to talk about the field.  Well, there were times Doug had the learn the hard way.  Doug was in the process of purchasing a home, and asked me to show him some properties.  The next thing I knew Doug called saying he had made on offer on one of the properties I showed him through another agent.  I was mad and told him to not call for a while.  probubly in stronger words  The next thing Doug called up and wanted to give me his dining room set that I had admired earlier.  I said no I did not want his dining set, because everytime I sat down to dinner I would think of him and feel sick.  Well, Doug called periodically quoting me scripture and telling me how bad wrath was.  I still saw Doug and Fran at COSTCO periodically and Doug would say how sorry he was.  they actually ended up buying a different house  Then, my life took a turn and my marriage failed and Doug and Fran were right there to help me.  I will alway be grateful for the help Fran gave me with reviewing financial records and the way Doug's spiritual faith held me up.  Doug gave me a 3 x 5 index card that, I have carried in my purse since then, with the following Verse on it. Jeremiah 29:22 -- "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  

Losing Doug, really hit me hard, and when I look back and read this it reminds me what a dear friend Doug was.  So, yes I will miss Doug's friendship, but I know he will be waiting at the pearly gates for me saying to Saint Peter, "You better check the 1970's on this one."  I will miss Doug's zany sense of humor, unending friendship and support, and the strong faith he has in God.

Hi Sean and Devon,  my mom just emailed me that your father passed away.  I am so sorry to hear that, and I trust that the Lord will comfort and strengthen you in this time.  Here is a little saying that has helped me through some rough times, I hope it is of use to you.  God bless you and your family.

If God brings you to it,
He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.

Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.

Every moment, thank God.

OBITUARY

Douglas John Erhardt

December 31, 1969 – December 31, 1969

Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery

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