Douglas Andrew Dedeaux

Dedeaux, Douglas Andrew On January 21, 2011, Douglas Andrew Dedeaux, age 64, peacefully passed away in Irvine, California. Born in Los Angeles on August 24, 1946, Doug was the second of five children. His father, Eugene J Dedeaux, was a Major in the Army, and Doug's childhood was spent in California, Japan, Germany, Salinas and Gardena. His mother, Gloria Bell Dedeaux, loved him and her other children unconditionally, and Doug's childhood was happy and carefree. Doug attended Salinas High School for two years, before moving to Gardena with his family. He attended Bishop Montgomery Catholic High School in Torrance during his Junior and Senior years, where he ran track, played baseball and was the quarterback for the Varsity football team. He served two years in the Army in Germany and returned to attend El Camino Jr. College in Torrance, where he met his soul mate, Elaine Moreau, on the volleyball courts. He found employment with the Auto Club Insurance Exchange in 1969, and was soon on his way to becoming a valuable member of management in Claims, Subrogation and Med Pay. He served two years as the President of Orange County Arbitration Forums, and ended his Auto Club career in the Auditing Unit. Doug and Elaine married in 1970, and were blessed with three wonderful sons, Daniel (1974), Bryan (1977) and Joseph (1990). Their lives revolved around their children, with Doug coaching numerous baseball and soccer teams throughout the years. Doug was noted for the time he gave to his community. He served as Commissioner of Division-4 in AYSO, and was a volunteer referee for over a decade. In the 90's and through the present, Doug continued to donate his time, serving as the Colony Swim team President and a member of the Board on the Irvine Swim League. He coordinated the Irvine High School Soccer Tournament, ran an Irvine Swim League' s Pentathlon, and was ultimately awarded the Irvine Swim League's "Dave Kelly Parent of the Year" award. Doug's love for his sons was never ending. He developed a close bond with each one of them, individually and collectively. He was their role model, their mentor, their rock. Doug was always ready to assist and guide them with his knowledge and wisdom. In the last decade, Doug became close to the Lord, which gave him comfort and peace. Reading the Bible became a part of his daily life. His son Bryan married a wonderful woman, Kate Rumph from Newport Beach, whom Doug grew to love as his own daughter. In November, 2009, Peyton Grace was born and she became the apple of Doug's eye, bringing him much joy and happiness. Doug attended Duck games regularly with his sons, played fantasy football with good friends, and announced at the Colony Raft races for the 4th of July neighborhood picnic and at the home swim meets, where he was known for his "golden voice". Doug was diagnosed with ideo-pulmonary fibrosis 5 years ago. There is not much known about this disease and he accepted his fate with grace and dignity. He adapted to the necessary changes it brought to his life. The devotion of his wife and their sons and daughter-in-law was constant and filled with love. He was a happy man. Doug is survived by his wife, Elaine; sons, Daniel, Bryan and Joey, granddaughter Peyton, father Eugene; siblings, Don, Denise, Diane and Deborah and cousin Lyn, each of whom he maintained a loving relationship with. He will be missed by many, but has certainly found peace and happiness with the Lord.