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Alan G. DOUGLAS

04/16/1950 - 03/24/2014

Alan G. DOUGLAS obituary, 04/16/1950-03/24/2014, Spokane, WA

FUNERAL HOME

Thornhill Valley Chapel

1400 South Pines Road

Spokane, Washington

Alan DOUGLAS Obituary

DOUGLAS, Alan G. (Age 63) Passed away peacefully on March 24, 2014 with his loving family nearby. Alan was born April 16, 1950 in Salt Lake City, Utah to George and Cle Douglas. As a young child he moved to Spokane, graduating from University High School in 1968. He attended Gonzaga University where he joined Army ROTC and served six years in Army Reserves. Alan graduated from Washington State University with a B.S. in Building Theory and Practice. After graduation he worked in Ridgefield, WA before returning to Spokane. He met his wife Karen and they married in 1975. Along with Karen, he welcomed daughters Jennifer, Megan and Katie. It's not a surprise that with four females in the house he took up long distance running! This would become a life-long passion. In addition to running, Alan loved Priest Lake, boating, snowmobiling, picking huckleberries, talking to people, reading, building projects, Gonzaga basketball, his family, friends and beloved dogs, Tux and Meme. After returning to Spokane he was a Project Manager for Levernier-Shea, where he gained considerable knowledge and expertise. In 1983 he became co-owner of Hoffman Contractors, Inc. and eventually sole owner. He felt very proud and fortunate to guide this company for over 30 years. There are many landmarks in Spokane that bear the stamp of a very conscientious, hardworking and ethical man. The School of Business, PACCAR Engineering and Student Fitness Center at Gonzaga University; Liberty Lake Elementary; and numerous projects at Spokane Wastewater Treatment Plant to name just a few. Alan is survived by his wife of 38 years, Karen; daughters, Jennifer Douglas, Megan Douglas, Katie (Blake) Horgan; mother, Cle Douglas; brothers, Nathan (Marie) Douglas and Todd Douglas; grandsons, Ian Alan and Eli Gerald Horgan; as well as numerous other relatives. The family wishes to thank Pastor Craig Goodwin, Dr. Dirk Sypherd, Dr. Jay Wittenkeller, the staff at Rockwood Valley Cancer Treatment Center (especially Marie and Lisa) and his very loyal friends for their care and support during his lengthy battle with cancer. Alan was an amazing, generous, hardworking, compassionate and loving man. His thirteen year battle with cancer was fought with everything he had. We celebrate that he is now at peace. A Memorial Service will be held at Millwood Community Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Rd., on March 29 at 1:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Family Promise of Spokane or Millwood Community Presbyterian Church (Capital Campaign).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review from Mar. 27 to Mar. 28, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan DOUGLAS

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Dave Graves

July 6, 2014

Though we hardly knew Alan, we will miss seeing him and talking at the marina. Your dock neighbors, Dave and Terri

April 12, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. I was working in the School of Engineering and Applied Science in the PACCAR Building at Gonzaga when Alan built it! I saw him every day for nearly a year and it was an absolute pleasure to know him. The building is beautiful, such a testament to him and to his work. Such a truly nice guy. We loved having his trains displayed in the hall outside of the Dean's Office where I worked, and I would think of him every time I walked by them. I do believe they are still there! Thank you, Alan, for sharing a part of yourself with Gonzaga and those of us who were fortunate enough to know you. God Bless. Therese Covert

richard swingle

April 6, 2014

Karen and Family I'm still down south and just heard about Alan. He will be truly missed. He was a good friend and a great business partner. Always had a great outlook on life and would go out of his way to help anyone. Will truly be missed

April 1, 2014

Alan was a great guy in high school and grew into a wonderful man. He will be missed by so many of us. My prayers go out to Karen and his family.
Kathy Jenkins Currie

March 30, 2014

May he rest comfortably in Gods arms, my prayers are with his family, now and always, old classmate, Sandy Poole Flood

Layne Horgan

March 29, 2014

Thanks to my nephew Blake, dating and marrying Katie, I was privilege to meet Al and the Douglas family. May God bless Karen and the Douglas family during this difficult time of loss.

Brian & gail

March 29, 2014

We were blessed to know you and call you our "friend". Alan Douglas, a true gentleman, filled with kindness, honesty, hard work and all things GOOD. Bless you friend and your wonderful family.

Chris Brandvold

March 29, 2014

Alan was a neighbor & great friend as kids. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Our prayers are with Karen and family.

March 29, 2014

Alan was a true partner and friend on many construction projects at Gonzaga University over the years. We are all blessed to have known and worked with him. We will all miss him. His spirit lives on in our hearts. GU Plant Services.

Leonard Pederson

March 29, 2014

Good bye, old friend. We had some great times in childhood which produced fine memories. You are missed.

All my love, your daughter Jennifer

March 29, 2014

I don't even know where to start. You were the hardest working man I have ever known. Your strength and courage were unsurpassed. Whether it was cracking jokes, giving advice, or simply asking about our day you were always there for us. Not only were you a teacher and friend...you were also the most amazing Dad that anyone could ever ask for! Thank you for all that you did for us! I miss you so much already. But I am comforted knowing that you are no longer suffering. I will cherish all of the wonderful memories and hold them near and dear to my heart. Love you Dad!

Russel Tanner

March 28, 2014

It breaks my heart to have to say good-bye to someone who was such a good friend and a great person to work for. "I cried the day I lost my boss." You don't hear that often. He was a good man who genuinely cared about everyone around him and he inspired me to be a better man. I miss you Al and I will carry the things you taught me throughout my life-love, patience, kindness, and honesty.
"The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good." Luke 6:45

Phil & Susan Von Buchwaldt

March 28, 2014

Alan was a caring and hardworking individual. Our relationship was highlighted by evenings of great food and wine with our spouses. We will miss his honesty and thoughfulness. Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen and the family.

Don and Jan Young

March 28, 2014

Karen and Family,
Alan was a true friend to all. We will always remember dancing and singing to the jukebox. We will be out of town on the day of Alan's memorial, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Don, Jan, Aly and Sky

Brian Christoferson

March 28, 2014

Al, you were always an inspiration to everybody you worked with down at the Spokane plant. I respected your ability to always maintain a great attitude even during crunch time. You're legacy still lives on as your family and great staff continuing working at your company. That speaks volume about your character.

David Hoffman

March 28, 2014

Alan was an good and talented man. For 30 years he owned and operated Hoffman Contractors, the company started by my dad. He and Rich Swingle brought honor to that company. In doing so Alan, gave a wonderful gift to the Hoffman family.

March 28, 2014

a very nice classmate and fellow "Coug". God Bless!

Rembie Peterson Krattli

Bob and Ruth Warner

March 28, 2014

Karen and family ~ We are sad,sad for your loss. I remember you and Jennifer for a verrrrry long time. And, then you received a wonderful blessing for both of you ~ Alan. He loved you both so much. Then, there was more to come ~ two more beautiful daughters. Alan was always a quiet, gentle spirit that was able to move mountains without fanfare. We love and respect both of you so much.

I wish you and I could serve Bob and Alan "just one more ice cream sundae" even if they dumped it in the shrubs. Karen, you and I KNOW how to make an ice cream sundae... Fond memory of you and Alan.

Know our thoughts and prayers for all of you will be ongoing. (We are in Everett, so will not be able to attend the service tomorrow. I hope you feel the love.) Hugs.

Darrel Moss

March 28, 2014

I graduated from University High School with Al. He later became a frequent visitor and wonderful friend when he came to our house. At the time I was living with 4 or 5 other guys in a house on University & Main (known as the Rock). I will be unable to attend the funeral, but wish to extend my condolences to the family. Al was a wonderful human being & the world has lost a very caring & genuine person.
Darrel & Julie Moss

Todd Douglas

March 28, 2014

To my big Al.....thank you for always being there for mom and I. You are my hero and the greatest man I have ever known.I will miss you so much.Rest in peace my loving brother.I will never forget what a wonderful man you are. Love you ....your little brother Todd

Blake Horgan

March 28, 2014

You welcomed me into this family with loving and open arms. You gave me many opportunities, offered advice and where there for me always. I will continue your legacy on and will always admire the amazing person that you were. Love you dad.

Dudley Bowers

March 28, 2014

I met Alan at the Badger Mt. Bean run 30 years ago. We reconnected several years latter after I moved to Spokane. We spent uncountable hours on the roads and trails of Idaho, Oregon, &Washington.We shared a love for family, running and the Pacific Northwest So many wonderful times and memories!! I am proud to call Alan my friend.

Todd & Noreen Rooks

March 27, 2014

We feel fortunate to know the Douglas family & truly appreciate having Alan in our lives and you as neighbors over the last few years. His will to battle & carry on with cancer will always be remembered. In a few business dealings with Alan, his integrity was unsurpassed! We have been sadly missing his blue pickup pass by our driveway VERY early in the morning on his way to jobsites since last year.
We would always smile when we'd see his pickup come down our drive for a pop-by visit to share musings about equipment, cars, & hobbies. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Alan but know that there is rejoicing on the other side! With deep sympathy to Karen & family, Todd & Noreen Rooks

Ann Cunningham

March 27, 2014

Alan and Karen have always been such incredible friends. Alan is the reason we moved from Coeur d'Alene to Priest Lake. One day out on the snowmobiles, Alan in the lead, and my boys were sold! Alan was a great runner, a bright light at Gonzaga games, sunshine at Priest Lake just this New Years... I know that he is smiling on his beautiful, special family now, holding them in his heart...
You will be missed, my friend!

John Jensen

March 27, 2014

I was lucky enough to get to know Alan through the Spokane "Nooners" running crew. Our trips to Canada for the Jasper to Banff relay are the stuff of legend. Alan was a true Nooner and inspiration to all of us. He was such a gentle, kind, great man. We will miss him terribly, but cherish our time together always.

Tim Mathison

March 27, 2014

Alan was a wonderful man and I feel lucky to have been his friend. I miss him already. When I moved to Alan's neighborhood he would see me running and stop to visit, a few times the visits lasted so long I got cold and needed a ride home. He was always interested in what event I was doing but never told me what a great runner he was. I had to find that out for myself. He never complained about his battle with cancer and when I got cancer 2 yrs ago he would stop by and check on me. In the last few months we had several conversations about life and death that only fellow cancer patients could have. I pray god will bring comfort and joy to Alan's family in the near future. Love Tim and Karen Mathison.

Kody Van Dyk

March 27, 2014

Alan's integrity and sense of doing the right thing is often a rarity or an anachronism in Alan's business. Those attributes set Alan apart and made me an admirer of him. He was always interested in how you and your family were doing. Alsn constructed Sandpoint's water treatment plant. Alan was an honest contractor, but more than that he was a great person to know.

Tim Mathison

March 27, 2014

Alan was a wonderful man that I was lucky enough to call friend. Alan would see me running the roads by our homes and stop to visit. By the the time we finished talking I was cold and needed a ride home. We shared stories of running but it took work on my part to find out how great of a runner Alan was, he was so humble. I knew about 4 yrs ago he had cancer but he always down played it and rarely talked about it. When I got cancer Alan was always stopping by to check on me and still wouldn't talk about his cancer. I will miss him greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Love Tim and karen mathison.

Shelli Findley

March 27, 2014

Alan was such a wonderful man. I have the best memories of him. He would do anything for anyone. My heart breaks for all of his family and friends. Love you guys!

Matt Paul

March 27, 2014

Becca and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Tux "Big Dog" Horgan

March 27, 2014

I lovingly watched over you and stuck to you like a glue stick when I came to visit. I will greatly miss our hikes, car rides and many adventures together. Thank you for treating me like one of the family. I "ruff" you Grandpa and will continue faithfully serving this family in your honor.

March 27, 2014

Alan was a great person and true friend, i worked with Alan on projects at the Wastewater Treatment and he was a special person always had time for everyone and he will be missed, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Jim Burke

March 27, 2014

Alan was a great man we will miss him. Alan was a good contractor we enjoyed working with him may God bless him and keep him in heaven.
Thank you for all the good times.

Jim & Lois Stewart

March 27, 2014

Sorry to hear of Alan's passing. He was one of a kind, always cheerful & dedicated to his family, church & construction projects. We feel fortunate to have known Alan for many years and that we were able to have a long visit with him in December. He was looking forward to the birth of another grandchild. Our thoughts and prayers to Karen and family. REST IN PEACE ALAN!

March 27, 2014

I have so many wonderful memories of Alan!! Although I haven't seen him in years, I cried when I heard of his passing.... As the father of my friend, he was there for slumber parties, Blue Bird meetings in his living room, and was my softball coach for years! He was a truly kind man.... Everybody who knew him is better for it. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family during this time of grief.

Dawn Cunningham

March 27, 2014

What a privilege it has been knowing Al and the whole Douglas family. I am looking forward to watching our families continue to grow. The two great-grandfathers are probably chit-chatting up in Heaven as we speak. Many prayers to you during this time of reflection on this wonderful man.

Kip Chappell

March 27, 2014

Alan was one of the best, most honest men I've ever had the pleasure to know and work for.
Alan was generous of heart and would give the shirt off his back, my family is richer for having known him.
God bless you Alan, may God comfort the Douglas family in their time of need.

Dan Shier

March 27, 2014

On behalf of everyone at Inland Empire Fire Protection, Alan was a wonderful man to work with and will be missed terribly.

May God bless and keep you Alan.

May your family, friends, and co-workers find peace as all work through their grief.

Kevin Hill

March 27, 2014

I cannot search enough for the right words. Alan was truly exceptional as a coworker, friend, business associate, and all around great guy. I will think of him every day. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and to anyone who knew him

Meme "Dog" Horgan

March 27, 2014

I loved running down to your house everyday and keeping you company in my special chair. I loved our adventures and preferred to keep our hikes and activity to a manageable level. You and Tux wore me out at times, but I still appreciated being part of your adventures. I "ruff" you grandpa and faithfully served you always.

Ian and Eli Horgan

March 27, 2014

My mom said you cried tears of joy when we were born and that we were the light of your life. When you were sick we brought you hope, laughter and lots if smiles. We will remember you always Papa and are looking forward to getting that clubhouse built in your honor. We will never forget you and know you'll always be in our hearts.

Tux "Big Dog" Horgan

March 27, 2014

I faithfully laid by your side when you were sick. I missed our long hikes, car rides and was always up for whatever adventure you had in store for me. You never disappointed and I will miss you dearly. I "ruff" you grandpa!

Your loving daughter, Katie Horgan

March 27, 2014

You were the most amazing, loving, funny, honest and hard working dad. You were my confidant, role model, guide and best friend. My heart aches knowing you're gone but I seek comfort knowing you're in a better place, free of pain, free of cancer. We are so proud of you dad and will remember you always. You were one of a kind, a jack of all trades and will be missed dearly by all of us. I love you and look forward to seeing your smiling face again. I know you're watching over us now and will forever be our guardian angel. Thanks for the memories dad, you'll be in our hearts.

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