Doug Hartwich, beloved husband, father and grandfather and friend left to be with the Lord on September 29, 2021, at home with his family by his side. He was 91yrs old. He lived life to the fullest with grace to the very end.
Doug went to Roosevelt HS, Seattle U and Gonzaga Law School. Doug and Jean knew each other from afar at Seattle U but when Doug called for a date, Jean pictured him as someone else and turned him down. Fortunately Doug had a policy to always ask twice and after realizing her mistake, Jean said an enthusiastic "Yes!" to his next invitation. After their 1st date they both knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, were engaged 3 months later and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary before Jean passed away in 2019. They raised their 5 kids in Wedgewood in the Our Lady of the Lake Parish community where they made many lifelong friends.
Doug graduated from law school in 1956. He initially worked for the Attorney General for 5 years primarily condemning property for 1-5 from Bellingham to Vancouver, WA and also for 520. While representing the state, Doug tried a case against Paul Cressman who had a small law firm with Ken Short. After Doug won the case, Paul offered Doug a position in his firm. They needed a specialist in property condemnation and Doug started representing the property owners against the state! Doug stayed with that firm until he retired 30 years later. Doug loved his career and developed meaningful friendships with his peers and clients.
Doug was an enthusiastic outdoors man and tried just about every sport he had the opportunity to participate in, especially those where he could go fast! Motorcycle riding, waterskiing, jet skiing, windsurfing. Skiing at Whistler during his week with the guys was a highlight. He bicycled with the "Old Duffer Group" many years up to age 80yrs. You may have seen them on the Burke Gilman Trail early in the morning! Doug was also quite the pool shark and gave all of us a run for our money as we competed against him. He totally amazed us with some of his trick shots! Doug loved music and playing the drums, starting in elementary school. In HS he helped form bands such as "The Dreamers" that played for HS and Frat/Sorority socials. In the OLL community he was in the "Ivory Snow" band playing at mass and for community gatherings. Later on he loved playing Conga or Bongo Drums with the guitar group at NSSC until COVlD-19 hit. "First Class!" is how Doug would answer if you asked how he was. Doug had an infectious laugh that could be heard a mile away! He had a distinct ability to connect with people of all backgrounds. He was always late but lots of fun and was able to laugh at himself. When I told him he didn't have to worry about something, he said, "I never do!" He was a maverick walking to his own beat. He liked to get around the rules. He would give you the shirt off his back and was known to do so if you liked his shirt! (However he drew the line with his pants!) He was the eternal optimist never losing his positive attitude and thankful heart. He was a hard worker and loved to play just as hard. Doug could not walk past someone in need without going the extra mile for them. He had a kind word for those who may have been invisible to others. Doug was not perfect by any means, always late but worth the wait! Sneaking in motorcycle rides so Jean wouldn't know, creating his own driving rules making driving with him scary! Pretending the multilevel parking garage was a racetrack. When going out to breakfast frequently with the "Old Duffer" bike group, he was often short of cash and wrote many IOU's to his buddies intending to pay them back but it didn't always happen.
Two things did not waver in Doug's life. His strong faith in the Lord and his deep love for Jean and our family. Doug's progressive dementia started many years ago. Initially it was really hard for him to know he was losing his memory but eventually he accepted it and kept his good sense of humor. He was relieved to know that with his memory loss he would always be able to pass a lie detector test! Doug never forgot how to pray the "Our Father" and he often asked if it was time to go to Mass. Having Mass on line was truly a godsend these last several months. He would reflect at night on the many blessings God had given him. Doug's solid faith was one of the most precious gifts he gave his family. His faith showed in the way he loved God and loved people. Family and friend gatherings brought Doug great joy. He also never forgot Jean, the love of his life! He may have forgotten that she passed away but he never forgot her! We are so thankful that they are now reunited. As Doug would say, "Amen and Hallelujah!" We love and will greatly miss you, dad!
Doug is survived by his 5 children: Teresa Healy, (Tom); Bill Hartwich (Lee Perry); Brian Hartwich; Mary Hellier (Ed), Ross and Rachel Hartwich, 7 grandchildren: Ross, Lisa and Becca Healy; Ellee HeUier; Hailey, Bella and Makenna Hartwich; and many nieces and nephews in the Arntzen, Brown and Paulsen families.
We especially thank Doug's, compassionate caregivers, most recently Rosemary and Rachel along with the others in the last 4yrs from "With A little Help" who became part of our family. Our thanks to each of you for the many ways you enriched Doug's life.
A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, October 22nd at 11AM at
Our Lady of the Lake Church
8900 35th Ave. NE, Seattle, 98115
Family Burial at Calvary Cemetery
Reception following at the Ravenna Brewery
(they require proof of vaccination or proof of negative COVID 19 test within 48 hours)
Remembrances may be made to
Providence Hospice of Seattle
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