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BORN
1938
DIED
2020
Douglas Der Yuen Obituary
Der Yuen, MD
Douglas Der Yuen died peacefully on April 7, 2020. He was born in Hong Kong on September 20, 1938 to Frank and Eileen (Cheng) Der Yuen. Growing up with his sister Penelope in Running Springs, California near Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains, Doug developed a passion for downhill skiing, becoming a nationally ranked racer as a teenager. He never outgrew his love of the mountains, fresh powder, and making effortless, endless tracks. Many of his family's favorite memories with him revolve around skiing together.
Following graduation from Pomona College in 1960, he pursued his medical degree at the University of California, San Francisco. His internship and residency training were completed in Seattle at Harborview Medical Center and the University of Washington Medical Center, respectively. In July of 1969, he was drafted into the US Army Medical Corps and served two and a half years at Landstuhl General Hospital in Germany before transferring to Madigan Army Hospital in Tacoma in 1972. After discharge, he joined the faculty of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington until 1977 when he joined The Mason Clinic and served as Chief of Obstetrics at Virginia Mason Hospital. In 1981, he moved to private practice with the Seattle Obstetrics and Gynecology Group and was Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Swedish Hospital for four years. He was a past president of Washington State Obstetrical Association, Seattle Gynecological Society, and Pacific Northwest Obstetrics and Gynecology Association. After delivering thousands of babies and caring for countless patients, he retired in 2003. He was loved and trusted by patients, admired and respected as a teacher and mentor. He was an accomplished surgeon, dedicated colleague, and loyal friend.
Doug was a Renaissance man - knowledgeable about so many subjects, well versed in history, science, music, art, food, wine, and sports. He excelled at everything he tried. He was an accomplished skier, flyfisherman, sailor, cook, oenophile, punster. He was frugal, and lived for finding a bargain. He loved crosswords. He was funny, and fun to be with. He was a romantic. He was charming. He was a gentleman. He was handsome. He was sentimental. He doted on our dogs. He was compassionate and passionate. He cherished his time outdoors and sharing that joy with family and friends. True to his thrifty nature, his annual Whistler ski passes were well used. Skiing rejuvenated him; whether for a solo sprint, leaving home before dawn, driving north accompanied by JS Bach, Handel, James Taylor, or the Dixie Chicks, making tracks all day or a family trip, the car brimming with gear, laughter and eager anticipation. While our quads burned after a day on the slopes, Doug never tired. Doug also found great joy on the Yakima River, catching (or not) and releasing trout. Drawn to the beauty of rivers and the art of outwitting a fish, he often escaped to our little house on the river just 90 minutes away. He loved where he lived. He loved with whom he lived. He was never happier than sitting at the head of the table heavily laden with gourmet food and a bottle or two of fine vintage or local wine to be shared with family and friends.
Doug was married to his Pomona College sweetheart, Sue Marie Lynn, from 1961 until her untimely death in 1973. In 1978, Doug married his wife, Leena (Kiirats). It was not lost on him how fortunate he was to have found true love twice in a lifetime.
Doug lived a full, creative, passionate life and set a wonderful example for his dearly loved family and friends. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his beloved daughters Hilary (Geoff) Bond of Wayne, Pennsylvania; Jennifer Der Yuen (Tim Katz) of Portola Valley, California; and Whitney (Tim) Hemker of Bellevue, Washington; and grandchildren Evelyn, Phineas and Beatrix Bond, Charles and Madeleine Katz, and Penelope and Bennett Hemker.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Please sign Doug's online Guestbook at www.Legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Der Yuen
Sponsored by The Family.
Gaynell Walker
September 19, 2020
Dr. Der Yuen delivered my twins, Eva and Cedric 31 years ago the day before Father's Day. I was so sorry to learn of his passing in the U of W Magazine.
Dr. Der Yuen's skillful approach made an easy delivery of both babies. The twins even made the local news since they were delivered so close to Father's Day!
Dr. Der Yuen truly rocked! Eva and Cedric are rocking now as the Seattle Band, The Black Tones!
My sincere sympathy to the family of Dr. Douglas Der Yuen.
Gaynell Walker
Seattle, WA
John Amory
June 26, 2020
So sorry to hear about Doug's passing. He was a wonderful guy, a great physician and a superb father to his daughters. He will be greatly missed.
Mize Conner
May 10, 2020
We have lost a true gentleman and a treasured colleague. Doug represented the best we expect in a physician; he was an example to us all. You must miss him terribly.
April 22, 2020
Dr. Der Yuen is responsible for the safe arrival of my daughter 41 years ago on April 7, 1979. Without his skill, I most certainly would have lost another pregnancy. I am forever indebted to him and send condolences to his family. He was one-of-a-kind!
-Diane Hanks
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Jane Summerfelt
April 22, 2020
Oh! I am so sorry for the passing of this lovely man. Dr. Der Yuen cared for me for three pregnancies and deliveries. CALM, competent, caring - he was wonderful. I am sorry I have not seen him or Leena in recent years. What a legacy he has left to you all and what a joy his family was to him - blessings and greetings and comfort to you during this season.
Kathryn Zufall
April 21, 2020
To the family of Dr. Der Yuen,
My condolences to you during this difficult time. I first met Doug as a resident at Virginia Mason in 1976. He delivered all 3 of my sons. As I continued my practice of Internal Medicine and raised the family, I would often see him at the Seattle Chamber Music concerts and we would talk about my boys and medical practice and a bit about his family. I did not know about his passion for skiing, but was glad to learn more about his life. He was kind, compassionate and very smart. I shall miss seeing his smile at those concerts.
In sympathy, Kathy Zufall
Benci Franklin
April 21, 2020
Doug Der Yuen was my neighbor growing up on Mercer Island, and our daughters were friends. Later, after I became a pediatrician, I knew Doug as a colleague. He always had kind words for me when our paths crossed in the hospital. But my fondest memory is of the day that I was accepted to medical school. Doug walked down to our house that day and presented my with his 1959 copy of Gray's Anatomy, the first medical textbook that I ever received. Since retiring, I have given away most of my extensive collection of medical books, but my copy of Gray's Anatomy still sits on my bookshelf with Douglas Der Yuen's name neatly printed on the first page. I will treasure his memory.
Marilyn Skipper
April 21, 2020
What a lovely tribute to a gracious, intelligent, kind man. I worked with Doug in the OB department at Swedish beginning in 1984. He was a conscientious and careful physician, a loyal peer, leader with integrity, and nice man. I will always be grateful for the professional guidance he provided to me.
Condolences to his family. May the many wonderful memories you have of him provide comfort in these days of loss. He will be missed and fondly remembered by me and many.
Steve Rice
April 20, 2020
My father Glen Rice was one of the original partners in Seattle OB/GYN. He was so happy to have Doug join the group. They worked together until my father retired in 1986. Doug delivered our son Paul in 1982. I was in the birthing room with my wife. Doug was so calm and confident and reassuring. She wanted a natural child birth. He knew her wishes and respected them. He took great care of all of three of us. I am sorry for for your family's loss but feel lucky to have known him. Bow ties forever!
Marilyn Iverson
April 20, 2020
Doug was my gynecologist from the time he joined Seattle OB/GYN group until he retired. He was a wonderful doctor, in whom I had utmost confidence. He was not only professional and knowledgeable, but very easy to talk to. I trusted his advice, and always appreciated that he wanted to do the most conservative treatment before jumping to anything major. He was the best! I send you and your family my deepest condolences, and prayers for comfort and peace.
Karen Hill
April 20, 2020
Dr. Der Yuen was my OB-GYN in the early '80s. He was caring and professional through my three pregnancies. I will always feel blessed that he was present for all three births--it meant so much. The last delivery was difficult and I totally trusted that he would handle it, and he did! My condolences to his family.
David & Catherine Myre
April 20, 2020
We met Doug first as the caring OB/GYN who delivered our three children and then as the father of one of my eldest daughter's close friends. He was an elegant and kind man. We are so sorry for your loss.
Pamela Muramatsu
April 19, 2020
I was fortunate to have had Dr. Der Yuen as my OB/GYN for many years, and he delivered my second son. I was pleased to have been able to work in the office with him for a time after that. It was such a pleasure to work with him, and I will never forget how complimentary he was about my baked treats. A truly lovely man; my deepest condolences to his family.
Bill Culverwell
April 19, 2020
What an amazing wonderful life. All who knew him must have been proud of the fact. I did not, but wish I had.
Barbara Coe
April 19, 2020
I also want to express my condolences. I was saddened by his passing and wish the family well. His obituary was a very loving tribute to him.
Peggy Hutchison
April 19, 2020
Thanks to Doug for being a strong part of Seattle OB/GYN group. He helped make it a group of excellent and dedicate physicians. He was a quiet but strong man with a warm heart. I am sorry for your loss.
Ron Coe
April 19, 2020
Doug was a terrific guy and a wonderful Doc. He was a major influence as a teacher and mentor to me, and is one of the reasons I went into OB-GYN. He will be missed by all who knew him
Doris Nodtvedt
April 19, 2020
I was sad to hear about Dr. Der Yuen's passing but appreciate the excellent article written about him in today's paper.
Dr. Der Yuen was my doctor from 1973 until he retired and I have missed him greatly. The day he told me he was retiring, I expressed concern about who I would see when he left, but he told me not to worry; I would find someone. Well, of course I did, but I never found anyone as knowledgeable, understanding caring or dedicated as Dr. Der Yuen.
Thank you so much for the well written article about him. It gave us insight into the man behind the doctor's coat and brought back great memories of him. My husband and I send our sincere condolences and best wishes to the entire family during this most difficult time.
Melissa Walters-Lair
April 19, 2020
Dr. Der Yuen was a pleasure to work with. He was so kind, respectful and compassionate. He gave me opportunities I may not have had otherwise. He loved his family and I loved hearing stories of his then young daughters. He always wore a bow tie and looked so distinguished. He will always be remembered by this patients and the joy of him handing them their newborn babies. Rest in peace sir you were loved by so many.
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