Douglas Hugh Delfel

1935 - 2016

Doug was born August 28, 1935, to Jess and Doris (Clark) Delfel at the family home on Cougar Mountain near Issaquah, WA where he grew up. He met his wife, Beverly Rousseau, while they were employed at Sears, in Seattle, WA in the shipping/receiving warehouse. They wed June 25, 1955, and raised five children together. He enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling with his family. After being employed in many trades, he found his calling as a heavy equipment operator and was a lifelong member of the International Union of Operating Engineers local 302. His passion for his work was apparent his entire career. He worked on projects like the Kingdome, Space Needle, North Cascades Highway, Stevens and Snoqualmie Passes, Alaska pipeline, Satsop Nuclear site and many many more historical projects that molded our country. He operated every piece of heavy equipment offered but often found himself on a rock crusher, scraper, or some other massive equipment. In 1977 he moved his family to the Grays Harbor area where he worked on the Aberdeen sewer project. He spent the last 35 years of his life on the Satsop river near Elma, WA where he built his "cabin on the river" in the early 80's. We lost him on March 5, 2016 after a brief illness with his family at his side. He was proceeded in death by his father, mother and brother. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, his five children, ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren. All who knew him were likely called "kid", "young lady" or "young man". Thank you for sharing your adventurous spirit and teaching us to become responsible, respectful citizens. Rest in Peace Kid! We love you, Your Family A celebration of life will be held in Snohomish, WA on November 5, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. Please call 360-482-5609 for location information.