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Douglas Caton Obituary
Douglas Bert Caton
Survivors include his wife, Nancy; his children, Nicole Zaan and husband, Steve and grandchild, Audrey Zaan of Costa Mesa, CA, Ryan Caton and wife, Safreena of Everett, WA, Veronica Caton of East Wenatchee; sister, Dede Bacon of Las Barriles, Mexico; and nephew, PJ Bacon of San Diego.
Doug was an amazing engineer with insight and drive to seek out how things functioned, worked to improve them, and helped all those around him with their "projects". He won the 1968 California Engine Diagnosis Competition. Doug held an Airframe and Power Plant License and was a Licensed Pilot. He was constantly toiling on the beauty of his surroundings with gardens, flowers, and trees, in Wenatchee and Crescent Bar, as he felt these were good for the soul. Doug was currently working on a win-win solution for the long term land use of Crescent Bar.
A Life Celebration will be held at 3 p.m. on June 2, 2012 in Crescent Bar, WA at the North Park Activity Center.
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LANZ GOLDMANN
July 3, 2025
I grew up with Doug and Dede for 13 years. His parents and family lived next door and we shared our great youth with on another. Doug rest in peace and Dede I send my love to you!
Lanz Goldmann
Ian Burford
June 2, 2012
I worked for or with Doug for many years on multiple programs at Boeing. During this time we had to address many technically challenfing issues. He was a great leader always looking for the best and "right" solution to these problems. I will miss his earnestness, humor and support. My condolences to his family.
Ted Gladhill
June 1, 2012
I worked for Doug on the 777 and 737-NG as well as on a variety of other projects at Boeing. He was a mentor and example for me, including helping me figure out when and how to retire! He treated everyone with respect and everyone respected him. I will miss him.
Steve Chisholm
May 29, 2012
I am better for having known Doug. His demeanor, logic, technical approach and fellowship will be missed. I will especially miss his humor.
My condolences to his family... please rest assured that his legacy here at Boeing will be long lasting.
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May 29, 2012
Nancy,
So sorry to hear about Doug's passing. To soon for such a man. So fortunate to know him through your friendship. We will miss him.
Mike & Mary Ernst (Snohomish, WA)
Pete Harradine
May 23, 2012
We've all lost a truly fine human being with Doug's passing. I had the privilege of working with Doug for many years, as a colleague and a friend. Not only was he a technically gifted engineer, he was also an inspirational mentor to so many others. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Gary Prescott
May 21, 2012
Jennifer and I were very sad to hear of Doug's passing. Doug was an extremely talented Structures engineer as well as a great person to work with. His contributions and leadership were invaluable to Boeing and the programs he worked on.
Jack McGuire
May 17, 2012
Not only was Doug a tremendous loss to his family and friends, he was also a great loss to Boeing, the Structural Engineering profession and his engineering colleagues. He can't be replaced.
Tim Cartmel
May 16, 2012
Nancy & Family, I am deeply saddened to learn of Doug's passing. I worked for Doug here at Boeing for a number of years and he was a great boss, a fantastic mentor and great motivator. Please accept my condolences.
Nick Calderone
May 16, 2012
Doug was a tremendous help to us on the 747-8 Airframe team as we wrestled through some technical issues on the program. He will truly be missed.
Gary Oakes
May 16, 2012
To Doug's family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss-Doug was both a friend and a mentor who I will miss deeply on both a personal and professional level.
Katherine Kinnamon
May 12, 2012
To Doug's family: Doug and I were classmates during our teen years at HHS. He was always nice to me and I appreciated his kindness. I know his death leaves a hole in your family's fabric. Please accept my sympathy.
Katherine Newman Kinnamon
Vicki Wright McLaughlin
May 9, 2012
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
I also grew up with Doug in Los Altos...my father was building an airplane in our garage and he had an old Stinson in the backyard...Doug was one of many local boys who would come over to chat with my dad or sit on the fence to look at the plane....I had no idea Doug's interest would lead him into an aeronautical career....and one it seems he enjoyed so much.
Again, I'm so sorry for your loss.
Jim Newell
May 9, 2012
Doug was a geat friend ...loved fast cars...could fix anything....far too young to be gone .....all of us from HHS '68 can't believe you are gone ...So long Doug..play with the angels....To Doug's family....alot of us from Doug's graduation class at HHS '68 loved him...even though we lost contact over the years his great smile never left us ..so sorry for your loss..RIP Doug!
Shelley Fretwell-Burts
May 9, 2012
I remember Doug from HHS. He was a kind, gentle person with a wonderful smile. I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace Doug.
May 9, 2012
I grew up with Doug in Los Altos and remained his friend throughout HS. He was a gifted guy with a beautiful spirit. Rest in peace buddy.
Dennis Kinzy (Morgan Hill, Ca.)
Cheryl Herfurth
May 9, 2012
Dear Nancy and family. I knew Doug at HHS. He was such a great guy. Always had a warm smile for his friends. I worked for his dad at Caton's Photography in Mountain View, and he was so proud of Doug. I'm sorry for your loss.
Roland Garnett
May 9, 2012
I remember Doug very well. He was a nice guy and I liked and respected him and his abilities when it came to all things mechanical. I was not surprised when he won the engine diagnostic contest. I don't know where we go when we pass on but wherever it is I'm sure Doug is fixing something or making it better. Rest in peace Doug.
May 9, 2012
Doug you were a special part of my life and will always be remembered. I wish we could of re-connected thru the years. My heart hurts for your family.
Susan (Tibble) Jones
May 9, 2012
Nancy and family, I hadn't been in touch with Doug since Homestead High School. He touched my life in calm and amusing ways, even then. Always a gentleman and a gentle man. Susan Mann, now Ayers, in Annapolis, MD.
Debbie Nordstrom-McPherson
May 8, 2012
I went to high school with Doug and knew his parents and sister. I think our family followed him to WA state. I was able to connect with him in the past couple years, I am glad I did. I will always have fond thoughts of Doug...RIP my friend.
Garth Houlihan
May 8, 2012
Garth Houlihan
Lois Jamieson
May 7, 2012
Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about your loss - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Bob Johnson
May 7, 2012
I enjoyed working with Doug and working through issues. He had a calmness helping you understand and work through the issues.
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