Douglas Curt Willson

Douglas Curt "Doug" Willson passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, at the age of 63 following a stroke.

Doug was born in San Jose, California, and graduated from Willow Glen High School in 1979. At the age of 20, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and left California for basic training at Fort McClellan, Alabama. His three-year service took him to Germany, where he initially guarded missiles before transitioning to military police duties and ultimately serving as a ski patrol in Bavaria. After completing his military commitment, Doug remained in Germany to work for the U.S. Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) in Chiemsee, Bavaria-years he would later recall as some of the best of his life.

Following his time in Germany, Doug enrolled at Seattle Pacific University and earned a degree in marketing in 1990. His first job after graduation involved marketing and promoting a joint U.S.-USSR climb of Mount Rainier ahead of the 1990 Goodwill Games. It was during this time that he met Teresa Covello, whom he married in September 1995. Together, they made Seattle their permanent home and traveled extensively until welcoming their first child in 2002.

Doug built a successful career in the beer and wine industry, working for distributors Amber River, Click, and Columbia before moving to the supplier side as a sales and account manager for Alaskan Brewing, Sierra Nevada, Paulaner, and ultimately North Coast Brewing. He became well known as the beloved "beer guy" within the industry, always eager to bring value to those he worked with while supporting good causes along the way. His warm personality and dedication earned him friends across world, where he was affectionately known by many as "Dougie Fresh."

In his brief retirement, Doug found joy in fostering German Shepherd dogs and working part-time at Lumen Field, where he had the opportunity to meet some of his favorite Seattle Seahawks players and music artists while working security.

Doug was preceded in death by his mother, Grace Willson. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Teresa; children Luke and Sarah; father Curt Willson; sisters Becky (Jeff Bontrager) and Ruth (Jerry Reiton); as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Doug touched many lives with his humor, kindness, and bright presence. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doug's name to one of his favorite causes:

**Washington German Shepherd Rescue**

[https://washingtongsd.org/donations/](https://washingtongsd.org/donations/)

**Mount Hermon Christian Camps**

[https://www.mounthermon.org/give/](https://www.mounthermon.org/give/)