Doris Oleen (Scott) Cassan

Doris Oleen (Scott) Cassan of Mercer Island, WA passed away November 10, 2025, at the age of 86. She was born on New Years Day in 1939 in the small farming and ranching community of Causey, NM southeast of Portales. She grew up with the values of hard work, faith in God and caring for others. She was proud of her rural beginnings.

Doris always had a positive, energetic personality and a good dose of common sense. She graduated from Causey High School in 1955. At that time, she was at a crossroad. Her Aunt who owned and operated a small neighborhood convenience store in Amarillo, TX invited Doris to live with her and work part time in the store. Doris also worked another full-time job saving money to attend college. In 1957 after a year in Amarillo she decided to attend Eastern New Mexico University. She graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Education. She was a proud alumnus and was grateful that ENMU gave small town students like her the opportunity for an education. Doris met her future husband James on a blind date on Christmas Day in 1960. They married in the summer of 1961. They settled in Seattle, WA with James' new position with Boeing. In 1968 Doris and James obtained the first Dollar Rent a Car franchise in Seattle with a fleet of 5 Volkswagen Beetles. James continued to work for Boeing while Doris operated the rental car business. In 1973 they purchased the Dollar franchise in Portland, Or. These ventures gave them the opportunity to begin developing commercial real estate. Their success as business entrepreneurs enabled them to fund scholarships and support their local community.

Doris and James were proud supporters of ENMU. The Dollar Rent a Car Endowment was created and given to rural students in eastern New Mexico. Many students have benefited from their philanthropic contributions. Doris felt it was one way she could give back to the community that formed her basic values. Doris and James also extended their support to international students in Mercer Island, WA. They served as a "friendship family" for young people far from home. Doris deeply believed in the power of education, often saying, "Education opens doors, but is not a guarantee for success. Education puts you on a path; it is up to you what you do with it". Over the years Doris and James made generous contributions to their scholarship, their church and several other charities. They selflessly gave their time mentoring students and volunteering to provide and serve meals to the less fortunate. Known for their generosity - they gave freely, quietly and often.

Doris adored her six grandchildren and supported their varied passions. She loved to attend their various activities, from soccer and hockey games, dance recitals and cheerleading competitions, to school plays and art shows.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years James, her parents John (Jake) and Opal Scott and her brother Weyman (Scooter) Scott.

Doris is survived by her sons, Todd Cassan (and his wife Michele) and Curt Cassan; her daughter, Traci Granbois (and her husband Andy); six grandchildren- Wyatt, Beckett and Sam Cassan, as well as Colette, Hudson, and Georgia Granbois. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Byrdine Hayes, and her brother, Dwight Scott.

Doris will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her warmth, generosity and the meaningful opportunities she created for others- qualities that reflected the values she carried from her hometown in New Mexico to every chapter of her life. Doris's unwavering love and support will be deeply missed by all who knew her.