Doug Eiken

Douglas Kent Eiken, age 82 of California, Mo., passed away after a hard-fought battle with blood cancer surrounded by the love of his family on August 31, 2025, at Capital Region Medical Center.

Doug was born in Mayville, North Dakota on November 4, 1942, and graduated from Portland High School in 1960 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Math and Physical Education from Mayville State Teachers College in 1964. Doug later earned his Ph.D. in Leisure Studies from the University of Utah, a field that perfectly mirrored his passion for the outdoors, education, and service.

From February 1981 to March 1994, Doug served as the Director of the North Dakota Department of Parks and Recreation. His leadership and vision during this time left a lasting legacy across the state's parks and public lands.

Following his time in North Dakota, he continued his distinguished career as Director of the Division of State Parks for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources from 1994 until his retirement in 2009, making him the longest-serving leader in Missouri State Parks history. Many who began their parks careers during his tenure remember him for his steady leadership and unwavering commitment to the mission of state parks.

Doug's athleticism was another mark of his diverse talents. He was an outstanding amateur athlete in high school in Portland, and in college at Mayville State College, playing baseball, basketball and football, and was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and played several years in their minor league system.

Doug was a lifelong avid amateur golfer, particularly enjoying rounds with a group of close friends at the California Country Club or with any of his many lifelong friends from his hometown at the home course in Mayville, N.D. Throughout his life, Doug found peace, joy, and friendship on the green.

He was an adventurer at heart, especially fond of camping and visiting state parks-particularly the more than 80 in Missouri. His work allowed him to travel to all 50 U.S. states, but his favorite journeys were those that included his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted father and grandfather, always showing up to dance recitals, orchestra concerts, baseball games, archery tournaments and soccer games, cheering from the sidelines, and celebrating every achievement, big or small.

Doug was a proud member and past executive director of NASORLO (National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers) and NASPD (National Association of State Park Directors), where he tirelessly advocated for the protection, funding, and future of our nation's parks. Through his work with these groups, he was instrumental in securing permanent funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund as part of the Great American Outdoors Act in 2020. He never missed a chance to give back-whether through lobbying, fundraising, or volunteering. He was a man of action, with no idle hands and a heart committed to community and service.

To those who knew Doug, he will be remembered as kind, patient, compassionate, and gentle. His warm hugs, sincere presence, and keen sense of humor-always ready to make someone laugh-left a deep impression on everyone he met. He never had an ill word to say and was the kind of man who truly lived his values. His favorite Norwegian expression, "Uff Da," was said with a smile and summed up both his heritage and his outlook on life.

Doug Eiken leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, and laughter. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched through his work and presence.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Raymond "Knip" and Alice O. (Gotteberg) Eiken, and his first wife Nancy Boe Eiken.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Carman Eiken; two children, Stephanie Hesse (Troy) of Moses Lake, Wash., Tim Eiken (Lisa) of Jefferson City, Mo.; one stepson, Mike Clooten (Ingrid) of Lee's Summit, Mo.; four grandchildren, Madison Hesse, Boe Hesse, Samuel Eiken, Andrew Eiken; one step granddaughter, Brieleigh Monson; one sister Dorothy Olson of Hatton, N. Dak.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In accordance with his wishes, a small, private ceremony of remembrance will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Missouri State Parks Foundation, P.O. Box 6044, Columbia, MO 65205, or to a state park system of your choice, consistent with his lifelong passion for preservation of state park systems.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.