Doug Klaudt

Doug Klaudt

...."Dad", "Grandpa", "Old Timer", "Douger"... passed away peacefully in his sleep on 4/13/2018. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna, his son, Devin, daughter-in-law, Kimberly and grandchildren, Tyler and Lexie. He was preceded in death by his father, William, mother, Olga and brother, William (Delores).

Doug and Donna met during the summer of 1963 in Spearfish, South Dakota and after a bit of a chase, Donna agreed they could go on a date. Three years later they married. In 1969 they packed their belongings into a Mustang and moved to the Seattle area. The light of their lives, Devin (referred to as their "itty bitty baby boy"), was born in 1970. After many years of a successful career in management and sales, Doug struck out on his own, starting "Klaudt's Cash Register" in 1983. For the last 30 years he and Devin have operated it together, during which formed an amazing father / son bond. The family mantra over the years has been "don't sweat the small stuff" with Doug always quick to point out how fortunate they were and how thankful he was to have a healthy family. He had a positive outlook on life and it helped direct where his family would go through the years.

While hard to capture his colorful lifetime in a few words, it's easy to agree that Doug had a huge heart. He wasn't ashamed to cry when given a thoughtful gift or card, and even the smallest gestures meant the world to him. Above all, his family was his greatest joy; the focus as his life matured being on his grandchildren...with Texas Hold 'Em coming in a close second! From suffering through choir concerts and art walks in elementary schools to joyfully watching athleticism blossom and be displayed on courts or fields in high schools and beyond, he never missed an opportunity to support their activities. He was also insanely proud of how they excelled in school and if you gave him a second or two, he'd tell you all about it! He always had a grandkid story to tell or a newspaper clipping of their latest accomplishment to share with anyone who would listen. He was forever boasting about "Tyler this" or "Lexie that". He had so much love for his family and never hesitated to do anything for them, no matter the cost. (Although, it did help if he had a coupon!)

In addition to seeing his family excel, Doug was an athlete in his own right. He was proud of his title as the "Golden Glove Champion" of South Dakota. He also won a gold medal while playing basketball with the Washington Athletic Club men's team for the World's Master's Games in Melbourne, Australia in 2002. Even into his fifties, he coached and played on softball and basketball teams. He was highly competitive, hated to lose, and poured himself into every second of the games, often snapping at players and teammates. But, he was always quick to follow-up the games, insisting they all hang out for a beer to enjoy their friendship.

As a constant and steady figure in his family, Doug will remain an irreplaceable cornerstone. His memory and legacy will be honored and proudly carried forward.

So rest easy, big guy! You touched many lives and will be forever remembered for being likeable, dependable, and honest. We will miss you getting grumpy and vocal with the officials over questionable calls. The messages that remain on our "record-a-phones" will be played time and again so we can hear your voice and feel your encouragement and support. You'll be forever with us.

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure."