Doug WARD

1952 - 2023

3/28/1952 – 9/16/2023

 Doug's lifelong friend Len Brannen shared these thoughts in Doug's last days: "I want you to know how I feel about you, Doug. Of all the people I know or have met, I know no one who has achieved the admiration and respect of others like you have for simply being a genuine, good guy. What shows on the surface of you is an exact replica of what is on the inside. That is a very scarce integrity, and I take it as a lesson on how to be something much better. Thanks for being that example for me, and a good friend for life. What a great spirit you have always had." • In Spring 1952 at Spokane's Sacred Heart Hospital, Doug joined dad Russ, mom Kay and brother Tom Ward. In 1954, they moved west to Bellevue, where Russ soon introduced his son to golf. A "natural," it became Doug's life passion. He won Overlake CC Championship 10+ times, served as Bellevue High's Team Captain, finished ASU on a golf scholarship (with Len), and won dozens of tournaments as recently as last year, making friends for life along the way. Working a decade each at 4 financial institutions (home loan officer), clients loved working with Doug, repeating business with him again and again. But his greatest joys were Matt, Kevin (Taryn Heffner) and Leah (Sean Davies) who blessed "GW" (Grandpa Ward) with Addison, Austin, Piper, Harrison, Connor and Nathan. In 2000, Patti Simpson was thrilled to join her "prince" Doug and the Wards, the couple returning to Spokane in 2011, becoming snowbirds in AZ. More friends and golf! Tragically, challenge hit the couple with Doug's Sarcoma in 2016. Given 6 months to live, they fought like crazy 1/3 of their married life (surgeries, chemo, clinical trials, etc.), winning 7 more years thanks to Dr. Ray Lance (Spokane Urology), Dr. Tony Conley and Dr. Tim Yap (MD Anderson, TX) ~ finally losing the battle at Hospice House on Sept. 16, 11:11AM, Rm 11. 100+ friends and family visited to say good-bye. We all will hugely miss this inspiring man who lived his life and fought his battles with perseverance, humility, grace and gratitude ~ usually with his engaging grin on display. In lieu of flowers, please donate to "First Tee," teaching kids to golf who would otherwise not have the chance. FUNERAL • St. Augustine's • Friday, September 29th • Noon Rosary, Mass 12:30, Reception After.