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Douglas HURD Obituary
Doug made connections in many avenues of life with his vast interests. There was a natural draw for Doug with his unfettered wit and his ability to make friends.
Born July 1,1946, he had an idyllic childhood while being raised in Ballard, near Seattle. This gave space for Doug to pursue his interests and develop life long friends. Prior to serving in the the Army through the Vietnam War, he spent 8 months traveling through Europe and sparked his interest for the arts. He completed his drama degree from the University of Washington and went on to obtain a masters in teaching from Whitworth University. Connection and teaching came effortlessly to Doug. This natural talent resulted in a long and successful career in radio (especially public radio), advertising and teaching. Tapping into this gift, Doug added realtor in the repertoire until his retirement in 2010.
Besides being musically inclined, Doug was also an outstanding athlete. Whether he was ski instructing at Snoqualime Pass or teaching kids how to waterski, his athleticism was undeniable. Kayak racing combined his love for water, competition and friendships. Doug loved playing golf and traveling to warm weather to play in the winter, although his happiest times were at the lake house with friends and family!
Doug loved volleyball so much so, his name became synonymous with the sport. He interrupted his decade of refereeing volleyball to coach his daughter, Allyson. This prompted a new passion to serve for many years of coaching club volleyball and JV for Ferris High School.
Doug passed away from Lewy Body Dementia on October 5th after a nine year battle. Lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Jeannie, his daughter Allyson (Jesse) Dragoo and his precious grandchildren Cooper and Missy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Grace (Jones) and Bob; and siblings David and Sandy. No service will be held at Doug's request.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Doug Hurd Memorial Fund at Spokane Public Radio (1229 N. Monroe Street, Spokane, WA 99201) or to the Doug Hurd Volleyball Scholarship at Spokane Teachers Credit Union or through Venmo.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas HURD
Wanda Halbakken
June 26, 2025
Hello and love to Jeannie and Allyson and family!
Wanda Hallbakken
February 14, 2025
I just remember all the fun and crazy times we had together: Dougie and Wanda Donda!! How you and Jeanne included me in so much of your time those days so long ago. If you were only here now in this crazy, frightening time I believe you'd be a good support with your wisdom and sense of humor.
Love, Wanda Hello and Love to Jeanne too!!
Kathy Springer
December 30, 2023
I am so sorry to hear just recently of Doug´s passing. He knew my husband Ed Springer, who passed in September, and we would run into Doug and Chris Anderson frequently at Starbucks on 57 th.
If any of Doug´s family can put me in touch with Chris I would greatly appreciate that.
Kind regards, Kathy Springer
Washington State
October 26, 2023
Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.
Marcia Ethridge
October 24, 2023
Prayers for Jeannie and their family. May you find peace in celebrating Doug's life with warm and precious memories.
Elaine Garcia
October 22, 2023
Prayers for family and friends.
Tom and Carol Woltjer
October 20, 2023
Spent our 40 th Anniversary with Doug and Jeannie on Maui..a lovely visit with lovely people!
Joyce M. Cameron
October 20, 2023
Doug touched so many lives in the advertising world! I have so many fond, fun memories with Doug and our time together in the Spokane Advertising Federation. One of my favorite memories is when a bunch of us from Spokane went to an advertising conference in San Francisco and Doug got to meet Hal Riney, an advertising guru and the brains behind after the Bartles and James ad campaign. He asked me to take a photo of he and Hal together... which I did. That afternoon when we were at Lombard Street taking pics, I found out I had NO film in my camera! Doug was not happy with me as Hal was one of Doug´s idols. It´s a memory that neither of us ever forgot. Doug will be greatly missed.
Joyce M. Cameron
Channa Olson
October 20, 2023
An absolute favorite memory of mine was how patient he was while he taught me to waterski. We also swam the lake together and the most memorable vision I have of him is playing his guitar at the lake house. He was such a magical human and had a beautiful spirit. I miss him greatly.
Bill Blanck
October 19, 2023
Doug mentored me in copywriting skills, editing, client communications and admin in the 80s. To now know of his many interests and contagious vitality throughout his life since then completes a beautiful picture. Rest in peace.
Erica Zender
October 19, 2023
Enjoyed the deep conversations we would have and staying at their house in the summer as we grew up
Johnson Family
October 19, 2023
Our priceless Laclede Family as we say goodbye to Doug we recall so many happy memories. Yes indeed Doug was a phenomenal Athlete and teacher. Watching him effortlessly jump start off the dock, and patiently try teaching Debbie who never did quite catch on to that one. Recall also patiently watching him play guitar with Kyle at the fire when he was very young. Volleyball, Kayla could never get enough sparring with Doug! Thank you Doug for your energy and encouragement.
Wanda Halbakken
October 19, 2023
During my 3 years in Spokane I remember spending many evenings at Doug and Jeannie´s for dinners, movies and laughs. I so appreciated their unlimited generosity.
Jane Smith
October 19, 2023
So many fond memories of Doug. Family holidays, birthdays and time at the river. His love for his grandchildren was undeniable. He will be missed. Jane Smith
Greg Deer
October 19, 2023
Doug was a good friend to me in our younger years. I still have some funny letters he wrote to me from Korea. I treasure our memories. My condolences to his family. Greg Deer
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