Search by Name

Search by Name

Douglas Honeyford Obituary

Douglas Edwin Honeyford

Douglas Edwin Honeyford, 74, Garden Grove, CA (formerly of Olympia, WA) passed away in the family home November 18, 2009 from complications of Multiple System Atrophy.
Doug was born in Seattle, WA in 1935 to the Rev. C. Douglas Honeyford and Ruth (Secrest) Honeyford. He grew up in Ontario, Oregon where his father pastored the First Baptist Church. Doug played football and excelled in tennis at Ontario High School, graduating in 1953. He continued his academic career at Whitworth College in Spokane, WA, and graduated Central Washington State College with a B.A. in Chemistry, 1961 and in Education, 1962. He served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve.
Doug began his professional career as a junior-high science teacher in Benton City, WA. He continued to pursue his love of chemistry working at General Electric/Hanford, Richland, WA. He then worked for Reichhold Chemicals, Tacoma, WA for seven years. The highlight of his career was wood product research and development for Simpson Timber Company, where he worked for 30 years, retiring in 2003. Because he was highly respected for his breadth of knowledge and willingness to mentor others, Doug's colleagues endearingly referred to him as "Yoda."
On New Year's Eve 1968, Doug married Zella. They lived in Tacoma and Redmond WA, eventually making their home on Totten Inlet in the Steamboat Island area of Olympia. They were members of St. Christopher's Community Church. After retiring, Doug and Zella relocated to Garden Grove to be near their children and grandchildren.
Wherever he lived, Doug enjoyed working out at the local health club. He was an avid newspaper reader, and looked forward to reading the sports page daily. Ever an armchair sports fan, Doug was an avid football, baseball, basketball, tennis and boxing fan. Most recently, he cheered on the LA Angels of Anaheim. He loved the challenge of a good poker game and enjoyed televised tournament poker.
Doug was a true gentleman, always kind to others and gentle in the way he spoke to people. He was a very giving and loving family man and father, devoted to his wife, children, and extended family, including his beloved Afghan hounds, Junior and Girl.
Doug is survived by his wife, Zella, Garden Grove; brother, Senator Jim Honeyford (Jerri), Sunnyside, WA; two sons, Douglas A. Honeyford, Reno, NV, Paul Honeyford MacGregor (Katy), Ladera Ranch, CA; five daughters, Diana Purser (Rich), Hillsboro, OR, Pamela Martin (Bill), Marietta, GA, Denise Honeyford, Wenatchee, WA, Lisa Dickus (Steven) Coto de Caza, CA, and Sunny Lasiter (Mark), Newport Beach, CA. Doug was blessed to have eleven grandchildren, Ellie MacGregor, Gavin MacGregor, Nicholas Roberts, Katherine Purser, Yuri Purser, Nathan King, Megan King, Nicole Clark, Sara Clark, Tiffany Dickus, Blake Dickus; and one great-granddaughter, Stella Franks. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and sister, Dorothy Honeyford.
A private burial service was held at Claquato Cemetery, Chehalis, WA. A memorial service for Doug will be held at St. Christopher's Community Church in Olympia at a later date.
Family suggests donations may be made to the SDS/MSA Support Group, P. O. Box 279, Coupland, TX, 78615, or to a favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Olympian on Nov. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Honeyford

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

November 28, 2009

Dearest Zella and children,

Words cannot express my profound sadness upon hearing of Doug's passing. A large void will exist in the lives of those who knew him and loved him, myself included. I pray that all of you may find peace in knowing that Doug, although a quiet man, had an impact on those of us who knew him.

With love and sadness,

Patti Robertson

Vera James

November 27, 2009

Dear Zella & family,

I am so sorry for your loss.
I have only known Doug over the last few years, but I always felt his kindness. Doug will be missed by all who knew him , we have loss a very special friend.

With Love

Casey Holmes

November 25, 2009

Dearest Zella, Paul and Sonny:

I am sorry for your loss.

I fondly remember Doug's kindness and soft-spoken manner and am happy to have known him. I will truly miss seeing him on my trips to visit Zella.

With Love,

Casey Holmes

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Douglas Honeyford's name

Memorial Events
for Douglas Honeyford

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Douglas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Douglas Honeyford's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more