Raymond Douglas Poland

RAYMOND DOUGLAS POLAND
Kennewick, Wash.
Mueller's Chapel of the Falls
R. Doug Poland (Raymond Douglas Poland) was born November 4, 1955, in Kennewick, Washington, and died 11:40 p.m., July 25, 2003, in Kennewick, Washington. He was 47 years old.
Doug grew up with a family of builders. He believed family is one of the most important elements in life. He also considered his closest friends part of his family.
Doug was preceded in death by his loving grandmothers, and father, Ray Poland. Most of his survivors live in the Columbia Basin area. He is survived by his mother, Ruby M. Poland; brother Dennis Poland and his wife Valerie; sister Donna Michel and her husband Dwane; niece Candy Thornhill and husband Bryan; niece Melanie Cartwright and husband Brian; niece Melissa Knapik and husband Bryan; nephew Dennis Poland and wife Mindy; nephew Darin Michel and wife Carrie; nephew Devon Michel; 4 great-nephews; 3 great-nieces; best of friends Mickael, Greg, Flo and Bill, Kathy and Bob, Chuck and Liza; pets Zoe and Maxie; and numerous other friends and relatives.
Doug was remarkable in how many people he helped every single day, both at play and at work. He was a determined and goal-oriented businessman. After going to Central Washington State College in Ellensburg, Doug returned to the family-owned business when his father died. Educated and resourceful, Doug was an important component in the business and it became part of his legacy. His title was Vice President of Ray Poland and Sons, but his role was much more.
He believed we must make this life count. He believed that what you put out, you would get back. He called this karma and he practiced love in action with that in mind. People came to him to help solve problems. Doug would lead by example, without rash judgment, and with uncommon thoughtfulness. Doug could make a problem look easy without making the person uncomfortable. If he didn't know the answer, he was resourceful enough to point people in the right direction without forcing his opinion on them. He helped others succeed on their own merits whenever possible.
Whether he had just met you, knew you as an acquaintance, or worked with you regularly, Doug was thoughtful, kind, and considerate. He was a peacemaker and would greet everyone with a smile.
He was an avid car and motorcycle nut. Doug loved Harleys and was a life member of the Harley Owners Group (HOG). He traveled extensively on his HD Ultra with his best of friends riding nearby, going extraordinary distances together. He was planning a trip back to Milwaukee this August. His spirit will be there, even if his physical form will not. His spiritual philosophy was often the biker motto, 'It isn't the destination, it's the journey.'
Doug was an active community member. He was a regular at the Red Cross blood donation. Doug tried to be there for those in need. He would donate generously to charities and causes. Often his best donations were also intended to help the personal growth of a person striving for success. To Doug, an underdog was someone who may just need that one special hand up, not a handout. He has left this world a better place and we can honor him by following his lead.
Although flowers are accepted, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Red Cross.
Memorial services will be held Friday, August 1, 2003, at Mueller's Chapel of the Falls, downtown Kennewick. Services commence at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park. Mueller's Chapel of the Falls is in charge of arrangements.