I am told that there is no hard and fast rule about telling a person's obituary. I hope that is also true for when, where, and how a loved one's obituary is published. Since our family and friends communicate through social media, that is just the special place where this obituary should be found. It will first be published online and then through Facebook.
Douglas James Steffens
1942-2020
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| A recent photo |
Douglas James “Doug” Steffens, 78, of Lincoln City, Oregon, passed away on August 10, 2020, of natural causes after a long battle with shortness of breath likely due to polio he had when he was ten years old that had returned as post-polio syndrome in about 2002. He died comfortably at home, while in bed during his sleep.
Doug was born on April 4, 1942, to Leroy Francis “Roy” and Edna (Golden) Steffens in Reedley, California. Doug was the last of nine children. He graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School in Long Beach, California in 1960. Green and gold forever, rah! As they say, “Once a jackrabbit, always a jackrabbit!”
After high school graduation, Doug entered the U.S. Air Force and there he learned heavy ground radar maintenance and after training, he was transferred to a radar station in Palos Verdes Hills. He laughed that military service did not get him very far from home. In late 1963, he was honorably discharged from the military as an Airman First Class.
In 1962, he met Darlene Johnson, and they were married on June 5, 1964, in Bellevue, Washington, going on to have two children, Natalie Ashe and Jeffrey “Jeff” Steffens.
For a short while, they continued to live in Long Beach and there he worked for Farmer Bros. Coffee Company in Torrance, CA. Then in 1966, they moved to Washington where he began his career as a carpenter. He worked installing ceiling tile for the Brower Company and Owen-Corning Fiberglass Company both in the Seattle area participating on many recognizable commercial projects in and around King County, Washington. He also spent time in Portland, OR, and places in Alaska. In about 1994, he branched out of the acoustical tile business and started working with his son, creating the Steffens Construction and Home Repair, Inc. doing many small remodeling, fencing, and deck projects. While working, you would often find Brandy, a golden retriever mix at his side. They were best buddies.
Doug was a family man as he loved to be around family or friends, supervising their projects. Christmas was his favorite, watching the children enjoy opening presents was a true favorite for him. He also volunteered and worked on many service projects for the community. Through his love of citizen’s band radio, he spent many hours as a member of Citizens Band for Common Courtesy, being in parades, campouts, helping to set the pioneer monuments in the Kent Valley in Washington and there was ever so much more he did. His favorite past time was woodworking, but he also liked to binge-watch TV and play solitaire.
In 2004, Doug hung up his tool belt and he and his wife moved to Lincoln City, Oregon where they enjoyed the central coast, including the summer sun and the winter wind and rain. After Darlene joined him in their retirement there were many trips they made. They flew to Germany twice and cruised to Alaska and the Caribbean. Perhaps their most fun was to take their camper and later their RV off to remote places just to enjoy the scenery. They would caravan with Doug’s brother Don and his wife Mary and go to many places including the mid-west, Alaska via the ALCAN Highway, and trips to California to visit family.
Doug was predeceased by his parents and his siblings – Leo, George, Rose, Donald, Robert, Dolores, Joanne, and Patricia. While Doug was the youngest, he liked telling that he was the tallest, and he was too! He was often called the “Jolly Green Giant” after he wore it as a party costume. When in costume, he also made an exceptionally good Abraham Lincoln.
Doug is survived by his wife, Darlene and children, Natalie Ashe of Auburn, WA, and Jeff (Tracy) Steffens of Renton, WA. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Ian (Danialle) Ashe of Federal Way, WA; William Ashe of Sedro-Wooley, WA; Stephan (Payton) Ashe of Milton, WA; Douglas Ashe also of Milton, WA; Quentin Ashe of Auburn, WA; Robert (Angie) Pellegrini and Tina (Daniel) Norton both from Kent, WA. He is also remembered by eight great-grandchildren: Oliver, Audrey, Asa, Michael, Anthony, Dante, Tyreece, and Carter, brother-in-law Alfred Johnson of Fall City, WA, and sister-in-law Michele (Dean) Mangiantini of Port Angeles, WA, and many nieces and nephews. He is and will be missed by all who loved him.
Doug will be cremated, and just as he wanted, his ashes buried at Tahoma National Cemetery in Maple Valley, WA on a yet unknown date. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Celebration of Life will be held later.
