Douglas L. Harrison
July 31, 1915 - March 16, 2009
Obituary
Doug was born in Seattle on July 31, 1915, the son of a ferry boat captain. Besides Seattle, he and his brother Bud and sisters Harriet, Annette, and Ginny lived in such places as Victor, Bainbridge Island, and Columbia City. He graduated from Ballard High School in 1933. Doug was never a slacker. He was always working. As a boy he delivered papers and sold seeds to earn money. In 1934, after high school, Doug worked 2 months at a factory in Seattle where they made flower sifters. From there he got a job at a the Seattle Spring Factory where he worked for 8 years. He married his first wife, Juanita Boosa, in 1936, and in 1937, they had their first daughter, Carolyn. From his job at the Spring Factory, Doug hired on at Kohlor Tile, where he worked for 13 years. In 1951 Juanita and Doug had another daughter, Andrea, and in 1957 Doug was hired at the Seattle Water Department where he retired in 1978 after 21 years at age 63. After his retirement, Doug and Juanita had a house built at Ocean Shores. Juanita had suffered a stroke, and Doug took care of her for 17 years until she died October 29th, 1991. By this time they had moved back to the Renton area to be closer to family. Doug was a great husband, father, and grandpa. He enjoyed camping and fishing, and took many home movies of his family on their annual visits to Bumping Lake and many of the campsites on the Bumping River. Shortly after Juanita died, Doug married his second wife, Alice, and they continued to live in Renton for another 17 years. The antiques and collectibles shop they ran was more of a hobby than a business, and Doug enjoyed it very much. He enjoyed gardening and was a great cook. His pies and his zucchini jam were famous in his Renton neighborhood and with family members as well. He was good at fixing and building and always had a project going. He and Alice enjoyed researching their genealogies, and exploring their state’s history.
Around 2001, due to circulatory proble ms, Doug lost his left leg. He was back up again in no time, however, working with projects, mowing the lawn, and baking his pies. Finally, about four years later, the same circulation problems caused Doug to loose his right leg as well. After taking such good care of everyone else, it was Doug’s turn to be cared for. With the help of friends and family members, Alice took care of Doug at home for the next three years. It was the least she could do for the husband who’s goal was making her dreams come true. Doug’s family was at his side during his last days and he knew he was loved dearly. Doug was preceded in death by his wife Juanita and daughter Carolyn. Doug leaves behind his loving wife, Alice, his daughter and son-in-law Andrea and Darwin Chada, brother, Joseph H. Harrison, sister, Virginia Maletta, son-in-law Joel Woeck, four grandchildren, Doug and Andrew Chada, Joellyn Tryfon, and Darren Woeck, three step-children, Mark Wallace, Debi Gaillac, and Darlyne Herbert, four step-grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. He will be sorely missed.
To Alice, family, and friends of Doug Harrison;
It is with great sadness and sorrow for the loss of Doug as a former boss and friend. Doug hired me in 1972 and I worked for and with Doug at the Seattle Water Department until his retirement. Doug was a great boss who inspired those who knew him and worked for him. Doug was also my teacher in leaning the many aspects of a vast and complicated water system; teaching me not only the technical side, but the importance of supporting fellow workers and the importance of family. Doug always had the best interest of those who worked for him as a compassionate and caring friend. Years after his retirement, I would seek Doug’s help is solving the problem of the day. Doug was always there in support. Thank you, Doug, for giving me a chance. Thank you, Doug, for your help and support. You are missed.
It is my great loss that I did not get to know my cousin, Doug through the years. Being separated by 19 years, I have no direct memory of him until our lives crossed 21 August 2003 at the memorial service for our aunt Pauline.
From then until his passing I enjoyed our common interest in the genealogical search for the extended family of our grandfather, Carl Christian Smith. It is clear that Doug was a fine man who experienced more than his share of life’s travails and who handled them well. He will be greatly missed by many family and friends.
When I was always with him, Great Grandpa always talked to me and I would give him lots of hugs. Me and Grandpa Woeck brought Great Grandpa and Alice breakfast from McDonalds. Great Grandpa said thank you and he loved the food we brought. I am sorry that he is gone now, but he is in a great place now, a better place. I loved him so much, and I always will.
14 years have gone by now. That is 14 years that I have had the great pleasure of knowing and loving Grandpa Harrison. The past few years I haven’t spent very much time with him. I only made it up a couple different times to see how he was doing. I don’t remember very many things about him. I do remember one day when I went over there as just a little girl and he carried me around outside as we picked peas from his plants in his backyard. Another memory I have is when he was in the hospital getting his legs amputated. All though it isn’t a pleasant memory, it is something I remember because I went to visit him in the hospital that day. It kills me to say this, but I am happy that he has passed on. Cause I know that now he is in a much better place where there is no suffering and sorrow. He has his legs back now and he can breathe perfectly again. He is going to be just fine and one day I will get to see him again. I will definately miss him so very much, but I will always have the pleasure of knowing him and loving him.
Our dear Grandpa Harrison, it has been our fortune to have known you and been a part of your family for so many years. The amazing stories you shared, the cookies and treats that we partook in sharing, are just some of our favorite things that come to mind when we think of you. We were not very diligent about staying in touch and for that we are sorry, but you were thought of and spoken of often, and loved even more than you can imagine. You lived a very long and good life, your job very well done. You were an incredible man, and your family is so very proud of you. We are resting now in the thought of you being happy and healthy again in the hands of God. We know that one day we will be reunited with you, and that brings a smile to our faces and warmth to our hearts during this time of sadness.
Alice, our heart and much thanks goes out to you for having loved and cared so well for our Grandpa. He loved you and you were a huge part of many chapters in his life. We are sorry for your loss and you are in our thoughts and prayers as well.
Grandpa, your work here is done and it is now your time to rest. Give Mom a great big hug for us, because I am positive that she was standing there at those pearly gates waiting for you with open arms. Until we meet again, our love for you goes on.
Doug was a great guy & I will always remember & appreciate how loving & accepting he was of me & my family. My boys just absolutely loved him & I’m glad we have so many great pictures to cherish. He will be missed.
We will miss our Grandpa Doug. He was always very nice to us. We love you Grandma.
To the family and friends of Doug Harrison,
I share in your sorrow for the loss of this beloved man. I worked at the Water Department during the last 7 or 8 years before Doug’s retirement. Although he was well known there for his excellent understanding of the water system hydraulics, treatment equipment and valving, I would say he was known best for his steady optimism and a happy spirit with kind, encouraging words for all. May God comfort you in your great loss.
My heart and prayers go out to the Woeck family in there time of loss. “For they never truely leave us, but watch over us each and every day”
May Gods comfort and love enfold all of the fmily, and bring peace to all.
So many great times we have shared. So many memories that I will always have. Grandpa, You will be missed. I know that Mom and Grandma were there to meet you. I love you and miss you and someday will see you again.
Doug was a wonderful man, our thoughts are with you and his Family.
Doug is at peace now, our thoughts are with you Alice…
Bob, Connie and Rob