Doug was born on Sept. 16, 1933, in Port Angeles, Washington to Lester and Dortha Samples, and passed to his heavenly home on Sunday, May 21, 2023.
Doug is preceded in death by his parents and all four of his siblings: Lester, Robert, Gloria and Mavis.
As a young man Doug worked as a tie man at the Aloha Saw Mill. He related many happy memories from his years at the mill, and cherished the fragrant wood on the logging trucks as they went down the road.
In his late teens he was taken in by a wonderful Native American family — the Olivers at Pacific Beach. He leaves behind his Native siblings: Marlene Oliver Dixon (deceased), James Oliver (Margy), Lawrence Oliver (Jackie), Joanne Oliver Potter, Marie Oliver Sagaberd and Rob Oliver.
Doug served in the U.S. Army, 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion, and fought in the Korean War. He was promoted to sergeant within his first two years of service. When he came home from the War he married Gretchen and they had three children: Doug Jr. (Candi), Karla (Chuck) and Rollo.
He is survived by these three children as well as step children Linda Tobin, Lisa Fasano (Pete), and Bruce Williams (Michelle); grandchildren: Erica Duggar, Charles Beaulieu, Melissa Randolph; Cole, James and Grace Tobin; Miles and Nate Pim; Olivia and Jack Williams; and great-granddaughter Chalyn Beaulieu.
In 1991 Doug married Mary Sue (Cole Williams).
Doug retired as Head of Custodial Services at Grays Harbor College. He always gave of himself over and beyond the call of duty and had many lasting friendships from his time spent there.
Doug befriended nearly everyone he met. He was the caregiver for awhile of Aberdeen’s Natatorium and football field, along with various other jobs around Grays Harbor including McCullugh Painters. His disarming laugh and easy smile, his zeal for life and love of animals stuck with him until the end — he missed dearly his beloved dogs Frances and Sylvia.
Doug was very patriotic, loving his country no matter how broad the division. Music made his heart sing and his toes tap. He was the kindest, most loving, most accepting grandparent.
He played softball until he was in his 60s. He rarely missed his grandchildren’s home football games, and was a fan favorite. He was generous to a fault, always offering money and help to those in need. He was a volunteer at the Olympia Food Bank, where he put on his last pot of coffee for the crew just two days before his passing. He never stopped living and loving — no matter how sick and weak his earthly body became.
Besides his wife Mary Sue, Doug’s greatest love was Jesus. Watching Doug praise the Lord was uplifting — you couldn’t sit near Doug in church without getting a dose of the Holy Spirit. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.
Doug’s viewing will occur on Friday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater, WA 98512, followed by his burial at the Masonic Cemetery in Elma, Washington at 1:45 p.m. A celebration of life will take place the following day at Evergreen Christian Center, Olympia, Washington on Saturday, June 10 at 1 p.m.. Reception to follow. All are welcome (to all events).
