Stufflebeam, Douglas Lee

Douglas Lee Stufflebeam, of Mount Vernon, Wash., formerly of Vinton, (also known as Señor Douglas, Ocean of Wisdom, Doug E Fresh, and a River to his People) was a passionate lifelong adventurer.

He was born in Waverly, Iowa, on Jan. 28, 1945, and died March 11, 2012, near his home in Mount Vernon, Wash., from complications due to Lewy Body Dementia. Above all he loved his family, but his idea of family extended way beyond immediate relatives to the many people his life intertwined with throughout the country and the world.

Doug is survived by his wife of 32 years, Christine Kohnert; his three sons, Wolfgang Stufflebeam, Ernst Kohnert and Ruger Stufflebeam; his brother, Kent Stufflebeam; and nieces, Cyd (Paul) Klein, Claudia Warner and Susan Hansen, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Bertha and Kenneth Lee ‘Stuffy' Stufflebeam; sister, Cheri Kirk; and nephew, Tom Warner.

Doug's family would appreciate any memories of him, especially stories or pictures, that those who knew him would like to share, either by mail or though his Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the charity of your choice.

He loved animals and the indigenous peoples he worked with, he treasured the wilderness and giving young people the opportunity to experience the rest of the world (as the Peace Corps had done for him), if that helps.

Private committal services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton. A Celebration of Doug's Life will be held May 12 at the Vinton Country Club at a time to be determined later.

A complete obituary can be viewed at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.

Published March 23, 2012 in The Gazette