He came to Hanford as a young boy with his parents and siblings. He started working with his family at a young age. His mother was known to say to him, sonny boy, there’s not a lazy bone in your body.
He resided at the central coast from age 40 to 65.
He then returned to the Hanford area to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren.
Doug joined the US Navy at age 17, and served for two years at the end of World War II. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor. He had to have written permission from his father to join. He earned his GED while in the U.S. Navy.
In his later years he told stories of being in the Navy and going to Alaska delivering equipment from the ship and piloting the supply boat and taking the commander of the ship out fishing. One of the cutest stories he told was about the time he got to have dinner with the Eskimos in their igloo. He was the one who took the commander to shore, so he was invited to dinner as well, He said they had to get on their hands and knees to crawl into the igloo and then sit on the floor to eat their dinner. He said they didn’t speak the same language but with sign language and lots of smiling they had a pleasant evening. Doug worked a variety of jobs until he became a plumber and soon after owned and operated Powell’s Plumbing until his retirement.
Douglas was an avid hunter and dog trainer for over 50 years. He was happiest in the mountains running the dogs and following them to the tree. He enjoyed horseback riding for many years and frequently had some kid riding behind him on the horse. He was always busy with his hands and many of us are beneficiaries of his work and knowledge.
In his early years of plumbing he belonged to the Toastmasters Club, The Elks Lodge and played the saxophone in local bands. The last band being “Echoes of the Azores”. He was also a member and officer of the Houndman’s Association for many years. At home he enjoyed playing the guitar and would entertain us with his songs and music.
To all of his family, he was a larger than life man. He always had a big smile and hugs for everyone and a sweet complement for the ladies.
Doug is survived by his wife Dolores, his daughter Kathy, and stepdaughter Diana. He is also survived by his sisters Elsie Strimpel and Jane Tos, his four grandchildren Doug Robinson, David Robinson, Kimberly Powell and Cherie Gatson. He has nine great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife Lucy, son James, his mother Carrie, his father Ray and his brothers John and Doyle.
He was a favorite uncle to all his nieces and nephews.
Doug lived a great life and lived it his way. He will be missed as the family patriarch. It was our pleasure to know him, to love him, and in the end to care for him in a way that maintained his dignity for the man he was.
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