June 27, 1932 – October 7, 2023
Doug Staats was born June 27, 1932 in Yakima, Washington to Gordon and Pearl Staats. He passed away on October 7, 2023 surrounded by family after a short illness.
Doug grew up in Yakima, Redmond and West Seattle, graduating from West Seattle High School in 1951. He married Ina Johnson on May 29, 1954 and they settled on the East Hill of Kent where they raised three daughters. When grandchildren came along Doug affectionately became known to everyone as “Boppa”.
He worked for 37 years at PACCAR, starting at Kenworth in 1951 and retiring from Pacific Car and Foundry in 1988. After retirement Doug stayed active helping neighbors, Steelhead fishing, gardening, and spending time with family. He was a member of the Auburn Sons of Norway where he was named Norwegian of the Year in 1994.
Throughout his life Doug was an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting in Eastern Washington, salmon fishing at Seiku, camping with family and Steelhead fishing on the Green River.
He was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Pearl Staats and younger sister, Dollee Duvall.
Doug is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ina, daughters Janet (Mike) Hominda, Diane (Michael) Forrester and Karen (Bart) Turchin. Four grandchildren Justin (Betty) Buetow, Jennie (Kyle) Herrmann, Hallie Hominda (Mark Mevorah) and Kellen (Jenny) Sturdivan and four great grandchildren, Hudson Buetow, Anders Buetow, Hazel Herrmann and Hank Herrmann.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 17th from 1:30pm-3:30pm at the Kent Senior Center.
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