Douglas Ferguson

Doug Ferguson died unexpectedly on March 19, 2019, after a short hospital stay in Bremerton, Washington. Doug was born and grew up in Astoria, Oregon. During high school he played basketball, worked at his Uncle Ward's downtown clothing store, and was a Sea Scout who helped monitor the South Jetty of the Columbia River. His dedication to the Boy Scouts of America remained important to him for the rest of his life, and he served as a board member of the Chief Seattle BSA Council for many years.

Doug graduated from Astoria High School in 1955 and eventually joined the Navy for a few years. After he left the service he enrolled and attended Oregon State University and graduated in 1961. He met and married his first wife, Barbara soon after college, and they had a son, Douglas Fritz. Later on July 6, 1973, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on Bainbridge Island, Washington, Doug married the love of his life, Della Jane Holtman. Della had a daughter who Doug quickly took in as his own, Kathryn Lynn, The couple had one daughter, Amy Elizabeth.

In 1986, Doug founded D.W. Ferguson & Associates. Originally located in Seattle the company's specialty remains Public Auto Insurance. Della worked as the company's accountant, and today their daughter Amy and son-in-law Josh run the family business. During the time their business was located in Seattle, Doug became an active member of the Ballard Rotary Club. He was also a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Washington. In 2001, D.W. Ferguson & Associates relocated to Kingston, Washington. Doug designed and built their Kingston office building, named the Tanner Building after his grandson. In his typically inclusive manner, Doug treated each employee at D.W. Ferguson like a family member and made himself available to anyone who needed help, advice, or a friend.

In the early 1990s, Doug and Della became Founders of Grace Episcopal Church on Bainbridge Island. Before the present-day church was built, the Fergusons often hosted Sunday services at their home.

Doug loved learning new skills, and after attending cooking school in Provence, he developed his talents as a chef. His culinary repertoire quickly grew beyond his signature biscuits & gravy to gourmet dishes like Pork Wellington and Poulet Marengo. He was head chef for many Grace Men's Retreats, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Suppers, and barbecues. He and Della enjoyed traveling, especially river cruises and annual excursions to Europe and Mexico.

Doug made each person he met feel loved and supported. His positive attitude and exuberance for life made many friends, employees, and family members believe that no dream was too big for them to accomplish. He was indeed "larger than life."

Doug is survived by his wife of 45 years, Della Ferguson of Bainbridge Island; son Douglas "Fritz" Ferguson of Surprise, AZ; daughter Kathy Ferguson Baker (Scott) of Poulsbo, WA; daughter Amy Ferguson Perkins (Josh) of Bainbridge Island; grandchildren Alec Baker, Brendan Baker, Tanner Perkins, and Kayla Perkins; brothers Jim Ferguson (Molly) of Seattle, and Daryl Ferguson (Monica) of Wenatchee, WA.

A Memorial Service for Doug will be held on Sunday, March 31, at 3:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church (8595 East Day Road, Bainbridge Island), followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to your local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, the Chief Seattle Council Boy Scouts of America (https://www.seattlebsa.org/), or Grace Episcopal Church (8595 East Day Road, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110).

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.