Doug Van Ness passed away at the Oregon Veteran's Home, Lebanon on May 07, 2025, at the age of 84. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Doug was born on March 04, 1941, in Great Falls Montana. He was raised with two brothers, Bill and Craig, in the beautiful Chimacum Valley on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington.
He played football for Chimacum High School and at that time was very proud in his Campbell’s Soup Red 1951 Ford that he’d purchased by working as a box boy at a local grocery store.
Doug married his true love and high school sweetheart, JoAnne in 1975 and would have celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 07. He raised two sons, Reid and Aaron to be honest, trustworthy and respectful, and could often be found with a Pepsi in one hand and one of JoAnne’s chocolate chip cookies in the other.
He was an avid collector of books and magazines and had a passion for woodworking, bluegrass music and the outdoors.
Doug served his country for 4 years in Vietnam with the United States Navy. As Corpsman, he earned several medals and ribbons including The Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Doug served his church as both an Elder and a Deacon. As Chief Cook, he organized large scale meal service for events, leading the kitchen crew and ensuring everyone was well fed. He served his community as a volunteer cook for the homeless shelter in Vancouver, Youth Soccer Coach and as an active member of the Vancouver Lion’s Club.
Doug spent his final year receiving excellent care and love from the amazing Delta 3 staff at the Oregon Veteran's Home in Lebanon. There, he enjoyed walking the complex with his signature red walker and his good buddy, Art, earning him the nickname, “Dougie with the Red Buggy”
Doug will be greatly missed by his friends, family, and church community. We are left with the wisdom, love and compassion he shared wherever he went, with whomever he met. As a husband, father, brother, uncle, friend or acquaintance, you can be assured that Doug would welcome you. Ask how your day was or simply tell you that you’re a good person.
Doug is survived by his wife, Jo Anne, sons Reid and Aaron, and his faithful companion, Stella.
A gathering to celebrate Doug will be held on June 07 at First Presbyterian Church at 4300 Main Street in Vancouver, Washington.
