Obituary: Douglas Keith Otis

Douglas K. Otis, age 85, of La Conner, Washington, died on Aug. 7, 2023. 

Doug is preceded in death by his parents, E. Donovan Otis and Gayle (Hancock) Otis; wife of over 50 years, Dixie (Maloy) Otis; son, D.J. Otis; brother, David Otis; granddaughter, Michelle Howard; and great-great grandson, Bowen Stidman. 

Doug is survived by his children: Cindy (Rick) Moore, Chris (Wayne) Ceradsky, D. Scott (Barbara) Otis, Megan (Brian) Masonholder, and Andrew (Kelli) Otis. Doug had 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.

During a nearly 50-year career with the Washington State Department of Transportation as a heavy equipment mechanic, Doug also coached youth sports, turning the back pasture into a soccer field; raised waterfowl, propagating wood ducks to help increase the local, wild population; and enjoyed woodworking, making cradles, bookcases and toys for his grandchildren. Doug cared for his pets, which included the resident deer population on Pleasant Ridge, fed generously with apples and corn, along with many birds, dogs, and even a couple of peacocks over the years. He was a fan of athletics from local high schools and colleges to professional teams, particularly respecting women's programs and most recently developing an interest in the Seattle Kraken. Doug especially enjoyed the state "B" league high school championships, including a decades-long basketball tournament program collection. He loved watching the Olympics and the annual Little League World Series, and while he barely tolerated the Mariners, he rarely missed a game.

Doug was a straight-forward man who lived a quiet life. He enjoyed simple pleasures like rocking babies to sleep, listening to Linda Ronstadt, feeding critters, mowing the lawn, drinking strong coffee (preferably with cookies), and eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

The family will be holding a small graveside service at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, 2023.

You may offer your condolences and share memories of Doug online at http://www.kernfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services are under the care of Kern Funeral Home of Mount Vernon.