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Douglas James Avery, 75, a lifelong resident of Skagit Valley, passed away with his loving family by his side on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.
He was born on Aug. 4, 1949, in Anacortes to Warren and Lucille (Whitney) Avery. Doug spent the summers working in agriculture and graduated from La Conner High School in 1967. After graduation he worked on tugboats, then at Nelson Lumber until he began his building career, eventually retiring after 25 years of owning Avery Builders.
Doug played any and all sports, loved a good party, and found humor everywhere. His love of sports carried into adulthood where he coached or sponsored many youth sports teams. Doug served as a Fire Commissioner for Skagit County Fire District 13 for 20 years; and as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, first responder and assistant fire chief for 31 years. Doug was a proud graduate of the Homeland Security Bomb Prevention School.
He loved being outdoors hunting, fishing, boating, bird watching, photography, astronomy, vacations, family gatherings and Sunday night dinners in his role as father and grandfather.
Doug is survived by his sisters, Joan Church, Darlene St. John, and Vicki Hall; his wife of 45 years, Carol (Webb) Avery; children Erin Long (Michael White); Adam (Annie) Avery, and Serena (Chris) Mills; grandchildren Jaime Long, Katerina (Dalton) Burk, and Alexandria Eyre-White; Claire and Bode Avery, and Abigail and Dillon Mills; and his great-grandchildren Bonnie & Everette Burk; countless cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Doug was preceded in death by his parents Warren and Lucille (Whitney) Avery, brother Warren "Butch" Avery, and his daughter Vanessa Avery.
A celebration of life for Doug will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at Maple Hall in La Conner, hosted by La Conner Hook & Ladder. A private family graveside service will be held at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the La Conner Firefighters Association, P.O. Box 400, La Conner, WA 98257.
You may offer your condolences and share memories of Doug with his family online at http://www.kernfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home of Mount Vernon, special thanks to Connie and Jeremiah.
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