Douglas “Doug” Jay Lawrenson, 59, of Burlington, died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on February 28, 2015 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Doug was born on April 23, 1955, the youngest of three children to Thomas and Juanita “Jean” Lawrenson.
Doug was raised in the Skagit Valley and graduated from Burlington-Edison High School in 1973.
In 1978, Doug married Patricia “Pat” Ray of Concrete. During their marriage, they had three children.
In 1985, Doug accepted a job with Long Island Development and moved to Dolomi Bay in southeast Alaska. In 1986, Doug’s family joined him in the Hobart Bay logging camp located on the mainland about 70 miles south of Juneau. For the next several years, Doug worked in the southeast Alaska logging industry at many remote locations throughout the Alaskan panhandle.
During his time in the logging industry, Doug was certified as an Emergency Medical Technician, serving as a first responder to medical emergencies in the remote communities he worked in.
After fifteen years of working outside of civilization in Alaska, Doug returned home to the Skagit Valley where he spent the rest of his life.
Motorsports were a lifelong passion for Doug. He loved standing near the “burnout box” when a nitro car fired its engine. Few things were as exciting as watching a dragster or funny car rocket down the quarter mile in seconds.
Doug had an incredible talent for custom woodworking. He could look at a pile of wood, seeing something beautiful in his mind’s eye and bring it to life with his hands. His plan was always in his mind and it was amazing to watch him work. Many pieces of Doug’s custom woodwork are scattered throughout several homes in the northwest corner of Washington.
Doug gave selflessly to his family and those fortunate enough to call him a friend. His final months were spent worrying not about himself, but about the ones he loved, making sure they would be alright.
Doug is survived by his children and their spouses, Brandon & Amy Lawrenson, Cory & Jennifer Lawrenson and Natalie & Gale Ensley; his grandchildren, Aidan Lawrenson, Logan Ensley, Conor Lawrenson, Landon Crabtree and Lillian Lawrenson; his mother, Jean Lawrenson; his sister, Jill Lawrenson-Tracy; brother, Rick Lawrenson and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will always remember the big man with the soft heart and huge, gentle hands. Doug was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Lawrenson.
In accordance with Doug’s wishes, his remains will be cremated. A celebration of Doug’s life will be held at the Burlington Chapter of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles located at 119 N Cherry St, on Sunday March 8th at 2:00 pm. Friends of Doug are invited to bring a dish and share a story.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Helping Hearts and Hands organization in the name of Douglas Lawrenson, www.helpingheartsandhands.org.