loved son, brother, uncle and friend, Douglas Eugene Smallwood, age 66, a lifelong resident of Sedro-Woolley, Washington passed away of natural causes on February 27, 2022, in Seattle, WA. He was born November 5, 1955, in Bellingham, WA.

Doug was the oldest child of Eddie Eugene and Vivian Elaine Smallwood. Interestingly, in the final years of his life he lived in the family home in which he lived as a child. The family of eight (six children) grew and flourished. As the oldest he was often called upon to help with the household needs and care of his younger siblings. In later years, the siblings often shared fond memories of childhood shenanigans, playing in the woods, building forts, motorcycles and horses, marshmallow roasts and making homemade apple cider.

The family worked hard and helped each other through life’s many ups and downs. Doug cherished his relationships with each of his brothers and sisters, as they did their relationships with him. Doug was attentive to the needs of his parents, in their final days he shaved the face of his father Eddie, as his final act of service and as a tribute to him, and brought nightly meals to his mother Vivian, which she appreciated so very much. Doug was a good cook!

Throughout his school years, Doug participated in many extracurricular activities. He was a member of the Future Farmers of America, earned his Eagle Scout award, and participated in 4-H and church activities. He showed cattle, sheep and swine at the county fairs. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and served a mission in the Pacific Northwest region. Doug graduated in 1975 from Sedro-Woolley High School; while in school he excelled in drafting and woodworking classes, and was a member of the varsity football and wrestling teams. Doug wrestled in the final position on the team, and often made the winning pin against his opponents. The gymnasium rang with cries of “Stump!, Stump!” as he secured several victories for the school’s wrestling squad.

Doug loved the outdoors, He was most happy fishing, hunting and exploring the wilderness, the vast forests and mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Doug called our area of the country, “God’s country.” He was an expert marksman, especially when using his professional-level bows. He enjoyed target practice, and hunting bear and deer with his bow. He took hunting and fishing trips and especially loved the Idaho panhandle region. British Columbia, Canada and eastern Washington were also favorite stomping grounds.

Professionally, Doug worked in construction throughout his life. He enjoyed operating heavy machinery and took pride in his ability to clear land, set housing foundations, and prepare homesites for families. He owned his own business, Smallwood Construction, for many years and helped numerous community members prepare, nurture and grow their homes and properties. Doug cleared and cleaned many fields and waterways throughout Skagit, Island and Whatcom counties. Many of the roads and byways we travel on and through were prepared for our use by Doug. He took pride in helping others through his work, and we were all proud of the work he did within the community.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents Eddie and Vivian (Hayward) Smallwood, grandparents Francis Nova and Calista (Vaughn) Smallwood of Whatcom County, and Fred and Vernice (Meyer) Hayward of Skagit County; also his aunts and uncles Florence (Chuck) McLean, Beverly Tietjen, Kenneth, Richard and Gary Hayward, and cousin Carline Jaderlund.

Surviving siblings include, Susan Elaine Lewis, of Los Angeles, Calif., Steven Nova, and Larry William Smallwood, of Sedro-Woolley, Lynnea Dianne Smallwood, of Bellingham, and Denise Marie (Scott) Farmer of Sedro-Woolley.

Doug is also survived by his much-loved nieces and nephews, Joshua (Chrystie) Lewis, of Mansfield, Texas, Daniel (Anna) King, of Sedro-Woolley, Nicholas Nova (Kimie) Smallwood, of Wenatchee, Edward King, of Bellingham, Sara (Justin) Taylor, of Port Hadlock, Justin (Erin) Lewis, of Templeton, Calif., Mitchell Steven (Sarah) Smallwood, of Auburn, Michelle Ethridge, of Bellingham, Zachary (Wendy) Farmer, of Sedro-Woolley, and Dominic Farmer, of Johnson City, Tenn.

Doug’s great nephews and nieces were also very important to him, Riley A. Riley-King (son of Edward), of Lynden, Alanna Jolie Lewis, of Mansfield, Texas, Amelia Noelle Smallwood, of Wenatchee, Ezekiel Scott Farmer, of Sedro-Woolley, and Iris Vivian King, also of Sedro-Woolley. Each one of his family members meant the world to Doug. He experienced many special moments and times with each of them.

Finally, the family wishes to note and thank the following: an uncle, Gerald “Jerry” (Sharon) Hayward, of Yuma, Ariz., aunt Karon (Tony) Martucci, of Mineral Ridge, Ohio, cousins Toni (Michael) Knight, also of Mineral Ridge, Ken (Lisa) Hayward, Jr., Keith (Sarah Bartels) Hayward, Lisa (Curtis) McIntyre-Smith, aunt Nancy Hayward and daughters Vicki (Kent) Rohrs and Kathy (Joel) Rohrs of Tacoma. Doug is also survived by numerous extended family members, as well as cousins, Anna Christensen, Tommy Smallwood, Barbara (Smallwood) Thomas, and Geri (Smallwood) Steiner, all of whom were important to him and enriched his life in many ways.

Doug’s family would also like to thank the many doctors, nurses, therapists, and caregivers at Skagit Regional Health Center, they affectionately called him “Dougie,” and tended him with great concern and tender loving care. They are also grateful for the many kind words and offerings shared by extended family, church members, neighbors and friends. There have been many caring acts of service and concern expressed to Doug and his family during the final months of his life.

A private graveside service will be held for immediate family members only at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in LaConner, Washington. Doug will be laid to rest near his parents, grandparents and numerous other family members. Family lovingly tend these graves several times each year, remembering those who came before with reverence and care. Doug will be remembered always. Godspeed, Doug.

In lieu of flowers, suggested memorial gifts may be made in Doug’s name to the American Heart Association or the humanitarian aid fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Please share memories and thoughts of Doug by signing the online guest register.