Douglas “Doug” William Graef

Douglas “Doug” William Graef, age 73 of Redmond, WA died on February 19, 2014. Doug was born in Long Beach, California on May 2, 1940 to Howard and Germaine Graef.  He spent his childhood surfing, hunting, fishing, life guarding and spending time with what would become life-long friends on the Alamitos Bay Peninsula.  He graduated from Long Beach High School and studied at the University of Oregon, graduating with a MS in Park and Recreation Management. He served four years in the US Navy, earning the National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Service Metal and two Bronze Stars. He met his wife, Barbara while working for the City of Kirkland and they married in 1974. They would later move to Ashland, Oregon where their two children were born. After moving back to Washington, he worked primarily in real estate.

He was an avid outdoorsman, spending his free time hiking, fishing, and hunting.  He also loved aviation and guns—so much so that he was somewhat of an expert in each area of interest. In addition, he loved the state of Montana, spending as much time as possible in a Missoula home he and his wife owned. He traveled to Montana a few times a year spending time fly fishing, hunting, brewery touring, and exploring with his beloved family.  Doug loved telling the stories of his adventures—both in person and in writing—frequently transforming these into emails he sent to a faithful following of a myriad of friends he had made throughout the years. He was a great storyteller and loved meeting new people and making new friends. Doug was also very involved in conservation organizations; serving on the board of the Washington Waterfowl Association and managing the Washington Duck Stamp program.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara; his children, Lisa (Paul) and Ryan (Savannah); his grandson, Bridger; and his brother, Allan (Aloha).

A celebration of life will be held at Overlake Christian Church on March 8, 2014 at 1pm.  Memorial remembrances may be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital, Primary Children’s Hospital or to the Washington Waterfowl Association.