Obituary: King, Adam Douglas “Doug”

KING, Adam Douglas “Doug” Our beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away January 3, 2013 surrounded by his family.

Doug was born May 15, 1927 in Spokane, Washington to Adam and Laurabelle (Clyne) King.

He graduated in the 1945 graduating class at North Central High School where he played football and baseball throughout his high school years.

He enlisted in the US Coast Guard during WW II where he served on a naval transport carrier.

After his honorable discharge, he returned to Spokane and worked several jobs at the same time including the Northern Pacific while he completed his apprenticeship and became a 30 year member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union 44.

He married the love of his life “the lady with the beautiful smile” DeLayne (Dee) Jean Erickson in 1947.

Their 65 years of marriage included building several homes, the last being his “dream home” built while in his early 70’s, a summer home on the Pend Oreille River, operating several mechanical contracting businesses the last being K2 Mechanical and traveling many years as snowbirds in their motorhome with their little lap dogs.

Doug had several passions in his life, his wife, his family, his little dogs and of course having that hammer in his hand!

He was always the happiest when he was building something.

Like Dee, Doug was a huge Gonzaga Bulldog fan and regardless where they were traveling, they always found the games.

Doug also shared Dee’s compassion for families living with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS).

Doug is survived by his wife DeLayne (Dee) King, his daughters Terri (Dave) King, Debbie King, sons Kevin (Jennifer) and Shawn (Colleen) King, his sister Laura Jean (Jeanne) King (he was her hero), brother David (Janet) King, sister-in-law Cleta (Norman) King, nine grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Norman King, and infant sister Margaret Elizabeth King.

A memorial service will be held Saturday January 19, 2013 at 2:00 p.m., at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Government Way.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the ALS Service Organization, PO 48177, Spokane, WA 99228 or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Royal Park Care Center for their caring support and compassion.