Douglas Walter Armstrong

Douglas Walter Armstrong On Monday, January 14, 2019 with family by his side, Doug departed this world when he was called home by his Lord and Savior. Doug defied the odds with his strong beliefs, determination, with loving support of family, friends, and with a smile on his face his spirit was freed from his courageous thirty-two month battle with Glioblastoma Multiform Grade 4 (Brain cancer). Born on April 8, 1959 in Grand Junction, CO, Doug was the second son of Lenore and Stephen Armstrong, brother to Wyatt. In 1960 the family moved to Tacoma and in 1961 the family bought a home in the South End, south of Wapato Lake. In 1962 brother Dennis was born into the family. Doug attended Birney Elementary, Baker Jr High, and in 1977 graduated from Mount Tahoma High School with honors and Senior Class President. Doug attended Fort Steilacoom Community College (Pierce College) focusing on business administration. Doug married Peggy Addaman on August 9, 1980 and they lived in Lakewood for a couple of years. They bought their first home in the north end of Tacoma. In 1984 they were blessed with the birth of their son Daniel. A couple of years later the family bought and moved to a home in the Summit/South Hill area. While living at the home they were again blessed with the birth of their second son Brian, in 1994. The family lived in the home for numerous years until Doug and Peg divorced. Doug built a strong bond with his sons filled with love, commitment and respect. He always supported their interests in school, school activities, music, spelling bees, debate, and sports. He took great joy in their accomplishments and becoming the men they are today. In 2000 Doug met Teresa Weston, and their relationship grew with love and commitment. On September 24, 2005 they exchanged their marriage vows outdoors, surrounded by family and friends at the Fox Island Yacht Club. Doug and Terri purchased a home in Edgewood where they have lived for thirteen years, always making the home welcomed to family and friends. Doug’s family grew with the marriage of his son Dan to Veronica Smith, and with the birth of granddaughter Violet and grandson Morgen. Doug started working in high school at Beck Lumber & Cabinet Company in South Tacoma. He worked part-time during the school year and full-time in the summer, where he began learning the lumber and sales business. In the early 80’s Doug took a position with Architectural Wood Inc, located on Puyallup Avenue in Tacoma. Doug held positions within AWI as an inside sales and outside-route salesman, purchaser, and his final position of quality assurance inspector. With his developed trade skills and knowledge of the business he took deep pride to make sure the customer received great service and product. In May 2016 after a long career with AWI, countless friendships and memories Doug took medical retirement. While growing up Doug participated in Isshinryu karate, played basketball, baseball and soccer with the Southeast Optimist Athletic Association. Doug played football at Baker, and at Mt Tahoma he played football and tennis earning his varsity letters. As an adult Doug played slow pitch on several men’s and co-ed softball teams. Doug took up running and ran in the Sound of Narrows. Doug discovered road cycling and participated in numerous cycling rides. He prided himself with over a decade of cycling the annual 204 mile Seattle to Portland bike ride, and on three different STP’s rides he crossed the finish line in one day. Doug loved woodworking and the building of furniture, wood mats, folding tables, signs, pictures and any special projects. Doug and Terri created Walter Ann Designs and made thousands of display signs for a national business. Doug and Terri gifted family and friends with items they had made together using Doug’s wood working skills. These gifts will always be cherished. Doug faith started at a young age with baptism at Bethel Lutheran Church (United Church), attending church, Sunday School, Luther League, and being confirmed within the church. He also attended Young Life meetings and took the journey to Malibu in Canada. He attended different churches throughout the years, and later he and Terri became members of Faith Covenant Church in Sumner. He continued to learn the meaning of God’s love and practiced faithfully in church and men’s Bible study. Doug is a man of strong faith and in his own words he would say, “God is #1, family #2, and I am #3.” Doug loved and cherished his immediate and extended family, and all of his friends from his youth throughout his adult life. He is survived by his wife Terri, his two sons Dan (Veronica) of Tacoma, Brian of Seattle, and two grandchildren Violet and Morgen. Doug is also survived by his brother’s Wyatt (Sheryl) of University Place, Dennis (Joyce) of Vancouver, WA, and their families. On January 24th from 5-9pm, a viewing will be held at Edward Memorial, 3005 Bridgeport Way W in University Place. On January 25th at 11:30am, a burial service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Lakewood. On January 26th at 3pm, a memorial service with Celebration of Life will be held at Faith Covenant Church, 1915 Washington Street in Sumner. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Doug’s name to: Franciscan Hospice House, 2901 Bridgeport Way W, University Place, WA 98466 or to: www.endbraincancer.org