Douglas Charles Blondin

Obituary A truly great man left our physical world for everlasting joy in heaven on February 15, 2017. Doug Blondin - husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle; and friend to seemingly everyone he ever met. Doug was a most loving, kind, selfless and humble man. Always quick with a smile, he saw the best in people and brought the best out of people. Born on January 7, 1924 to Edmund and Mabel (Cyr) Blondin in Yakima, WA; Doug was the ninth of twelve children. As a boy and young man, Doug developed his love of animals and horticulture from days growing up on "the ranch", where the family raised animals and grew fruit. Times were tough, especially through the Great Depression, but Doug talked fondly of his early days in Yakima. Shortly before he was to graduate from Cowiche HS in Yakima, Doug enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) and served in WWII. Doug joined four of his brothers in proudly serving our country. Service and giving of himself is a recurring theme, and a lasting hallmark, of Doug's life. After returning from the war, Doug courted and then married his lifelong love, Violet J (Walker) Blondin, on May 22, 1947. This May they would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. A 24 year career in the USAF took Doug to France and England and then moved him and his family to Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon and Washington; where they ultimately settled in Tacoma with their three children Ken, Janice and Julie. After retiring from the USAF, Doug worked for the State of Washington Department of Corrections for over twenty years. Helping troubled youth was important to him and many of his years at the State were spent serving as a youth counselor. The Catholic faith was very important to Doug and Vi and he was a long-time member of St. Charles Borromeo parish in Tacoma, WA. Doug volunteered countless hours helping the parish serve it's parishioners in the grief ministry, growing and providing flowers for the church altar and other church activities. In his commitment to the Catholic faith and search for knowledge he studied theology in order to improve his ability to help others with their faith journey. Beyond volunteering at St Charles, Doug gave of himself in many other ways. For years, he served as a counselor for the crisis clinic hotline, being there to answer phone calls and provide counsel to fragile and troubled people. For years, Doug and Vi picked up surplus food from local markets and delivered it to Heritage House and local food banks. One of his favorite volunteering activities was being "Santa" for terminally ill children and their visit to "The North Pole." Arranged by a local airline, kids boarded a flight at SeaTac, took off and landed at "The North Pole" where Doug was dressed as Santa and waiting to make their wishes come true. He was the best Santa, brightening up family, neighbors' and friends' Christmas gatherings for decades with a great Santa suit, authentic sleigh bells and infectious laugh. He exuded the Christmas spirit and loved to decorate the house in lights, Santa and his sleigh, carolers, and the nativity. Doug was a master gardener and loved to spend time in his (any) garden. His lawn was always the lushest; thick soft grass, the Rhodies vibrant and varied in color, flowers galore, weeds under control and gnomes and other surprises hiding all over his sprawling garden. Doug was an avid collector. He was varied in his collecting interests; tools, flower pots, knick-knacks, Christmas decorations - a trip through Doug's garage was a treasure hunt indeed! Doing the Puyallup was an annual ritual. Doug loved to spend hours touring all of the exhibits, booths and animal corrals. Doug is also survived by his three children, Ken Blondin, Jan Vogele (Terry), Julie Hale (Jon); sisters Hazel Carda and Mary (Blondin) Melton and Brother-in-law Bud Melton; Grandchildren Ken Blondin, Ryan Mayes, Shane and Sarah (Goodin) Blondin, Aaron and Amber (Blondin) Sooter, Alivia Hale, Quinn Hale; Great-grandchildren Annalivia Mayes, Mia Blondin and Jude Blondin. Preceding Doug in death were his parents, nine siblings - Blanche (Blondin) Russell, Eugene Blondin, Arthur Blondin, Leona (Blondin) Graverson, Ernest Blondin, Frank Blondin, Ray Blondin, Betty Jean Blondin, June (Blondin) Evans - and grandson Aaron Mayes. While we will miss him dearly, he will always be in our hearts and we find comfort and joy in knowing that he is experiencing the fulfillment of heaven. The Blondin Family In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. Charles Food Bank. Rosary Tuesday, February 21, 2017 6:00 PM St. Charles Borromeo Convent Chapel Funeral Mass Wednesday, February 22, 2017 11:00 AM St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Interment Friday, February 24, 2017 1:00 PM Calvary Cemetery, Yakima, WA