| Graduation Year | Faculty |
| Date of Birth | Aug 07, 1947 |
| Date of Passing | Mar 27, 2023 |
| About | Doug passed peacefully from this life, after a 10 day journey surrounded by his loving family and dear friends. Those days spent at Memorial Hospital’s ER, CCU, and Cottage in the Meadow were filled with love, prayers, tears, music, laughter and wonderful conversations with Doug. The family is truly grateful for that beautiful gift of time. Doug was born in Wenatchee, WA to Don and Mary Cairns and joined his older sister, Susan. The family moved often as Doug’s dad worked for the Federal Salmon Hatcheries System as a manager. Eventually they settled in the Columbia Gorge and Doug graduated from Stevenson High School where he was active in many sports and the band program. He developed his love of jazz there, mentored by the legendary John Moawad and continued to play his sax for the rest of his life. Doug attended Olympic College and transferred to Central Washington State College (CWU) and graduated with a degree in Music Education, eventually earning a Master’s Degree in Music Theory and Composition. He began a long teaching career in the Yakima School District, first as the band director at Wilson Jr. High and Eisenhower High School. Always interested in science, he returned to Central to complete a Masters Degree in Biology and began teaching science at Washington Jr. High, then moving on to Wilson Middle School where he finished his career. After retiring, Doug taught on-line biology for Yakima Valley College. While at Central, Doug met his future wife, Linda (Bustetter) also a music major. However, they first met in the pool in a PE class – lifesaving ! After Linda graduated from Central, they were married on June 24, 1972 at First Presbyterian Church in Yakima. Last summer, they celebrated their 50th wedding Anniversary! After 11 years of marriage and many adventures they embarked on a new adventure, parenthood! They joyfully adopted and welcomed their two daughters from South Korea. Anna Elizabeth arrived in 1983 and Leah Margaret completed their family in 1986. One of their highlights in parenting was being able to travel later with their daughters to South Korea and learn more about that beautiful land and its rich history. Doug had many varied interests over the years. He loved sports as a spectator, and as a coach and participant. He enjoyed handball in his 20’s and 30’s, and then he became passionate about cycling up into his 60’s, logging thousands of miles. In addition to his career in education, Doug played in many jazz combos, Big Swing Bands, in the early years of Yakima Symphony Orchestra, Warehouse Theater musical ensembles, the Yakima Community Band, and most recently, he directed the Yakima Flute Troupe. These all gave him great joy. Doug was a longtime member and leader at First Presbyterian Church (Grace of Christ) where he shared his musical gifts in many ways. He worked on many committees and projects at First Pres and Camp Ghormley, including Boys Free Camp. He also volunteered at Madison House as a tutor. ? Doug also served on the Board of Directors for the Yakima Area Arboretum and found that experience to be challenging, as well as rewarding. Doug was happiest when serving and helping people. He was always dependable, a voice of reason, a man of integrity and true to his word. He loved his family deeply, and becoming Grampy to Chloe, Arlo and Clifton was his greatest joy. The family would like to thank his medical team: Dr. Brett Hayzen, Dr. Mohan Kumar, Dr. Mark Richards, and Dr. Nithya Menon. Also, many thanks to Memorial Hospital’s CCU staff for their expert care, and of course, to the incredible, compassionate staff at Cottage in the Meadow. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and his in-laws, Hugh and Eula Bustetter. He is survived by his wife Linda, and his two daughters, Anna Cairns (Mary), Leah Tribe (Charlie), and his 3 grandchildren, Chloe Cairns, Arlo and Clifton Tribe. He is also survived by his sister’s sons, Sal (Nikki) Noeldner and Cedar, Craig (Jessica) Noeldner and Juliet. Linda’s brother, Larry (Kay) Bustetter and their daughter, Emily Butler and her 4 children also survive Doug. His little rescue dog, Henry deeply misses him. A celebration of Doug’s life will be held on Saturday, April 29 at 11:00 AM at Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church, 9 South 8th Ave. Yakima, WA. A luncheon reception will follow in the Garden Room. Here is the livestream link for the celebration of Doug's life at Grace of Christ. https://graceofchrist.subspla.sh/4rnmpmf In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cottage in the Meadow c/o Yakima Memorial Hospital Foundation, YAMA Program c/o Yakima Schools Foundation or Camp Ghormley’s Lower Lodge Renovation c/o Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church. |
