Douglas "Doug" Paul Thiesen

Douglas Paul Thiesen

May 24, 1952 – December 15, 2024

We’re heartbroken to share that our guy Doug passed away on the evening of December 15th at the age of 72. Born on May 24, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas, Doug lived a life full of love, laughter, adventure, and zany shenanigans. He charmed people wherever he went—often against all odds.

Doug leaves behind his children Milo and Tarisa Ann Thiesen, his sisters Candis Whitney and Linda Reynolds, his brother Leonard Thiesen, his grandson Benjamin Lennox Thiesen-Boggs, his best friend Pete Barron, his ex-wife and good friend Fran Heinith, and his girlfriend Gay Howe, all of whom will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his former love Leslie Parrish and his parents, Martha Ann Thiesen and Arthur P. Thiesen.

Doug had a deep love for nature and movement. He grew up skiing in Alaska as a child, surfing in Hawaii during his time at Kailua High School, and later worked as a certified ski instructor and Ski Patrol volunteer at Mt. Hood Timberline Lodge. In his later years, he led children’s educational nature walks at Mt. Pisgah Arboretum. Doug was a thoughtful man who surrounded himself with the things that brought meaning to his life—his spiritual practices of Eckankar, the Path of Spiritual Freedom, his children and grandchild, and his many, many dear friends.

Throughout his life, Doug faced significant challenges, including living with Bipolar Schizoaffective Disorder and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). His struggles with mental health deeply shaped his path, inspiring him to become a mental health peer support advocate at Laurel Hill Center, where he provided compassionate care and guidance to others. Doug was also deeply committed to his heart health, regularly attending the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at PeaceHealth Oregon Heart & Vascular Institute where his determination and humor brightened the lives of those around him.

In the 90s, Doug was a mechanic’s assistant who could often be found listening to the Click and Clack Brothers while barreling between hiking trails, mountains, hot springs, music festivals, and beaches. He was also a passionate advocate for human rights, volunteering with PFLAG and singing with the Eugene Peace Choir for a time.

Doug’s infectious sense of humor, immense capacity to live in the moment, and deep connection to nature touched everyone who knew him.

Earlier this year, at his request and in lieu of a funeral service, friends and family gathered on May 25, 2024, at his home for a Hawaiian-themed celebration of his birthday and his life. About 40 friends and family members joined the festivities, singing and playing music, dancing, laughing, and honoring Doug with a poetry reading.

In place of flowers, consider donating to White Bird Clinic and CAHOOTS or the Laurel Hill Center to continue the work Doug cared about so deeply. Alternatively, honor his memory by taking the time to notice the little things on a nature walk with the people you love, or sing the HU Song in a deep embrace.

We will carry his love and laughter with us always.

In Doug's own words:

“Walking the path. Discover! Walk the woods … nature calls … destinations endless …. Meet in the realm of possibility hand in hand. Invigorating conversation … tell the stories. Wheels turn … and down the road. Mountain air … beach waves caress feet. Oolala.”