WOLCOTT: Peter Douglass, 82, of Wolcott, New York passed away peacefully at home on December 9, 2024 after a long battle with cancer complicated by dementia.
Pete was born on February 22, 1942 to Ruth and Mack Douglass in Auburn, New York. After graduating from Leavenworth High School in 1960 he went on to study Geology and earned his bachelor’s degree at Antioch University (1965), with subsequent Masters Degrees from both Pennsylvania State University (1968) and University of Illinois (1975).
After graduating Penn State he started his career as a Geotechnical Engineer with Shannon and Wilson in Seattle Washington, specializing in tunnels and underground construction. A decade later he became the Vice President and Senior Principal Engineer for Hart Crowser, then in the early 90s began his own business as an Independent Geotechnical Consultant. His work as a Geotechnical Engineer was his true passion in life and he often told his children, "If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life."
His family meant more to him than anything else in the world. His brother Mike was his best friend. The two of them were known for their shenanigans and practical jokes. Pete relied on his brother for advice and support throughout his life. He often mentioned how lucky he was to have such a good brother and friend. He was ‘Papa’ to his granddaughter Sierra, who adored him; he loved her utterly. His silly ways and love of a goofy face in photos lives on in her. With his family, Pete never said goodbye without an intentional ‘I love you’ and a heartfelt hug. His warm, sweet nature endeared him to others everywhere he went.
Romantically Pete’s life held twists and turns - complicated perhaps, but full of love. He met and married his first wife Dorothy at Antioch, where they had Jamie, but parted ways during their time at Penn State. After moving to Seattle, friends introduced him to Lola, the vivacious and creative mother of their daughters Jenny and Cassidy. They enjoyed a menagerie of animals, road trip adventures, and renovating their homes. Pete loved a do-it-yourself house project!! After Lola’s death in 1989 he raised his girls on his own. He was a devoted father that always provided a loving and caring environment with unending support.
In 2016 Pete gave up Seattle for his childhood home of Wolcott, NY where he reconnected with childhood friend Pat Drury and they married in 2020. The two were inseparable; they had an unconditional love and truly cared for one another. Pete and Pat enjoyed long drives together and going dancing on Friday nights.
Pete loved to be on the water. He spent a lot of time boating and fishing in the Pacific Northwest. In his youth he played soccer, excelled at billiards, and had a joy for bowling. In Wolcott he was a proud member of the Elks. He always enjoyed being around friends and family. Quick to laugh, Pete made sure you knew you were loved and enjoyed. One of the last things he told us was to ‘focus on the good things!’ He will be dearly missed.
Peter was predeceased by his sister Judy Pearson.
He is survived by his wife Nina “Pat” (Drury), three daughters Jamie Douglass, Jennifer (Steban) Waller, and Cassidy (Kenya Tilman) Douglass; brother Michael (Linda) Douglass; granddaughter Sierra Waller; niece Michelle Pellicano, nephew Matt Douglass; niece Jody Zbinden, niece Pam Lewis; Pat Douglass’ children: Lynn M Beames, Cindy Bensalama, Jeffrey T Gould, Nathan Lang, Stephen Lang, Mark Gould, and Jordan Lang; previous marriage Christie (Johannessen) Douglass’ children, Keri Johannessen, Tina Johannessen, and Jamie Johannessen.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Wolcott Elks lodge in July 2025 - date and time to
