Roy Douglas Putnam
August 2, 1924 - December 17, 2016

Lifelong resident of the Pacific NW, Doug Putnam, 92, passed away December 17, 2016 with family by his side.

Roy Douglas Putnam was born Aug. 2, 1924, to Edgar and Etta Putnam, in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He moved to Ballard, WA after the age of 3 years old. Doug was the youngest of three siblings, having two older sisters, Lorraine and Betty. He grew up during the Great Depression, but was young enough to not recognize the impacts to his daily life, until older. During high school he played basketball, which was a sport he enjoyed throughout his life. After graduation from Ballard High School he attended the University of Washington and joined the crew. By the time he was a sophomore at UW, his 8-man crew became so good that they advanced to the varsity team. After the United States was drawn into WWII, Doug left the university to join the Army Air Corp. He was trained as a navigator and radar bombardier for the B-29. Following the end of WWII, Doug returned to the University of Washington, where he was able to finish his college education with a degree in Civil Engineering. With some work experience and extra study he became a Structural Engineer, working the bulk of his career for the City of Seattle. He helped engineer many popular structures in Seattle's history, including the Space Needle, Kingdome, and 50 story plus high rise buildings, unique to that time in history. Doug retired from the City of Seattle in 1989.

Doug met the love of his life, Joanne Eastman, at the University of Washington Bookstore. Doug and Joanne married on February 1, 1952; they settled and started their family in Edmonds, WA. They were married for 52 years; Joanne preceded him in death in 2004. They enjoyed many activities through their years of raising children and retirement. They took up square dancing as a younger couple and became very advanced in their abilities later in life, leading specialized square dancers in their own home. Doug and Joanne began traveling with the Airstream club and enjoyed traveling through most of the United States and Canada.

Doug and Joanne raised three children, Leslee, Kim, and Mike. We have many wonderful memories as we have reflected on our growing up years. Our dad was very influential in teaching us to love the outdoors and staying active through various opportunities that he was pivotal in teaching us the "how to" skills. Learning to swim, dive and downhill skiing are highlights. We had many memorable family vacations that included visits to the San Juan Islands, skiing, boating, hiking or just exploring a new place. Our Dad did not miss the opportunity to teach us the value of family and hard work through his example to maintain a home or its vehicles. Some of his other loves, beside the people in his life were his dogs and their companionship, music, especially Big Band Jazz, admiring the midnight sky (teaching us the constellations), and awe at the beauty of a sunset or wildlife.

We miss our Dad as we miss our Mom and remember them with love. Doug is survived by his children listed with their spouses and children (Doug's grandchildren) below. Doug's legacy includes 7 great-grandchildren to date.
• Leslee ; Spouse - Mel Thompson, Children - Sean and Katie
• Kim ; Spouse - Bill Burgess, Children - Wesley, Christopher, David, and Jonathan
• Mike Putnam; Spouse - Erin Barrett, Children - Bryan, Jessica, Kyle, and Elise

We will celebrate Doug's life with a private family service. Please send condolences to:
Kim Burgess; 5600 Penny Circle, Anchorage, AK 99516

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