In Memory

Doug Kavanaugh

Doug Kavanaugh

Douglas James Kavanaugh

Douglas James Kavanaugh, a longtime Olympia School District educator, passed away suddenly on May 17, 2006 at his home in Portland, Oregon. Born on September 9, 1946 to James and Thelma (Hagen) Kavanaugh in Seattle, Doug was a beloved son, brother, father, friend, and teacher. He attended Seattle and Highline public schools; Green River Community College, where he met his friend and mentor, Nigel Adams; and the University of Washington, from where he graduated summa cum laude in Asian Studies and History. Doug began his teaching career at Eisenhower High School in Yakima, Washington, and later taught for 21 years at Capital High School in the Olympia School District. So many lucky students had the opportunity to experience his classes in Mandarin Chinese, History, and Economics, which he taught with the passion (and humor!) of a natural-born educator. During his career, he organized several student trips to Japan, China, Thailand, and Russia and created a teacher exchange program with school districts in China. The International Baccalaureate program was implemented at Capital High School through Doug's leadership, which he continued more recently as an employee of the Beaverton School District in Oregon. Additionally, Doug was currently working on establishing new assessment strategies and provided leadership in the World Languages and Social Studies departments in the Beaverton School District. Doug married Bonnie (Thorp) Kavanaugh on June 18, 1971. They had two sons, Brynn and Sam, whom Doug adored. He is survived by his mother and dad, Tillie and Bob Falkenstein, brothers, Jeff Kavanaugh and Bob Falkenstein, sons, Brynn and Sam, former wife, Bonnie, partner, Jo Berry, and many relatives and friends around the world who loved and admired him. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim, and brothers, Tom and Jim. A celebration of Doug's life will be held at the Olympia Yacht Club, 201 Simmons Street N.W., on Saturday, June 3, 2006, at 1:00 p.m. The family invites all friends, colleagues, and former students to join us in celebration of this incredible man's life.
 

Published in The Olympian on May 23, 2006



 
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01/12/14 06:42 AM #1    

Jim Cissell

I played baseball and other sports with Doug and his brother Tom (Class of 1966) at the Des Moines Fieldhouse over the years. Good athletes and great guys. What a shame.


01/14/14 04:56 PM #2    

Jerry Childs

I actually didn't know Doug had passed until just a minute ago.  I am truly sad I will not see him this year.  He was a fun guy and loved sports where we played often at the fieldhouse.   Bye friend...


05/08/14 11:26 AM #3    

Kathe Killmer (Simpson)

So sad to see Doug has passed on.....he sat by me in Senior English and was one of the nicest guys I ever met..rest in peace Doug!!!


07/21/14 08:19 PM #4    

Polly Kaiser (Heinselman)

This was found in the 40th Reunion Disc written by Doug:

Partner: Jo Berry – with whom I have had a great 12-year relationship

Children: 2 sons – Brynn Douglas Kavanaugh (28) & Samual Thorp

Kavanaugh (24)

Occupation and/or Retirement Plans:

Education – Travel and enjoying my life on my houseboat with Jo.

Highlights of Your Life Over the Past 40 Years:

Two great sons.

Rewarding career in education. 25 years teaching social studies and Chinese language at Capitol

High School in Olympia. Had George Geyer’s son in my class.

Travels in Asia - including spending time in Tiananmen Square during the 1989 demonstrations.

Work with students devoted to the clearing of landmine fields.

Meeting Paul McCartney.


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