Douglas Arnold Eggen, Sr.

July 19, 1946 – November 16, 2025

Doug came into this world on July 19, 1946 in Renton WA to Arnie and Aggie (Rosenstein) Eggen. He joined a brother, Don … two years his elder.

The Highands was their home until Doug was nine, at which time Aggie and the boys moved back to her hometown, Enumclaw. His father was a good provider but not what Doug would call a “regular Dad”.

Aggie raised her boys mostly as a single mother, working in the meat department at the old Food Center. She purchased a home on Sorenson Avenue which eventually filtered down to Doug.

He was exceptionally close to his Slovenian maternal grandmother and aunt and uncle, Josie and Elmer Jensen. Doug also had fond memories of his times with his Norwegian paternal grandparents.

He spent his younger years playing sports, trap and skeet, hunting, fishing…racing stock cars, softball…any pursuit outdoors. Playing football in high school brought him the Most Inspirational Player award in 1965. Although the Class of ‘64 was really “his Class’; spray painting Mr. Thompson’s hair meant graduating the next year. Doug always said the best part of that ill-thought action was playing football one more year.

Doug left to join the Army, bidding farewell to his family and friends, only to return the following day due to a foot problem. He then drove logging truck for both Kenny Kahne and Albert Ballastrassee.Both Albert and another older logging guy, Arnie Peterson became Doug’s mentors until their deaths.

Doug could drive anything, earning him a new logging truck to drive, courtesy of Albert. He was enamored with the television program SEA HUNT and diving. He applied and accepted at the Lake Union diving school. Afterwards, Doug went to work for an international company, JD McDermott.

He based in New Orleans and worked all over the world from Nigeria to the North Sea and Gulf of America. Saturation diving was not only dangerous but found him 300- 400 feet below the ocean surface in a dive-chamber for 28 days at a time. His diving mates, during some New Orleans reunions, told stories of that young kid who was a fearless but serious talented welder and often given the tough jobs “down below”.

When returning to Enumclaw, Doug started his own logging company, kept his truck washed, polished including it’s chrome wheels …. a point of pride. He worked in the welding field, drove truck for Jensen Sand & Gravel and CTI, built wood stoves and computers, redid plumbing /electrical at his house, tinkered constantly on our ‘33 Ford 2-Dr Sedan and motor coach. His nickname was MacGuyver and rightly so.

Musical talents abound … .Doug played five instruments to some degree, beginning with the accordion in school. A voice that sounded much like Cash or Stewart, Doug placed third at a cruise ship talent show.

Retiring at 57, there were trips to many countries and shores. Motorcoaching cross-country to Kasey’s races and seeing much of the USA …. panning for gold to walking the lava fields to caving which meant rapelling down heights taller than the Statue of Liberty.

Doug enjoyed traveling with family and friends and his low-keyed, quiet personality made him a favorite. He always looked forward to visiting his daughter, Erika and had great memories of a trip with one of his sons, Michael and his boys to Winthrop during hunting season. They called him the Old Timer.

He spoke often of the good times raising Doug, Jr. Doug loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally. He especially appreciated his cousins and longtime friends who took time from their busy lives to assist and offer support during a very challenging time.

Doug is predeceased by his parents, grandparents and brother, Don.

He is survived by his partner of 23 years, Judi Puttman; sons, Michael (Karen) Madden and Doug Eggen, Jr; daughter, Erika (Nate) Eddy; six grandchildren, Michael, Jr. (Jeanette), Marcus, Matthew (Payton),and Lucas Madden; Kale and Alea Eggen; sister-in-law, Lynne (Jim) Puttman Dibley; and numerous cousins and exceptional friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 8th at 1 :00 pm at The Claw in Enumclaw.