1934
2020
KENNETH MARVIN DOANE
May 4, 1934 ˜ March 19, 2020
Kenneth Marvin Doane, born May 4, 1934 in Everett, WA, to Kenneth I. and Nora Doane died peacefully March 19, 2020 at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center.
In life, he was a loving and caring person. He enjoyed outdoor activities, which included fishing, wilderness hunting trips and working as a surveyor on the Washington side of the Columbia River before the Astoria Bridge was built. In the late 50s, he helped build the diversion tunnel for Swift Creek Dam, one of the highest earth-filled dams in the world. His primary career, though, was in title insurance and escrow which extended to teaching Real Estate Law at Clark College, Vancouver. He was often called as an expert witness by local attorneys when cases involved Real Estate Law.
As a young adult, he was active in the Jaycees and was one of the pyrotechnicians for some of the first Fort Vancouver 4th of July events. In 1966, he was honored as Junior First Citizen of Vancouver, WA. Later, he served the community as Rotarian and as President of the Chamber of Commerce. In 2018 he was asked to serve as a board member of Woman of Wonder, Inc., a nonprofit established to provide scholarships for women. The nonprofit was created to honor his wife, Wilma, for her passion about education.
Early in his career, while working at the City of Vancouver’s Engineer’s Office he earned a lifetime shortwave radio operator’s license. Genealogy was a fascinating adventure which led to serving as President for half a decade of the Doane Family Association of America, Inc. He was an avid photographer and delighted in telling stories.
He was a faithful and active member and elder of First Presbyterian Church, Vancouver and served on several church and Presbytery committees. He sang in the choir, scheduled programs for Men’s SteakOut and helped run the video system.
Ken and his wife, Wilma, spent many years Volkswalking in the U.S., Canada and England. After retirement they spent winters in Arizona in their RV enjoying the wholesomeness of that lifestyle. At the Chapel in their RV Park, Ken served as Worship Leader and sang in the park’s chorus.
Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Wilma; three children, Debbie Dunn (Mike), Carol Doane, and Tim Doane; his granddaughter, Kailynn Keirstead (Andrew); and his brother, Bill Doane.
He was preceded in death by his son, David.
Due to current health matters, a memorial service will be held at a later time to honor this man of many friends. Gifts in memory of Kenneth M. Doane may be made to the nonprofit www.womanofwonder.org
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michael E, Zimmerman
Work
March 23, 2024
Ken and I exchanged some emails regarding Doane family genealogy and I enjoyed corresponding with him and sharing information. I am sorry to see he is gone. Sending my condolences to his family.
Kelly Doane Hersh
April 12, 2020
Our condolences to you, Wilma and the family at your loss of Ken, he was a gentleman and a godly man. Ken was always willing to lend a hand or a word to help anyone in need. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you in your time of grieving.
Warren Edgley
April 6, 2020
I am so sorry for you loss. I work with Ken as well with his Brother Bill when we all work for Transamerica Title. I meet Ken in 1962 when I went to work at the Original Clark County Title which was owned by Howard Burnham.
Michael Zimmerman
April 5, 2020
I didn't know Ken well but he was a man I respected in all the interactions I did have with him. My sincere condolences to his family at this time of great loss.
Betty Sue Morris
April 4, 2020
Ken's Passing has given me a lot of time to reflect on our more than 45 years of a very close friendship. Ken was much more than a friend, more like a brother to me. Our many lunch and coffee time reminiscing about the great many adventures we and out friends loved like the many years we horse packed into the Bitter-root wilderness area of Idaho, hunting, fishing and just plain great times around a campfire. Trips to Sunriver and too many other time to include here. I will miss him dearly.
Gordon Messick
March 31, 2020
Michael Zimmerman
March 30, 2020
Wilma and family, Accept our sincere Condolences at this time. We always loved to have you and Ken visit our home and spend the night with us. I have been reading all the wonderful tributes to Ken. He was always so interesting to visit with, a gentle, kind and knowledgeable man. He will be missed by all of us. I loved to hear him laugh.
We love and miss you Ken. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Love, Larry and Carol Wintersteen
March 30, 2020
Wilma, Debbie and all the family, my sincerest best wishes for you all. I have many good memories of Ken back in the Title Ins days. Solid leader and man of integrity. God Bless, Bill Carter, retired President, Pacific NW Title of Oregon.
Bill Carter
March 30, 2020
Wilma and family. I share in your loss of a wonderful man. I worked with Ken for many years, both directly and indirectly. He was highly respected by everyone in the title insurance industry. He will be missed by many.
Marlene Fromhold Grentzer
March 29, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember the fun times that I had volkswalking with the Doane's. Sending condolences.
Mary Allen
March 29, 2020
I never got to meet this gentleman. But I did work with his wonderful and talented daughter Carol and I send condolences to her and the family.
Bob New
March 29, 2020
'Sad to hear about Ken today. He was always nice to me at the reunions. You had a long life together! Hugs
Patty Turpin
March 29, 2020
Dear Wilma and all of the Doane family.
Sincere condolences to all of you. My husband Red and I got to meet all of your family when my Mother Emaline married Kenneth's father. (said this so you will know who we are).
Blessings to all Alice & Red Paine
March 29, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful guy. He and I took life underwriter insurance courses in the early 1980's. I always appreciated his sage wisdom and good humor. It was a pleasant surprise to get a chance to reconnect with him again last year at the pipe organ rededication concert at Central Presbyterian in Vancouver. Thanks for sharing him with us!
Gary Ritter
March 28, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lori Collins
March 27, 2020
So sorry for the loss of Kenneth. Prayers said.
Sincerely,
Christopher Lee Doane
Christopher Doane
March 25, 2020
Greetings, It was my pleasure to serve under him and enjoyed the phone coversations from the east coast . He will be missed by this organization I CAN SAY HE WAS MY BOSS AND MOSTLY MY FRIELD.... I loved to pick on him what was older him or the Doane Truck.
Brian H. Doane
1st VP Doane Family Association of AMERICA
Litchfield NH.
March 25, 2020
Ken Doane was one of the smartest, kindest individuals I have had the honor to know and work for. It was my honor to consider him friend and mentor for many years.A bright star in life and a brighter star in heaven..To the Doane Family my condolences and hope you can heal each day with a happy memory!
vicki carstens
March 25, 2020
Wilma,Carol,Debbie,Tim,Kailyn and family- What a wonderful kind man your husband, father and grandfather was. He walked his faith in his kind spirit. He will be missed. Hold him forever in your hearts. Mary Mulcrone
March 24, 2020
Ken was such a special man. I will miss his insight, inspiration, humor and wonderful stories. Heav8has received a special angel indeed.
Pat Oneil
Friend
March 24, 2020
Ken was such a gift to all who met him. I will miss his insight, passion and wonderful stories. Heaven has received a special angel indeed.
Pat Oneil
Friend
March 24, 2020
Tim, your Dad sounds like he was an amazing man. Please accept my condolences to you and your family.
Kim Mounce
March 24, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Carol Armstrong
Family
March 24, 2020
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