Obituary of Douglas E. Swift

Douglas E. Swift, 47, of Olympia, Washington, passed away on November 12, 2014. He was born July 13, 1967 to John “Dave” Swift and Mary Kay (Robbins) Swift in Olympia and was the youngest of 15 children. He graduated from Timberline High School and attended South Puget Sound Community College and Washington State University. Doug loved playing the trumpet in his younger years, in high school and college. His dad played trumpet with the American Legion band and would often bring Doug along. Doug loved cooking on his various BBQs. His ribs were the best and he was encouraged him to “keep practicing” so that we ate them often. He loved his time with family, especially the hunting trips to Eastern Washington and the campfires where they would share stories. Doug and his brothers were lovingly committed to looking after their mother’s wellbeing. Doug so looked forward to the 4th of July when family and friends would come to celebrate. His home was always open to visitors. Doug had a love of and studied weather since his childhood. He always looked forward to storms, snow, wind, etc.; he thought summer was boring and weather was uneventful. Everyone called Doug so they could plan if school might be closed or an event could be planned outside. He was known as Weather Dougie. Doug worked for more than 20 years at South Puget Sound’s Community College Security Department, rising to Security Lieutenant and Emergency Management Coordinator. He joined the United States Coast Guard in 1998 where he served proudly for 15 years. After 9/11, Doug participated in Operation Noble Eagle in Puget Sound, providing protection to US Navy facilities and ships. He deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2003 for Operation Iraqi Freedom and again in 2011 for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Doug and Debra Rourke were married on November 28, 1992, and were approaching their 22nd wedding anniversary later this month. Doug inherited two daughters that he gladly looked after and graduated to be “Pops” when Christopher and Charlotte came along. He is survived by his wife, Debra; daughters, Jennifer and Stephanie Gilbert; grandchildren, Christopher and Charlotte DeLaCruz; mother, Mary “Sally” Swift of Olympia; siblings, Jim of Olympia, Bob of Olympia, Patti St. Hilaire of Pasco, Colleen Beckman of Lacey, Susi of Lacey, Elaine Bair of Port Townsend, Marilyn Getchman of Olympia, Nancy Davis of Shelton, Karen of Snohomish, Tom of Olympia, Maureen Doman of Lake Tapps and their spouses; many nieces and nephews, including his godson, Alex Walstead. Doug was preceded in death by his father, John “Dave” Swift; brother, John Swift; sister, Kathe Lesamiz; and brother, Steven Swift. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of your choice. Please leave memories of Doug or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.