On September 5, 2017 Douglas Allen Grendahl passed away after a two-month struggle with cardiac issues. Doug was born on November 8, 1946, in Benson, Minnesota. In 1964, he graduated from Benson High School, after which he attended Lutheran Bible Institute, and eventually became an Ordained Minister. He was a medic in the US Air Force and received an Honorable Medical Discharge after a serious auto accident. Later, he attended ITT Peterson School of Business to obtain a Data Processing Degree. He then worked in the computer industry for many years before becoming an in-home caretaker. Doug was also a skilled classical pianist, a talent he enjoyed for many years of his life.
Doug was a people-person who had a strong work ethic and a knack for problem-solving. About two decades ago he moved to Port Townsend where all those skills and talents continued to shine. First, he drove for the Veterans Administration, getting folks over to facilities in Seattle; but he was also manager of the apartment complex in which he lived. After becoming a devoted “townie,” well-known in local cafes, Doug developed a passion for something new: organizing group conversation circles. It was after reading Christopher Phillips’ book about Socrates Cafés that Doug organized one here in Port Townsend–––a group that met and will continue to meet at the Community Center every two weeks. Doug’s interest in personal counseling approaches and his talent as a focused listener helped him also organize book groups that met regularly for discussion in a variety of cafes and restaurants. And just recently, while listening to two UWA professors chatting over coffee in a local café, he began organizing a new group. He asked the professors, as well as a PT resident, Christopher Hanson, to share their thoughts through a panel discussion–––that panel discussion occurred here last spring. Doug was indeed a passionate community-builder.
Douglas Grendahl was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Ida Grendahl and is survived by his daughter Stacey Potts, grandchildren Devin Grendahl, Cameron Grendahl, and Olivia Potts (from Texas); as well as one sister, Betty Hanson, and four brothers: Jerry, Donald, Phillip, and Mark Grendahl.
Doug was a positive, innovative individual who not only spent his life trying to better himself, but also the lives of others. Doug’s gifts to this community will live on through his Socrates Cafés; and assuredly, many of us will remember him when we notice a vacant chair in front of Aldrich’s Market.
