Douglas Robert Hendel
Douglas Robert Hendel, 84, passed away peacefully at Providence Marianwood, Issaquah, WA on January 3, 2016 after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.
Born February 3, 1931 in Los Angeles, California to Dorothy Raleigh Hendel and Douglas Hendel; the family moved to the Northwest in 1934 spending one year at Maple Falls, then moving to Kirkland in 1936. Doug attended Central Elementary School and Kirkland Jr. High. He was active in basketball, tennis, editor of the yearbook and school newspaper. He was class valedictorian when he graduated from Kirkland High School (now called Lake Washington High School) in 1949.
Doug won a full scholarship to Yale University, (New Haven, Connecticut) and graduated with highest honors in 1953 with Phi Beta Kappa status (Alpha Chapter) his junior year. He then attended the University of Washington Law School with a William Wallace Wilshire Scholarship and was an editor for the Washington Law Review prior to graduating top in his class in 1956.
Doug was employed immediately, before passing the bar, by The Ryan Law Firm where he made partner and had a distinguished career as a Corporate Attorney for more than thirty years. He went into partial retirement in 1986 which allowed him to travel extensively throughout the world for months on end. He had a passion for global travel his entire life and visited more than 100 countries.
Doug lived on Mercer Island for many years and then in his retirement moved to Providence Point in Issaquah, WA where he was very active in the community and served on the Board of Directors at Forest Village, the Providence Point Umbrella Board and was the Founding President of the Wine and Food Society. Doug is fondly remembered for his knowledge with regards to historical facts, genealogy, politics and world events achieved by his engaging personality, his informed persona and intelligent input. He was considerate, optimistic and had an adventurous spirit – especially when traveling abroad! Other interests include genealogy, history, the love for fine food and wine, a sports enthusiast (an avid season ticket holder to all Seattle Sports teams!) and commercial real estate projects. He treasured his family and loved being a “Grand Dad”. He will be especially remembered for his generosity, encouragement for higher learning, his appreciative demeanor and as a major benefactor to the University of Washington Law School.
Doug is survived by his sister Nancy Hendel of Jupiter FL, and his children; Douglas Robert Jr. (Jill) of Sammamish WA, Drew Hendel of Bellevue WA, Dana Hendel Morgan (Kurt) of Mercer Island WA, Matthew Hendel (Leslie) of Seattle WA, and Sharma Hendel of Oakland CA. Also survived by grandchildren; Morgan, Charlie, Atticus, Henry and Romeo.
At Doug’s request, a private interment will be at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, Bellevue, Washington.
A celebration of life will be held at Providence Point Forest Village South Community Clubhouse located at: 4400 Providence Point Place SE, Issaquah, WA, 98029 on: Saturday, March 5th 2016 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Parking is limited so please carpool if available.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Children’s Hospital 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
