Obituaries

Douglas Duncan Tewes passed away peacefully at home on May 25th, 2024, with his wife, Margot, and daughters, Laura and Karla, by his side.  He bravely fought bile duct cancer for 10 months and despite the ravages of that terrible disease was sharp and funny until his very last day.

Doug leaves behind a legacy that embodies “The True Gentleman”, the creed of his fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon.  Beloved husband, devoted father, loyal friend, mentor and giver of good advice, he loved sharing a bottle of good wine or hard to find Bourbon.  An avid golfer who scored a hole-in-one at the Hong Kong Golf Club, he told a mean joke – saving the most off-color versions for the golf course.

Doug was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on July 11, 1942.  He graduated from Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario and was recruited to Cornell University as an engineering student and ice hockey goalie.  There he made lifelong friends in his fraternity SAE and earned the name “The Canadian Snowplow” for his strength on the ice and tendency to be single-minded and not subtle when he got an idea in his head.

He married Margot, the love of his life, partner in all things in 1965, and lived in Ontario, Connecticut, and Virginia Beach, Virginia where they raised their two daughters, Laura and Karla.

Doug was an entrepreneur who built several successful businesses and was well known in the printing industry around the world.  He loved to travel and his business relationships often turned to life-long friendships.  A favorite business partner said of  him, “the world would be a better place if there were more people like Doug.” He was a loyal and fair boss to many employees who loved and respected him.

Doug believed that anything could be achieved with a good education, and was active in growing Cape Henry Collegiate School in Virginia Beach. He served on its board and as its Board Chairman.  An avid opera lover, Doug was also a long time member of the Virginia Opera Board.

After retirement, Doug and Margot continued to travel the world,  spent many wonderful days on the inland waterway, and enjoyed countless friendships in their two favorite golf communities.  Doug loved his home and the golf course at Orchid Island in Vero Beach, Florida and enjoyed art, opera, and of course, another favorite golf course in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Once grandchildren came along, Doug and Margot moved to Seattle to be full-time grandparents to Laura’s children, Emma, Taber, and Carter, and Karla’s children, Zane and Grayson. Doug took great joy in being a mentor, role-model, sideline coach and beloved grandfather to his grandchildren and a loving and respected father-in-law to Martin Leese (Laura) and Chris Zilliax (Karla).

To quote from his favorite poem, “High Flight” by John Gillespie Magee Jr.,   Doug has “slipped the surly bonds of earth……and touched the hand of God.”

We are grateful for the compassionate care Doug received from the entire team at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center and University of Washington Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Doug’s memory to Fredhutch.org.

Information on a celebration of life later this summer will be posted to Facebook and Doug’s obituary on www.elementalnw.com once confirmed.