Fredrick ‘Doug’ LaMear
July 27, 1925 – Jan. 7, 2019
Fredrick Douglas LaMear was born July 27, 1925 to Fred and Dorothy LaMear. He passed peacefully Jan. 7, 2019. Doug attended Benson High and Univ. of Portland. At the age of 16, he met Patty, the love of his life, while record shopping at Meier & Frank. Doug served on CV13 in the Pacific in WWII surviving a devastating enemy airstrike that killed 1100 shipmates. Doug returned home to marry Patty in 1945, they raised Douglas Michael and Diane Shannon. Doug chose his career after being interviewed on radio about his war experience. This led to an enviable career in radio and TV where Doug became known as the best on the air as KGW’s sports director. Doug’s love of sports and the outdoors was a natural outcome of his youth in a sports-minded family that embraced everything about Oregon’s outdoors. Doug was an excellent golfer, skater, water skier and fisherman. Both on and off the air, Doug traveled to all corners of the state creating lifelong friendships and admirers. Off air he fished and played cards with a close knit group of friends with card games lasting till the wee morning hours. And on LaMear’s Outdoors he cuddled purring cougar cubs and was up close with massive birds of prey. Doug was known as harmlessly gruff but never mean spirited. Those who knew him well also knew he had a heart of gold and was there for you in good times and bad.
Doug was preceded in death by Patty; and is survived by Douglas (Nancy), Diane (Britt); grandchildren, Michelle, Shannon, Colin, Kera; and six beautiful great-grandchildren.
Services have been held. The family suggests donations to Oregon Jr Golf.
Please sign the online guest book at http://www.oregonlive.com/obits
Published in The Oregonian from Jan. 18 to Jan. 20, 2019