Thomas Douglas 'Doug' Egan, 73

Thomas Douglas "Doug" Egan, 73, died Nov. 6, 2007, in Yuma, Ariz.

Doug was born Oct. 10, 1934, in Kalispell, the oldest of five children born to Tom and Marie (Betts) Egan. He loved telling stories of the family times spent camping in Glacier Park and fishing and hunting in the beautiful Flathead Valley.

During World War II, the family lived in Seattle as his dad, a sheet metal worker, was employed by Boeing. After the war, the Egans returned to Kalispell and opened a sheet metal shop, which they later moved to Conrad. Doug graduated from Conrad High School and the University of Montana. After college, he served in the Army and discovered the potential of computers during various duty assignments. When his service time was completed, he returned to Montana and taught high-school math for two years.

In 1964, he met and married Penny Estes. They made their home in Helena. Doug was employed as a statistician and researcher for the state. His employment with the state gave him an opportunity to become more deeply involved with computers and explore their potential. In 1970, he received a Master of Social Work Administration from the University of Michigan.

Doug and Penny took early retirement and enjoyed many years of traveling and volunteering at state and federal campgrounds. In 1992, they came to Yuma and decided they had found a great place for the winter months. After a few years, they decided that Yuma would be their home.

Doug is survived by his wife, Penny. He is also survived by his son, John, and Tawna; grandchildren, Abby, Alex, Ryan and Gracie of Meridian, Idaho; also his special aunt, Boots (Betty) Bills, of Conrad; brothers, George and Jean of Conrad, Duane and Janet of Columbia Falls; sisters, Nancy Floerchinger of Bozeman and Jean Egan; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

At Doug's request, there will be no services. Cremation has taken place, and his ashes will be scattered in Montana next summer.

For many years, Doug was devoted volunteer at the Yuma Reading Council. He took great joy in seeing adults improve their reading and writing skills. Memorial donations can be made to the Yuma Reading Council, 825 S. Orange St., Yuma, AZ 85364.