Douglas Eugene Hedman, 63

Our dearest son, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, Douglas Eugene Hedman from Kalispell, left this world on Aug. 14, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.

He was preceded in death by his wife Kathy and his sister Debbie Marie Hedman.

Doug had been battling lymphoma for over two years, rebounding and relapsing until the battle could not be won.

Doug was born in Whitefish on May 22, 1956 to Gene and Marie Hedman. He was a graduate of Whitefish High School. He served honorably in the United States Air Force for six years. During that time he married and from that union two children were born, Jason Joseph and Maranda Marie.

Doug moved to Washington and worked for Boeing as an engineer in the Seattle area for over 30 years. In Washington he found the love of his life and soulmate Kathy. Doug and Kathy had a great love of animals and the outdoors. They were doggy parents to Bernese Mountain dogs, Leonbergers and golden retrievers, as well as Mainecoon cats. They camped and belonged to various dog groups. Doug and “Kat” were married for 29 years until her sudden passing in January 2016.

Suddenly on his own, Doug retired from Boeing, sold his house, and headed home to Montana to be near family and friends. He took up skiing again, bought a house with a big shop to make a lot of sawdust, and reconnected with childhood friends — a new lease on life. Shortly after his return to Montana he was diagnosed with lymphoma. The lymphoma went in and out of remission until it suddenly turned aggressive and took from us this wonderful man.

He leaves behind his mother Marie Hedman from Kalispell, his father and stepmother Gene Hedman and Lenore from Whitefish, his children Jason from Washington and Maranda from Florida, grandchildren, Raylena and Serena, and his brother and sister-in law Dale and Annette Hedman from San Jose, California. He is also survived by three nieces and nephews and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 17, at the United Methodist Church in Whitefish.