Douglas Alan Goldsmith

Doug Abides

Heartfelt Remembrance 

When the county coroner examined Doug to determine the cause of death, she discovered it was partly because he had an enlarged heart. 

But anyone who knew Doug could tell you that. The man just had himself a great big damn heart. And this is partly why he had so many friends, and why his family loved him so.

One of Doug's favorite things was gifting. Out of the blue he'd say, "Hey, Dad, I saw this and I thought of you. I had to get it for you. I hope you like it." For "Dad" you could substitute any number of names, especially family members. Doug went through life (and especially Value Village) looking for things he could give people. He'd be thinking about his nephew and nieces,  looking for just the right gift. He knew the kids and imagined he knew what they would like. It wasn't to curry favor or make a nice impression. He was just wired to think of others. He cared about them; this was his way of expressing that care. And it wasn't just carefully thought-through presents. He was just built to think of others. His heart was so enlarged because he carried a piece of so many of us in it. It was filled with us. It was filled with love. 

So you can say it literally, or you can say it figurative, but any way you look at it Douglas Alan Goldsmith had a big heart. 

We miss him so, and always will. Fortunately, his very life was, to us, a gift. One we will have with us forever.

                                                                          MEMORIAL SERVICE

To honor and celebrate the life of Doug, we will be hosting a gathering we think would please him. Doug was perhaps the world's biggest fan of the movie, The Big Lebowski. So we will be celebrating at Kenmore Lanes, a wonderful, 50-lane Seattle relic from the past (Largest bowling alley north of Reno and west of the Mississippi). We the family--James & Sheila, parents; Matthew, brother and spouse Ali--would be pleased to see and perhaps meet those who considered Doug a friend. 

But we need your help. It's a hard thing, that when your son dies, suddenly you have to become a webmaster and an event planner--especially if these tasks lie far, far outside your skill set. 

But we need to have really good info about the number of people attending, and the number of people inclined to roll a line or three. Please please PLEASE let us know your intentions right away, in a short email If you're not sure but think you might, that's OK, but do not be a cricket! Speak up! Help us plan. 

ALSO, this site is a work in progress. Still learning the ins and outs. Difficult. So far, a lot of splits, a lot of gutter balls. Hope to build it out. YOU CAN HELP!

PLEASE, contribute your memories and photos. For the sake of other friends and family, share what you know about Doug, your relationship, what you did together, how long, and when you knew him, and so on.

So for better or worse, I'm going to post this thing and see what happens. 

James

Gallery

Videos

Memory wall

September 26, 2025

Doug and I met in his early 30s, I had just turned 21 when I met him and he taught me so much over the years. We traveled together and met alot of new people and just had a blast together the years that we were living together. I named Doug Godfather of my oldest son because he deserved that and so much more. Im sorry did not make it to memorial but Doug will forever hold a special place in my and my family's hearts. My condolences to his family. Doug was truly the most loving soul I've ever met.

Kaneesha Hagins

September 14, 2025

So very saddened for your loss. Love still, Brother James. God Bless.

Neil Walker

August 18, 2025

I am a cousin of Sheila. I never had the pleasure of meeting Doug. Having read the memory wall posts and viewed all the wonderful photos, I have a sense of Doug's personality and his attributes. I am sorry I never knew him. Sheila, James, Matthew and Ali, my husband, Ray, and I send you our continuous love and support and prayers. Recently I read a quote from Dr. Seuss: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
We will be with you in Spirit on Aug 23 as you celebrate the life of your special son, brother, and friend.

Mary Ann Ogden

Mary Ann (McCall) Ogden

August 12, 2025

I only had the pleasure of knowing Doug for about 5 years, but I learned enough about Doug in that time to know that he had a heart of gold. He always was thinking of others and I would never see him get angry. There's going to be a big hole in my heart every time I step on the golf course and remember the good times we had.

Matt Linderson

August 2, 2025

I knew Doug and Matt thru the UW and Alpha Delts. I also am a Big Lebowski fan. Anyway, about 5 years ago my family and I bought an old house in Lake Hills. When we ordered Pagliacci’s, Doug started dropping them off. We would chat for a bit before he had to get back to work. I hadn’t seen him really since school, so it was nice to catch up and bullshit. We both like football besides the Dude as well. Doug was I believe managing the nearest Pagliacci location at the time. I’d never asked, but I’d like to believe when he saw my name come up on the computer, he would figure he do it himself and not send a minion. See an old fraternity brother. We moved again to another Lake Hills house by St Louise a couple years back, and I think maybe we were in a different Pagliacci zone. Not sure, but I didn’t see Doug anymore. Perhaps his illness had begun. I don’t know. But I missed him. He was a great guy and he did abide. “Strikes and Gutters, ups and downs.” The Dude was right about life. All you can do in this world is abide. I will be keeping Doug in my prayers. Another good one gone. Getting Old ain’t for sissies, as my grandfather (and I believe John Wayne) used to say. Couldn’t figure that one out until i started getting older. Also true, maybe a little un-PC, but true. I am truly sorry for your family’s loss. Doug was all time.
I am currently on my fishing boat in AK, but hope to be home Aug 20th. If I make it in time, I would love to roll a few frames on the 23rd in memory of Doug. In college, we used to hit Sunset Bowl in Ballard. It was a palace, long gone now. I will wear my Dude Pendleton in honor.
My entire family sends our condolences.

Sincerely,
Michael Ellestad
F/V Hans Halvor
Alpha Delta Phi, UW class of 2002

Michael Ellestad

August 1, 2025

Doug was a good dude—he loved his friends and was always down for an adventure. I was closer with his brother Matt—we played baseball together starting in 4th grade—but Doug was always around, tagging along at practices and eventually joining us on varsity.

Doug was the quintessential “watch this” kid. His stunts usually landed in one of three categories:

1. Mischievous – The kind of prank that would suddenly test everyone’s get-a-way speed. It always started with, “What do you think would happen if I did this…?”

2. Shock/Awe – He’d be cracking up while we were still catching our breath—whether from something wild he said or some adrenaline-fueled stunt.

3. Athletic – A feat he’d try to convince you was impossible… then go out and pull it off. I’m still not sure if he knew how the stunt would end, but he lived for the challenge. He loved competition, loved his teammates, and loved proving the doubters wrong.

Sending all my love to the family—wishing you peace, strength, joyful memories, and a little of Doug’s laughter to carry you through.

Rest easy, my friend. You’re deeply missed.

-Tony M.

Tony Motley

July 30, 2025

Doug was my roommate for many years in our 20's. We were like minded when helping and caring for others. Our door was always open to anyone in need of a shower, home cooked meal, a safe place to sleep for the night, to detox or just a non-judgmental ear to listen. There were a lot if good times in the home known as "the lake house" tgat had an unobstructed view of lake washington on West Lake Sammamish pkwy SE.
We had a falling out and didn't talk for a few years but that didnt stop him from swing by and checking on my bedbound mother always with a pizza and a smile while I was traveling the country. We reconnected after my return and picked up where we had left off apologizing for the past and happy to be friends again. I loved his view on things, our late night talks, junk store tressure hunts his passion for animals, family and of course the Pittsburgh Steelers.
When I took my 1976 Chevy Nova I had just bought from the original owner over to show Doug he was just as excited about it as I was.
When I started my female handyman business on the Eastside, Doug helped me set up pricing lists and advertising.
When my 17 yr old needed "guy time" Doug would hang out with him and their dogs at the local dog park.
2 yrs later when that same son was murdered by a group of "friends", Doug was there to remind me that "timing was everything " and to "turn my Rollercoaster of emotions into something productive" which I did.
He was one of the only constants I had in my adult life, My biggest cheerleader encouraging me from the sidelines. I have had the hardest time since hearing of his passing because I can't imagine a world without my dear friend Doug in it.

I will miss his laugh, golf pointers, fashion sense, pearls of wisdom and his hugs the most.

Love you Dug❤️❤️❤️

Pepper Fox

July 29, 2025

I met Doug through my father. They were both avid Steelers fans and played games together long before we ever picked up the remote. I remember the first night we played. It was a free game, Destiny. We called ourselves the "Damager Squad" because we both played as heavy titans. Doug and I would play every weekend and I would look forward to this time. He was a constant in my formative years and always quick with a funny story or a listening ear if I had a bad week. Doug and I talked back and forth, but eventually we stopped playing games. Work kept him busy and I was starting college. My heart breaks for you all. My condolences and best wishes. If I cannot make it to the service, please email me a way to provide or donate in his honor.

Ryan Wallace

Family tree

Sheila Goldsmith

James Goldsmith

Matthew Goldsmith &

Ali Goldsmith

‹

›

Matthew Goldsmith &

Ali Goldsmith

‹

›

‹

›

Douglas Goldsmith

Service