Douglas Warren Breckel, of Bellevue, Washington, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, following a stroke, on July 1, 2021. Doug was born December 23, 1953 in Salem, Oregon, the son of Betty and Joseph Breckel and was raised in Spokane, Washington, alongside his older brother, Jeff; and his twin sister, Nancy.

After highschool, Doug attended the University of Puget Sound, where he majored in Mathematics and Finance, graduating with honors in Math in 1976. His summers during college were spent working in a wide range of environments—from a bike shop in Spokane, to a fish cannery in Mountain Village, Alaska. He even spent a summer working for the Carnation Company—delivering fresh milk and ice cream to the concession stands at the 1974 World’s Fair Expo.

Following his graduation from the University of Puget Sound, Doug joined Pacific First Federal Bank, in Tacoma, Washington, as an auditor in 1977. It was here that he met the love of his life, Leslie. They were married July 18, 1980, and settled in Tacoma where they began their family life with children Elijah, Ashley and Ryan.

In 1989, Doug and his family moved to Bellevue, Washington, where he continued to work for Pacific First Federal. After fifteen years in the banking world, holding various positions in the Finance Department, including Chief Internal Auditor, Doug joined the University of Washington in 1993. As the University’s debt financing manager and financial management’s quality champion, Doug launched their alternative investment program, resulting in strong and meaningful contributions to the school’s endowment during this period. He also served as the acting Chief Investment Officer for over a year.

In 2005, he began managing the University’s Treasury Department, Risk Management and Real Estate. When he retired from the University of Washington in 2013, after twenty years, he was in a role as the Associate Vice President of Treasury—serving as the Chief Financial Officer within the treasury division, responsible for both the University’s debt financing activities and risk management programs. He also provided oversight on special projects relating to the overall financial health of the University.

Doug helped to build an organization that balanced hard work and humor. He had a strong and dedicated work ethic but was careful to never take himself too seriously. He led his teams with unparalleled judgement and intelligence, always recognizing team members publicly for their contributions, deflecting the spotlight away from himself, to shine on others.

Throughout his life, Doug carried an intense passion for science, nature and biology that led to countless hours spent outdoors on the water, biking, hiking, and exploring the natural world. It even influenced his well-known collection of doodles. This passion for the great outdoors and respect for nature eventually led him to a position on the Washington Trail Association’s Board as Treasurer from 2009 to 2013.

Many of Doug’s most treasured times with his family and friends were spent at the family cabin in the Columbia River Gorge. Doug spent hours on the sleeping porch listening to the wind in the trees while he read; often followed by a swim around the lake, looking for frogs and turtles with his kids, walking around the property and perfecting his osprey whistle at the lake. It was a hallowed place at the center of his heart. Doug’s thirst for knowledge made him an avid reader and lover of documentaries—it also led to a family tradition of watching Jeopardy together throughout the years.

Diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers in 2013, Doug and Leslie moved to Poulsbo, Washington to fulfill Doug’s life-long dream of living on the water. Throughout his journey with Alzheimers, Doug was able to maintain his relationships with friends and family—enjoying time with his grandchildren, travelling, listening to music—even flying an airplane once. Doug was happiest surrounded by his family, listening to music, while sipping wine from a mug.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Leslie Breckel; their children, Ashley (Breckel) Andersen, Ryan Breckel, Elijah Breckel, and Megan Block; and six grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Betty Breckel, his twin sister, Nancy (Breckel) Sayan; and his brother, Jeff Breckel.

Doug had the love, admiration and respect of all those who knew him, and will be deeply missed.

“So when a great man dies,
For years beyond our ken,
The light he leaves behind him lies
Upon the paths of men.”
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
 

https://www.flintofts.com/obituaries/Douglas-Warren-Breckel?obId=21637103&fbclid=IwAR2AzvfB8uhMnETOysNSVhZ0qbo_4UEDBPWsjHWiI8m5Wji1Pr1a_PwI6Z0#/celebr