Douglas Brian Elsbree, age 61, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, following a brief illness.
Doug was born in Bellingham to Don and Greta (Zoerink) Elsbree on June 4, 1956, growing up in the Lynden area. Doug attended Lynden Christian School, graduating in 1974, followed by two years at Skagit Community College where he played baseball.
Doug married Randi Kayser on Dec. 9, 1978 and together they had three children and nine grandchildren.
Doug worked in construction for Arlo DeZeeuw for a few years before driving fuel truck for Bosman Fuel, Visser Oil Inc. and Whatcom Farmers Co-Op, driving local delivery and tanker truck for over 35 years. He was also a volunteer firefighter for 10 years with the Lynden Fire Department.
Doug is survived by his wife of 39 years, Randi (Kayser) Elsbree; children Erica Starcher (Toby Starcher), Stacy (Jayson) Van Mersbergen, and Jamie (Emily) Elsbree; grandchildren Kyle and Kolton Starcher, Ellie, Lily, Jaxx and Griffin Van Mersbergen, and Joshua, Lucas and Zachary Elsbree; his parents, Don and Greta Elsbree; brother Duane Elsbree; sister Delayne (Dean) Vander Haak; mother-in-law Sally Kayser; in-laws Rich (Joan) Kayser, Robin (Rick) Visser, Ken Van Diest, Karla (Jason) Miller, Keith Kayser, Rhonda (Steve) Treloar, and Kevin (Tiffany) Kayser; and numerous other family members and friends.
Doug was preceded in death by father-in-law Norman Kayser, sister-in-law Kathy Van Diest, and nephew Derek DeBoer.
A celebration of life ceremony will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 17, in North County Christ the King with Pastor Kurt Langstraat officiating. The family will hold a private graveside service.
Memorial contributions in Doug’s honor can be made to Whatcom Hospice, 2806 Douglas Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225; or North County Christ the King Hospitality Fund, 1816 18th St., Lynden, WA 98264.
You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
