Douglas Paul Casavan

August 17, 1944 - July 15, 2012 – Doug passed away while fishing in Brookings, OR with his very best friend Les Crawford – his “brother.” He was born in Brookston, MN and moved to Coos Bay, OR as a teenager. After serving a tour in Vietnam with the US Marine Corps, he then moved to Milpitas, CA and worked at the Ford Plant in Fremont where he began his friendship with Les. Doug later followed Les to Klamath Falls, OR where the two men worked at Les’ father’s auto shop. Soon after, Doug began his timber falling career. In the mid-80’s he moved to Camptonville, CA where he started his own business, “Casavan Contract Cutting” and continued timber falling until 2011.

Doug was a very hardworking man who loved the woods for work and play. He was a Montana resident and a 17-year member of the Mission Valley Elks Lodge, however he enjoyed the last few years of his life living in North San Juan, CA with his love, Terri Alvarado, and frequented Oregon to hunt, fish and play poker with Les and wife, Wendy. In addition, he still very much enjoyed spending time in Montana to hunt and visit with his beloved sister and brother-in-law, Jenny & Tom Fry. He looked forward to spending Christmas in Manteca with his nephew, Bobby Casavan, and his family, including wife, Kelly; sons, Bobby Jr. & Michael; daughter, Madison; and Doug’s niece and nephew, Shari & Jimmy Casavan. Prior to his passing, Doug was truly enjoying life with Terri, her children--Paula (Nick); Kelly (Will); Marty; & Jason Christensen--as well as granddaughter, Riley (who softened him with her raspberries to his belly.) In the small foothill community where he resided, he enjoyed visiting Peterson’s Corner and the Brass Rail to catch up on “local news” and share a beer with his many friends. Furthermore, he enjoyed eating, shooting, eating, gardening, eating, and endless laughter as well as watching his favorite sports teams: the SF 49ers, the SF Giants, and the Roush Team of Nascar (all while eating).

He is also survived by his brothers, Elmer & Bernard Casavan; his sister, Stella Casavan; his biological daughter and son, Shelley and Richard Casavan; grandsons, Mario and Andre Wiggins; step-son Ed McCann; step-grandchildren, Amber, Josh, Christina, & Tanner McCann; and many other nieces and nephews. Doug is now in the company of his mother, Martha Casavan (whom he truly missed) as well as many brothers and sisters. Douglas Paul Casavan will be truly missed by the many people who knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held September 8, 2012 at noon in the Nevada City Elks’ Lodge at 518 St. Hwy. 49, Nevada City, CA 95959.