Douglas Ward Colvin |
| Posted 2022-08-21 by mhenderson |
| Published by Mohave Daily News Online on Aug. 21, 2022 - Bullhead City, Arizona - Douglas Ward Colvin was born on June 28, 1935 in Brigham City, Utah to Omer B. and Hazel Joyce (Mortensen) Thomas, and passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 in Mohave Valley, AZ. Doug grew up in Long Beach, CA. with his mother, her second husband Don M. Colvin, and sister Linda. After high school he married Roberta K. Spangler, and joined the Air Force. He became a jet mechanic instructor. Upon discharge he went into the aerospace industry. Doug worked for North American on the Apollo program, Douglas Aircraft on the DC-10, and Northrop Corp. as an engineer on various programs. Divorced in the early sixties, Doug married Ruth A. Potter. His hobbies were bowling and racing Formula Fords. In 1981 the Colvins went to the Middle East where Doug taught damage assessment and repair on the F-5s. During the next two years, they had the opportunity to travel in Europe and No. Africa. Back in So. Ca. he worked on the Stealth Bomber for Northrop. At this time the Colvins bought property in Mohave Valley, AZ. and started "week-ending". In 1994 Doug retired after 28 years with Northrop Corp. and moved to Arizona. He taught marine engine repair at Mohave Community College, Bullhead City Campus. Then he decided to become a volunteer, when he joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 9-4. He patrolled Lake Mohave and the Colorado River, taught boating safety classes, and visited elementary schools teaching children about water safety. He served as Flotilla Commander, Division Captain, and a number of other positions within the organization. Doug retired after 20 years in the auxiliary. Meanwhile he was a volunteer with the Mohave Valley Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). This involved classes and drills in assisting first responders during fires, and in mass casualty situations. He was a member of Soka Gakkai International, USA, a lay Buddhist organization. During his spare time, this retiree could be seen at River's Edge Golf Course, Needles, CA, playing a round of golf or watching the boats cruise the river. Doug was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Linda Hartwell. He is survived by his wife, Ruth of 57 years, Mohave Valley, AZ; one son, Thomas Colvin of CA; four daughters, Elaine McElroy of CA, Valerie (Greg) Leisenfelt of TX, Shanon Ferguson of Ft. Mohave, AZ and Robin (Dave Dimse) Rehmet of CA; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 2 II great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will take place in the fall. |
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