Douglas H. Palmer, an island resident for 36 years, died on Oct. 20, 2002, at the age of 70.

He was born Jan. 16, 1932, in Seattle.

He served his country in the Navy during the Korean War. He was a heavy equipment operator for 20 years and then went to sea as a merchant marine for 20 years, retiring from the American President Lines.

He was Past Commodore of the Quartermaster Yacht Club and was the president of the board for the Heights Water District at the time of his death. He was a master woodworker and spent many hours restoring antique wooden boats.

His wife of 46 years, Kay, died earlier.

Survivors include his wife Nancy of Vashon, brother Donald of Port Orchard, sister Dawn Lee Golden-Carling of Puyallup, mother Sarah Palmer of Puyallup, stepdaughter Stephanie Moyer, of New Mexico, stepson Jack Pumphrey of Seattle, step grandchild Stephan Moyer and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was a friend to many from all walks of life. He loved people and had a true interest in them.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Quartermaster Yacht Club.

Contributions to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research are suggested in lieu of flowers. Donations can be sent in his memory to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research, P.O. Box 19024, Seattle, Wash. 98109.

Cremation and other arrangements were entrusted to Island Funeral Service.