Obituary of Douglas James Craven

On September 21st, Doug Craven suddenly passed away in his Canby home.  Born April 2, 1952 into the large Portland family of Dr James and Marian Craven, the sixth of their nine children.  Doug attended St. Ignatius Grade School, Jesuit High School, and Willamette University.  His career included working for Bardy Trophy Company in Portland, but music was Doug's great passion and real career.  He played guitar and sang for 50 years in Portland bands, including Hard Day's Knights, BlackByrd, Badly Bradley, and The Trio (AKA Kennedy Craven & Weiss).  Doug proudly played every year at the Annual John Lennon Memorial Concert for 15 years straight.  He knew and remembered so much music and entertainment trivia that he could have taught a Master's Class, especially on the subject of his first love, everything Beatles.  

Doug projected a "peaceful easy feeling" to accompany his friendly demeanor to all he met.  When he saw friends and relatives, he displayed a smile that stated he was genuinely glad to see you again. He used a kind, playful way of life to encourage others, especially for playing instruments and appreciating anything musical.  Fellow musician Pat Murray recently said, "In my 20 years of playing music together every weekend, I never heard him say a bad thing about anyone or anything."  Also, Doug played at many weddings and funerals, including slightly altering Steve Goodman's lyrics for “MY OLD MAN“ in honor of his old man during an emotional performance at his father's funeral.  For a long time, he had provided in-home care for his elderly Mom and Dad.  It was a labor of love and not easy work.  

Doug's playful ways began during an active 1960s childhood in SE Portland in the neighborhood on Woodward Street.  During many driveway basketball games, his drive to the garage hoop was the fastest - flying.  He was able to accurately shoot the ball, even over the best of the shot-blockers, namely the house's power lines.  We are already missing Doug's recall of old stories, his need for coffee, his chuckles at ironic situations.   

Doug's sudden passing at just 71 years old has left loving relatives and friends missing his easy smiles and loving ways.  He has left his siblings Patricia Joyce (John), Sheila Riehl (Peter), Timothy Craven (Martha), Michael Craven (Sue), and Pete Craven (Morag), plus Richard Sanvitale, spouse to his sister Joan.  In his immediate family, Doug was preceded in death by his little sister Kathleen Craven, his Mother and Father, and his sisters Judith Hirning and Joan Sanvitale.  Also, Doug has left behind many who miss him dearly, his nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, an impressively large group, too many to list.  However, I am sure Doug wants to give a special note of gratitude to his very good friend since 1975 and his roommate for the last eleven years, Don Weiss.  Don's companionship and support of Doug's everyday life was invaluable to him.  

Doug is now enjoying Heaven with his parents, his three sisters, and other loved ones.  Now, he is humbled by all the glowing comments about his life and contributions.  And yes, he is playing his music to soothe them all.  Also, Doug is humbled by his friends' Facebook postings, such as:   

* "Doug was always so kind, supportive, and hilarious." 

* "Doug is a very talented and warm-hearted man." 

* "He was a beautiful kind soul, very quick, and funny." 

* "He was a dear friend, and we feel lucky to be his audience." 

Dear Doug, your nieces and nephews still talk about when they were young and gathered around the summer's driftwood fire in the warm evening on the Rockaway beach, while you gave a concert for them on your guitar.  They all sang the songs along with your lead.  You crafted them permanent musical memories.  What a loving gift to them!  Your brothers are now hoping you are still finding the joy of Rockaway's train-smashed pennies in heaven.  Golden slumbers, Doug.  

Doug's five remaining siblings are planning for a church celebration of life at 11:00 a.m., November 18, 2023, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Lake Oswego.  Remembrances about Doug may be sent to the Canby Funeral Chapel.  The best way to give comments is to the Canby Funeral Chapel website once they have posted his listing.  canbymolallafuneralchapel.com