Douglas Ray Hickman | Passages

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Douglas Ray Hickman, 67, of Orcas Island died on Aug. 17 at home with his wife Lana by his side. Douglas Hickman was born to William Ray Hickman and Rachel Ann Hickman on March 15, 1949 in Longview, Washington.

His artistic talents and creative powers manifested themselves at an early age. Douglas used to build various working models from different materials for the children’s science fairs. Douglas was a dedicated Boy Scout and deeply loved the outdoors, feeling at home in the forest and by the sea.

After graduating from his high school Douglas served for four years in the Navy, being stationed at Danang during the challenging years of the Vietnam War.

Upon his return to the states, Douglas Hickman studied botany and forestry at the local college. His studies were an extension of his love for nature. Later on Douglas worked at the Longview Fibre Corporation, a paper mill. In every incarnation, wood was his medium of choice. Arriving on Orcas Island 38 years ago, he worked at the West Beach Resort and shortly afterwards he was a caretaker for the Clise family. At the same time, Douglas Hickman worked as a member of the Diver Rescue Team, saving many boats and stranded boat owners in their darkest hour. Ever at home with the elements, he also had become a private pilot, flying his airplane to Seattle and Bellingham.

Douglas Hickman was an exceptional parent to his three children with his first wife. He was also a single parent for many years, taking his children to horse riding classes, piano lessons and art studios.

As a brother, Douglas was a bright and stimulating influence on his three brothers Michael, David, and Steven and his sister Marylin. For decades Douglas Hickman ran his small business, Orcas Enterprises, designing and building iconic ferry boat ornaments, expanding his creativity later on into driftwood furniture.

Later in life, Douglas was a much valued employee at Island Hardware and Supply, solving numerous mechanical puzzles.

Douglas’ artistic skills found their most magical incarnation in driftwood birdhouses and mirrors, which were best seller items at the Island Studios in Friday Harbor.

Douglas Hickman also designed and built fabulous custom pieces through the Crow Valley Pottery collaboration. His work can be found in many private homes in the U.S. and the U.K. Countless collectors delighted in owning the wooden ferry boat models and gnome houses. Douglas’ brightness, kindness, and good energy attracted the friendship of many remarkable people. For years he corresponded with Graham Hancock, a world-renowned British archaeologist and history writer.

In the last years of his life, Douglas Hickman created his most stunning large-scale driftwood furniture pieces.

Ever a fighter and an unconventional mind, he sought every opportunity for survival. His love of life and shared determination won him 8 years of life after a devastating cancer diagnosis. He fought unsupported by the mainstream hospital community, which sent him home to die.

Throughout his courageous struggle with the disease, he was comforted and cared for by his wife Lana and the generosity of his friends such as Paul Garwood, Neal Hartlerode, Kai Enderlein, the Kulper family, Harvey Aldort and Carol Whitbeck.

Douglas defied the terrible disease because of his love of life and all living things. He had a wonderful life motto: “Patience and finesse.” He passed his woodworking secrets to his students and that way his craft remains alive.

Being an accomplished photographer, Douglas also left a beautiful record of Orcas Island wildlife and landscapes. Douglas Hickman is survived by his wife of 18 years, Lana Hickman and by his children William Hickman, Brett Hickman, Amber Hickman and stepson Anton Ilkevich.

A memorial service will be held Oct. 15 at Moran State Park between noon and 4 p.m.