Apr. 22, 1951 – July 25, 2024
Attorney Douglas Alan Schoen, age 73, passed away on July 25, 2024, following a tragic hiking accident in Forest Park.
Douglas was born on April 22, 1951, in Lebanon. He spent most of his early childhood travelling between Oregon and Germany, where his parents were stationed in the military.
He attended Lebanon High School before becoming a passionate Duck, graduating from the University of Oregon in just three years. His passion for law led him to pursue law school at Boston College. After the heartbreaking loss of both his parents, Dr. Carroll Schoen and RN Lois Hansen, in close succession to cancer during his freshman year, Douglas returned to Oregon to care for his younger brother, Jeffrey Schoen, while completing law school at Willamette University.
Douglas began his legal career in private practice in Lebanon, dipping his toes in public defense. He eventually moved to Portland, specializing in employment and labor law, workers compensation and tort law.
Douglas is remembered for more accolades, love, and admiration than words can capture. He carried within him a rare kind of generosity, kindness, decency, and honesty — qualities that others may spend a lifetime trying to embody, yet he exuded them effortlessly in every breath. He is also remembered for his personal resilience, having survived and thrived despite enduring multiple family and personal tragedies. His keen historical memory, sharp intellect, and warm wit were additional gifts he shared with those who knew and loved him.
The environment, and birds were always Douglas’s greatest passion. This brought his family and friends comfort knowing that he passed away in pursuit of another beautiful memory among the trees, strolling in nature, along a favorite Forest Park path in NW Portland.
Douglas was also obsessed with slow food, great wine, travel, and music. He could sit for hours chatting over wine and an excellent opera album.
His optimistic spirit, welcoming nature, and quickness to offer a firm handshake or a big hug made everyone who met him feel instantly at ease.
His presence was a gift, and his memory will be cherished always.
Douglas’s family would like to especially thank the ICU staff at Legacy Emmanuel who took care of Douglas in his last and most precious moments.
The expertise, kindness and respect shown by his RN Alan, and the medical team including Nancy, Riley, Christina, Audrey and her Palliative Care team including Dr. Hoon, and Dr. Raviv made all the difference.
Douglas was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife Janna Pfeifle, by his parents, Dr. Carroll Schoen and RN Lois Hansen, both of his siblings, Jeffrey Schoen & Lorrie Strickland, and his nephew Shane Winkler.
He is survived by his “lady of the manor” Matisse; a beautiful tortoiseshell kitty he absolutely spoiled rotten and his ‘favorite’ and only niece Becky Schoen.
Douglas, you are so very missed every single day. Thank you for your existence. We are all so very fortunate to have been welcomed into your orbit. You were truly the most amazing human, an inspiration to many, the husband of fairy tales, a solid friend and colleague, an incredible son and brother, and a supernova of an uncle. Your love knew no bounds.
If you wish to honor Douglas’s memory, you may plant a tree (or several) in his name, ensuring and nurturing new life as a tribute to his deep love for nature.
Trees can be dedicated in his honor here through Threadgill’s Memorial Services: https://www.threadgillmemorial.com/obituaries/Douglas-Alan-Schoen?obId=40067633#/obituaryInfo
He also cared deeply about people, wildlife, and conservation. If you feel moved to do so, donations in his honor can be made to the following causes that were closest to his heart:
- Our House of Portland – providing compassionate care and housing for people living with HIV/AIDS: https://www.ourhouseofportland.org/
- Oregon Wild – dedicated to the conservation of Oregon’s wildlands, waters, and wildlife: https://oregonwild.org/
- Bird Alliance of Oregon (formerly Portland Audubon) – protecting native birds and their habitats through education, conservation, and advocacy: https://birdallianceoregon.org/
Whether through planting a tree, supporting a cause he cherished, or simply taking a quiet walk in nature, his spirit will live on in the beautiful legacy he leaves behind.
A celebration of Douglas’s life will take place in August in Eugene, Oregon.
His niece Becky has created the following email address for inquiries that any friends, colleagues, and admirers can utilize to reach out if desired: [email protected]
Douglas will be scattered amongst the old growth Douglas Firs that he fought for and successfully protected from loggers in his youth.
He pissed off a lot of people back then and couldn’t have cared less. Douglas always fought for what was right. They still stand today for everyone to enjoy.