Douglas Alan Banks

Published 10:34 am Monday, October 28, 2024

Douglas Alan Banks

April 7, 1942 –  October 23, 2024

Douglas Alan Banks, age 82, of Medford, Oregon died on October 23, 2024 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Doug was born on April 7, 1942, in Passaic, NJ to Charles Banks and Evelyn McIntyre Banks. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, married his high school sweetheart June Gehrig Banks in 1964 and together they moved to California and raised a family. Doug earned a master’s degree in Mathematics from San Jose State University and began a long and prosperous career in aerospace flight sciences, engineering, and management at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company in Sunnyvale, CA. Doug met his second love and soul mate Marlene Olson in 1999 and they shared 25 wonderful years together, moving to the Rogue Valley in 2002.


Doug was deeply spiritual, and believed it was important for people to care for their spiritual selves. He meditated every day for 47 years, was inspired by Taoist and Buddhist texts, led discussion groups about faith and Christianity at church, and read and wrote poetry. He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist church and later the Congregational United Church of Christ. He was quiet, but not because he was disinterested; he was present and attentive to every conversation; he was just very thoughtful in his words and did not talk just to fill the space. Doug was a deep thinker, writing extensively about the cosmos, metaphysics, awe, inspiration, the sacred, and joy, as well as heartfelt letters to his children and love letters to Marlene. He cherished spending time with his kids and grandkids.


Doug loved being in nature, hiking, camping, and backpacking in the Sierras, the redwoods, and along the coast. He loved Yosemite the most, both the valley and the high country, and the family visited regularly in all seasons.


Doug loved listening to music of all kinds. He had his favorites in classical, rock, blues, and jazz. He loved hearing live music, volunteering at the Britt Festival for many years.


Doug gave of himself to others. He led scouts, church youth groups, and coached soccer teams. He volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, Food and Friends / Meals on Wheels, in Christ Care and Stephen ministries, and as an English as a Second Language teacher. He generously supported environmental, Native American, and social causes.


Family, friends, and caregivers remember Doug as a kind and loving man with a warm smile, calming presence, and sharp yet gentle wit. Doug had a wonderful sense of humor throughout his entire life, even when his illness presented communication challenges. To that end, we thank everyone who embraced his sense of humor and cared for Doug so lovingly at the Manor Health Center and Care Suites.


Doug is survived by his sister Carol Banks Kopp, brother-in-law Daniel Kopp, son Lawrence Banks and daughter-in-law Megan Banks, daughter Alison Cariveau and son-in-law Dan Cariveau, four grandchildren Adrienne Banks, Hayden Banks, Dylan Cariveau, and Rowan Cariveau, and partner Marlene Olson.


A Celebration of Life is scheduled for November 23, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Medford Congregational United Church of Christ (MCUCC) at 1801 E. Jackson St., Medford, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MCUCC, Habitat for Humanity, or any environmental organization of your choice.