Doug Ervin
Douglas Lee Ervin passed away on April 2, 2026 in Portland, Oregon after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was 76.
Doug was born in Eagle River on December 7, 1949 to Charles and Meleta (Pearson) Ervin. He attended Eagle River schools and graduated from Eagle River High School, class of '68. He attended the UW – Whitewater, graduating in 1972, and was drafted into the Army.
After military service, Doug set out to explore the world, traveling around Europe with vague plans to write a novel. In a pub in
London, he met his future wife, Evelyne Sauvage, a native of France.
The two married in Wisconsin, then soon returned to Europe, where Doug spent years in and around France working a variety of jobs.
After hearing good things about Oregon, Doug and Evelyne moved there in the early 1980's. He was in his 30's when he decided he wanted to be a lawyer, and graduated from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College in 1985. Shortly after graduation he and Evelyne welcomed their daughter, Emmy Lee.
Doug spent several years in insurance defense work with SAFECO Insurance Company before switching sides and starting a solo
practice specializing in personal injury law in 1992.
Doug retired in 2016 and devoted his time to volunteer work as a Meals On Wheels driver.
Doug loved all things French. He often returned to France to see family, eat and drink good French food and wine, and see
the sights. He was a devoted and loving father and grandfather. He was funny. Really funny. He always had a joke, usually raunchy, but he'd rather everyone be laughing than take anything too seriously.
He loved the Rolling Stones. The large, raucous dinner parties he'd often throw at his house usually ended with the Stones blaring on the stereo and Doug dancing around the living room with a glass of expensive wine spilling onto his carpet.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents; and an older brother, Todd.
He is survived by his former wife, Evelyne; his daughter, Emmy Lee; his granddaughter, Harriet; and a special friend, Peggy Holmgren.
