Discover Burien honored longtime community figure Douglas “Uncle Doug” Query last Friday, Mar. 14, 2025 during its annual “Best of Burien” dinner, with an emotional video tribute commemorating his life and contributions.
Doug, who sadly passed away in November, 2024, was affectionately remembered by Debra George, Executive Director of Discover Burien, who described him as her “personal superhero.”
“I miss this man every day and still cry most times just thinking of him,” George said in a social media post following the tribute.
George had been Doug’s caregiver/guardian for 28 years, and said that he was the kindest soul ever.
“(A) child at heart, a lover of old TV shows and cartoons, Power Rangers, animals and wanting to help others, he smiled all the time and would talk non-stop about old TV shows,” she said in a Facebook post. “He taught me so much over the years, and was an angel in my life. He has been with me most my adult life, through good times and bad times, I cannot even imagine what my life will be without him…I am beyond heartbroken.”
Doug was known to many around Downtown Burien as a member of the city’s “Team Clean Sweep” crew, who ensures that our streets are clean and inviting.
A custom-made Superman-themed bench dedicated to Doug’s memory will be unveiled on April 2, 2025, according to George, symbolizing his role as a superhero to all those who knew him. As we learn more about this memorial event, we’ll update the blog, so stay tuned…
Video
Below is the video tribute that played at the “Best of Burien” event, as produced by Alex Andrade:
Photos
Below are photos of Uncle Doug from various Facebook posts (click arrows or swipe images to view slideshow):
Everyone at The B-Town Blog/South King Media sends out their deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved “Uncle Doug,” who made Burien a brighter, joyful place.
