Douglas Wilson Belsheim, Sr. passed away on Sept. 1, 2010, from natural causes. He was 86 years old.

Douglas was born on the family farm in Turtle Lake, N.D., Feb. 7, 1924. He was the third son born to Oscar and Constance Belsheim. Douglas joined the United States Navy on Jan. 28, 1944, and served exclusively in the Pacific during World War II on the USS Farragut where he saw action in Guam, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Taiwan, Saipan, South China Sea, and the battle of the Philippine Sea to name but a few. Douglas also survived the infamous "Halsey's Typhoon."

He also served aboard the USS Henderson and the USS Preble during his navy career, and served in the Korean War. Douglas was a radar/sonar specialist and established many training programs in San Diego, Monterey, and Vallejo, Calif.

Douglas met his wife, Ruth Woody, while he was stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. Together they moved several times around Northern and Southern California, as well as Hawaii, with their five girls and two boys.

Douglas retired in the rank of Lieutenant from Mare Island, Vallejo, on Dec. 1, 1966. He moved his family to Newbury Park and went to work for ITT Gilfillan. He also worked for Hughes Aircraft and Singer Librascope. During this time, he returned to school earning his bachelor's degree in business.

Douglas enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He often hosted family parties at his home where other relatives would gather. Douglas enjoyed playing golf and was a member of Sunset Hills Country Club for many years. He made three holes-in-one in his lifetime. His son, Douglas, Jr., and grandson, Douglas III, followed in his footsteps becoming golfers themselves. Daughters Helen and Carrie picked up the game recently, and Douglas enjoyed hearing about their experiences on the course. In later years Douglas enjoyed spending time with his fellow veterans at the Disabled American Veterans Hall in Canoga Park.

Douglas was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Oswald; younger half-brothers, Donald and Richard; and half-sister, Carol. His wife, Ruth, and daughter, Lisa, also preceded him in death.

Douglas is survived by his children, Gina Smurthwaite, Christine Belsheim, Helen Moore, Douglas Belsheim, Jr., Thomas Belsheim, and Carrie Belsheim; grandchildren, Emily Smurthwaite Buss, Whitney Shaw, Jordan Jung, Kelley Marks, Douglas Belsheim III, Courtney Belsheim, and Jade Belsheim. Douglas is also survived by his brother, Elwood, and his half-sisters, Peggy Grosz and Beverly Himmerick.

Graveside services will be held today, Wednesday, Sept. 8, at Valley Oaks Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Rd., Westlake.