Douglas James Lindstrom
Douglas James Lindstrom passed from this life on Monday, February 12th, 2018 at Renown Hospital in Reno, NV at the age of 73.
Born March 23rd, 1944 in San Diego, CA to Robert Lindstrom and Eileen Shearer (nee Knowland), Doug grew up roaming the hills of Lakeside, hunting, fishing, riding horses, and cultivating his love of the outdoors. As a teenager, his stepfather, William K Shearer, took Doug under his wing and gave him a job at his newspaper office where Doug quickly realized office work was not for him. Doug graduated from El Capitan Continuation School and married his high school sweetheart, Diana Lee Hanger. Doug also completed a vocational program in carpentry and worked for Walter and Sons Cabinetry. But it was while working for San Diego Gas and Electric digging ditches that two defining moments in his life occurred. He set his goal to become a power lineman, but more importantly, he met and was taught the Gospel by his beloved friend Frank Cantrell. This changed his life forever. He was no longer one of the rebellious Lakeside boys, but became part of a church family that encouraged and developed a love for all people. It was the church that recognized Doug’s gift of public speaking. He had never sang a song in public, given a speech, or taught a class until he became a Christian. It was through his church associations that he was introduced to Lassen County on a recommendation from Wayne Timmons, the church of Christ preacher in El Cajon, whose in-laws were long time Lassen County residents, Ed and Helen Grant. It was while on vacation with the Cantrell and Morris families to Eagle Lake that Doug decided that Lassen County was where he wanted to live.
In 1972, Doug and Diana moved with their four daughters to Susanville, California. Here Doug worked for C.P. National, LMUD and Plumas Sierra Rural Electric for nearly 30 years. Doug had a degenerative disc disease and was told by his doctor that he needed to quit working. This was unacceptable to Douglas. His lifelong motto was “If a man won’t work, neither should he eat!” and Doug loved to do both activities with a passion. Shortly after the doctor’s diagnosis, he was offered a job with Ruralite safety training which fit his gifts like a glove. After 4 years he started his own company, Evergreen Job and Safety Training. He taught at power companies from Californa, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. His ability to make personal connections, his humor, and his gift for storytelling earned him a reputation as an engaging master trainer who truly cared about “his guys.” He would often come home after a training sessions and say “I had them doing back flips!” Throughout the years, Doug also maintained side businesses wood cutting, mowing lawns, and Thunderbolt Electric with the “Big Dog” logo. At any time a “trouble call” could come in, and Doug would be off to help another member of the community. He could also be found at many of the sporting events at Lassen High School and the College. He would often show up to watch practice and give his two cents worth of advice and encouragement to the players and coaches.
Doug was a deeply committed Christian. He attended the church of Christ in Susanville where he enjoyed leading the congregation in song and prayer. He served as a deacon and also a guest preacher in Susanville and Chester. He also taught the gospel to inmates at the prisons with his dear friend, Huel Morphis. Doug put the words of Christ into action as he made daily rounds to visit the sick, elderly, widows and homeless, as well as helping his neighbors. He could be found mowing lawns, delivering wood, doing home repairs, and even hanging Christmas lights with his bucket truck for his neighbors. Everyone who knew Doug enjoyed his humor and appreciated his ability to fix just about anything. Doug will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Diana Lindstrom and his four daughters: Denise Lindstrom (Pete Butler), Dorinda Shaffer (Mark), Dena Chavez (Ricardo), and Danette Jones (Gabe): his brother David Lindstrom and Sister Dianne Lindstrom, and his little sister, Nancy Chiasson,( nee Shearer). His grandchildren include Daytona (Joe) Zavala, Haylee, Nolan, and Carissa Shaffer, Diana and Daisy Chavez, Daniel and Dharma Jones, Dylan and Eva Butler, and step grandchildren, Micheal and Diego Chavez. As well as numerous nieces and nephews that included Shawn (Trenna) Hersrud, Stephanie (Brandon) Harness, Cherie (Rusty) Letner, Kelly (Russ)Owens, Adair (Myron) Mckinney, Troy, Peter, and Jennifer Lindstrom, Monica Rios and Deanna Eve Lindstrom.
A memorial service will be held for Douglas on March 10, 2018 at 3:00 pm at the Assembly of God church building at 473-465 Richmond Rd N. in Susanville. A potluck (Hors d’oeuvres and desserts) will follow the services.
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