Douglas Hilliard Behney died peacefully on June 27, 2008, with his loving wife of 60 years, Betty, by his side at their home in Eureka, Calif.

Doug was born March 4, 1923, in Harrisburg, Pa. A proficient athlete, Doug played semi-professional basketball before entering the US Navy during World War II, serving as a Torpedoman First Class aboard the destroyer USS Halford in the Pacific theater. His ship was involved in the largest naval battle in history in the Leyte Gulf.

After the war, Doug began a long career in science management with a pioneer in the field, Alan Proudfoot. He subsequently spent 25 years at Science Management Corporation before retiring in 1986.

Doug met the former Betty Bedore on a blind date. Betty’s friend persuaded her to meet Doug at a basketball game where Betty witnessed Doug sink the winning shot in the last few seconds. They had seven children: William Chalmers, of Edinburgh, Scotland; Michael Douglas of Arcata, Calif.; Jeffrey Robert of Richmond, Va; Christopher Allen of Hickory Hills, Ill.; Thomas Matthew, of Reno, Nev.; Catherine Mary, of Long Beach, Calif.; and Robert James, of Eureka, Calif.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, John and James, and three of his sons: Christopher Allen (1958-1972), Jeffrey Robert (1955-2001) and Michael Douglas (1950-2008). He is survived by his wife, Betty Jean Behney, children William, Thomas, Cathy and Robert, 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the care of Pierce Mortuary, 707 H Street, Eureka, California.