Douglas John Van Sickle

Doug was born on July 24, 1945, in Seattle, Washington. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1963, where his early discipline and leadership began to take shape. As a young man, he served as a coxswain with the Lake Washington Rowing Club, where he was known for his vivid, colorful language in motivating his crew—an early glimpse of the energy, humor, and force of personality that would define him throughout his life.

He continued his rowing at the University of Washington, where he attended from 1964 to 1968 and earned his degree in psychology. His academic path led him to a lifelong commitment to understanding and helping others: he received his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Bradley University in 1971 and his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Utah in 1975.

In 1969, Doug was drafted into the United States Army. He served in Vietnam as an Infantry Sergeant, demonstrating courage, resilience, and deep loyalty to those beside him. During his time there, he provided psychological assessment and assistance as a member of an Army medical unit—an experience that quietly foreshadowed the path he would later pursue in his own professional life. He was honorably discharged in October 1970.

Doug began his professional career as a staff psychologist at the University of Wyoming from 1974 to 1978. It was during these years that Alix and Mark were born—an especially meaningful time in both his professional and family life.

In 1978, Doug moved to San Diego to join San Diego State University as a therapist in the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services. Jonathan was born in 1981, adding to the growing family during these early San Diego years. He later became Assistant Director and, in 1989, was appointed Director, a role he held until his retirement on July 28, 2004. Under his leadership, the center expanded its reach and impact across the university, helping to shape its mission and direction while strengthening services for students.

During his tenure, Doug developed and directed the eCHUG program in conjunction with the SDSU Research Foundation—an innovative, research-based program designed to address college student alcohol and tobacco use. The program was widely adopted by colleges and universities across the United States and internationally, extending Doug’s influence far beyond his own campus. Through his leadership and program development—including efforts in suicide prevention—Doug impacted thousands of students, always with a focus on care, understanding, and practical support.

Upon his retirement, Doug was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus on October 6, 2004. Even in retirement, he continued to serve the university community, including as a temporary Dean of Students from 2007 to 2009, while also continuing his work with the eCHUG program through 2015. He also served others as a mentor in a Veteran’s Court program. He meet weekly with veterans to support them in rebuilding their lives, offering steady encouragement and advocacy, enabling them to clear their records and move forward with dignity.

But beyond his accomplishments, Doug will be remembered most for the way he lived among those he loved. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. In 1974, he married Ann Larson, whom he met while both were in graduate school and working with children with special needs. In what could often be a challenging and unpredictable environment, Doug was struck by Ann’s calm unflappable presence and her steady compassionate way with the children. It wasn’t the kind of thing most people notice or comment on when first falling in love. Telling someone they’d make a wonderful mother might not be your typical pickup line, but of Doug it said a lot about the life he envisioned. He valued connection, conversation, and the simple joy of being together. Whether sharing a meal, offering thoughtful advice, or simply listening, Doug had a way of making people always feel seen and understood.

His playfulness with his children became the stuff of family legend. At the weekly gatherings of families at Del Mar Beach, Doug would scoop up one of his kids, hoist them up, and march toward the water chanting, “Going to the deep!” What felt like a game carried a deeper message—his gentle, spirited way of teaching them to face their fears with courage and a sense of adventure.

Doug loved the natural world, especially through surfing, backpacking and family camping trips. He had a gift for slowing things down-picking up leaves and pine needles on the trail so his children could smell and appreciate them. On one memorable backpacking trip, a mother bear and her cub circled their campsite through the night their yellow eyes catching the light. When Doug came face-to-face with the bear, he and his daughter Alix linked arms, clanging pots and pans and standing their ground until morning. In moments like these, he taught his children not only to love nature but to respect it—and to meet it with courage.

Doug also had a special way of teaching gratitude, especially to the younger ones in his life. He would often give “thank you bucks” to his kids—not simply as a reward, but with the quiet expectation that they would pass the kindness along to someone else. It was a small gesture that reflected a larger truth he lived by: appreciation is meant to be shared.

He leaves behind a family who cherished every minute with him and friends who were deeply enriched by his presence. His life was one of quiet impact—measured not in grand gestures, but in steady love, integrity, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

Doug is survived by the wife he adored, Ann; his children Alix, Mark and Jonathan; their spouses Michael Block, Sally Van Sickle and Tara Van Sickle; his grandchildren, Jacob Block, Lily Block, and Ethan Van Sickle; and his sister Colleen McGrath.

Doug’s life will be honored in both quiet moments and shared stories, as those who loved him carry forward the kindness, courage to “go into the deep” and his enduring belief in passing gratitude forward one small act, one “thank you buck,” at a time.