Douglas Charles Stuart Fresco

July 21, 1944 – January 1, 2016

Douglas Charles Stuart Fresco, dearly loved husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away on Jan. 1, 2016 in Bremerton after a short illness.

Doug was born July 21, 1944 in Reynoldston, Wales, United Kingdom. He emigrated with his family to Canada in 1955, and graduated from Orangeville District Secondary School in 1963.

Doug liked to say he got his start in business in the mailroom and worked his way up the corporate ladder. In 1965 he emigrated to California, where he began his career in the automotive import/export business. He eventually became vice president of purchasing at Hollywood Accessories. He was among the first Western businessmen to travel in China after it opened to international trading in the 1970s.

In 1980, Doug moved to Hong Kong as president of Orion Industries Asia Ltd.. In 1982 he cofounded Custom Accessories Asia, Ltd. and was CEO until 2011. He also co-founded and served on the board of New Focus Auto Tech Holdings, Ltd. until 2013.

After retirement, Doug divided his time between his home in Hong Kong and Bainbridge Island. His hobbies included telling stories, wildlife watching, admiring cars and boats, taking walks and fishing. He traveled extensively in Europe and Asia with his wife, Joan. He particularly looked forward to his annual sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands with a group of dear friends.

Doug is survived by his wife Joan Brings Fresco; his brother Robert Fresco; his daughters Jennifer Fresco (Antti Eerolainen), Jessica Fresco (Kyle Chand) and Karen Higgs (Jason Higgs); and stepdaughters Teresa Yette (Kii Yette) and Amanda Brings. He is also survived by grandchildren Lea, Maya, Kailani and Kekoa. He was predeceased by his parents, Irene and Leo “Joe” Fresco, and first wife, Linda Fresco.

Visitation was at Cook Family Funeral Home, Bainbridge Island, on Jan. 8. Cremation will be private.

A memorial celebration of his life will be planned for this summer.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you donate to a charity of your choosing.