It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Douglas Edward Vagim to be with our Lord and Savior. He died peacefully in his sleep in his childhood home on the morning of Sunday, October 20, 2024, from natural causes. Doug was 81 years old.

Doug Vagim was born in Fresno, California on February 22, 1943, to Blanche and Edward Vagim, Sr., into a large Armenian family. From a young age Doug earned the nickname "Little Senator" because of his love of talking.

Doug attended Heaton Elementary School, Washington Junior High, Fresno High School, Class of 1961 and Fresno State College.

Growing up Doug loved spending time at the family cabin in Wawona. Skiing at Badger Pass was a frequent family activity, and while too young to ski, his dad would put him on his shoulders and ski down the hill with Doug screaming the whole way.  As a teenager, Doug worked at the Wawona Golf Course in the summer and Badger Pass in the winter. His skiing career ended when he dislocated his shoulder on the slope and was taken down on a stretcher by Ski Patrol.

Doug met his future wife when Becky was hired as a programmer at Alphameric Data Processing, his brother's business. They enjoyed playing tennis and worked hard with the Roeding Park Tennis Club, running tournaments, including the Fresno City Junior Tennis Championships.

After watching his Dad spearhead the effort to save the Fresno County Courthouse, Doug became intrigued with politics. He would go on to serve in politics in many different capacities, but he is best remembered for serving on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. He cared deeply for Fresno County and dedicated much of his life to this community. He was loved and respected by so many.

A highlight for Doug was his trip to Washington, DC, while serving on the California Air Resources Board. He loved his time in the Nation's Capitol and would speak frequently about his time there. He recently told  daughter Stephanie that he felt he had really made it when "a boy from Fresno was standing in front of the White House."

Doug was an avid reader and lifelong learner. His intelligence was unmatched, and he could recall details about a wide range of topics.

Above all, Doug loved his family most. He spent countless hours sitting and talking with them, and he was filled with joy for the time they spent together. He especially loved watching his grandson grow.

Lifelong friend, Tony Faretta, described Doug best: "A lovely and loving man who was kind-hearted, sensitive, compassionate, fun and funny and much more. He showed up for his family, community and friends because he cared."

Doug was preceded in death by his father, Edward Vagim, Sr., his mother Blanche Vagim, his father-in-law Warren Swanbom, mother-in-law Myrtle Swanbom and brother-in-law Daniel Swanbom.

Doug is survived by and will be dearly missed by his wife of 47 years, Becky, his beloved daughter Stephanie, grandson Elliott, brother Ed, sister-in-law Nancy, niece Tami, nephew Derek, great nephews Paul and Austin, sister-in-law Debbie, brother-in-law Jim, nephew Josh, great niece Madison and numerous cousins who meant so much to him.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 29, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Yost and Webb Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 30, at 10:30 a.m. at Belmont Memorial Park.

Donations can be made in Doug's remembrance to Fresno Christian Schools at www.fresnochristian.com or Samaritan's Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org