Douglas Allen Reoch was born on a Saturday evening, March 5, 1949, in Seattle, to Maud (Dalrymple) and Edwin Reoch. To our great sorrow, he died Saturday afternoon, June 22, 2024, surrounded by his family, trusting in his Savior. There will be a viewing at Bonners Ferry Funeral Home from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 28, and a service at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at Bonners Ferry Adventist Church, 513353 US Hwy 95.
Douglas attended Webster Elementary School in Seattle and three private academies. Soon after his graduation, Doug’s parents bought a ranch on Herman Lake in Moyie Springs. Doug managed the ranch until they could sell their grocery business. The beauty of the mountains captured his heart and became home.
In 1969 Douglas enlisted in the army. During his service, he met and married Sue Cole Wagner. Two beloved daughters were born to them: Gretal Suzanne (‘79) and Kira Joy (‘81).
A meticulous, detailed and hard worker, Douglas loved the freedom behind the wheel of a big truck on the open road. He was a truck driver in various capacities most of his life, including 17 proud years for Sims’ Implement Company. He brought his grit and determination to many ventures through the years, a carpentry business, “Blinds R Us” window treatments, sewing machine/vacuum cleaner repair, and as a U.S. Census caseworker. One of his favorite jobs was being a school bus driver, finding ways to bring joy to all “his” kids.
In 1999 Douglas married Pamela (White Cushman). Together they attended the Bonners Ferry Adventist Church where Doug served as head elder. Civic and volunteer work were important to him. He was president and active member for several years of the Boundary County Volunteer Ambulance Service. He served many years on the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Board and Grandview Cemetery Board. Recently, he received extensive training and became certified with CASA, advocating for foster children.
Douglas is survived by his wife, Pam, his daughters Gretal Cromwell (Chad) and Kira Reoch, stepchildren Barbie Hittle (Spencer), Tanya Morgan (Matt), and Dennis Cushman, grandchildren Samuel, Malachi, Zarah, and Caleb Cromwell, Amanda, Amy, Alanna and Ashlyn Hittle and Branden, Kayleigh and Matthew Morgan, and Raven Skeen, sisters Yvonne Olesen (Ole) and Gwen Burseth (John), brothers Gordon Reoch (Sherry), Bruce Reoch (Gail) and Daryl Reoch (Joyce), sister-in-law April Bennett (Doug), brothers-in-law Jerry and John Zielinski, and Doug White, 11 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a host of cherished friends.