Douglas C. McDougall

Douglas Charles "Doug" McDougall, 61, Grand Forks, died Sunday, July 10, 2011 at home. Doug was born in Jamestown, North Dakota on June 21, 1950 to Thomas and Arlene (Young) McDougall. He was baptized at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Jamestown, North Dakota, and later confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran in Grand Forks. Doug began his education at Grace Lutheran School in Fargo, North Dakota before moving to Grand Forks where he attended Schroeder Junior High School and Central High School. He was a member of the first class to graduate from Red River High School in 1968. He later attended UND. Doug was employed in Grand Forks by his father's company, the J.M. Wylie Co., Scott's Music Store, and most recently by Whalen's Moving Company. As a young man, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. In recent years Doug took great pleasure in a glass of wine and a fine meal with family & friends. His annual trips to Mexico and recent trips to London & Ireland resulted in many good stories & new friends. He was a wonderful father to Cody and grandfather to Jonah, Samuel, and Joshua, who adored him. And let's not forget, "Go, Sioux!" Doug was a keyboard player in a number of bands since 1964, most notably "4 Wheel Drive", of which he was a member for 16 years. He was known for his outstanding keyboard talent, his wit and his humor. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church and a part of the Contemporary Worship Team. He was active in Jaycees and was awarded the top awards, the Roughrider, Ambassador, and Senator awards. After being diagnosed with ALS, he was invited to address the Occupational Therapy students at UND. The students spoke of his "enormous impact on their learning" while Doug spoke constantly of how much he enjoyed and treasured his time with the students. On May 8, 2010, Doug and about 50 friends and family gathered in Blackduck, Minnesota to plant 1365 trees in McDougall's Grove. This will be Doug's final resting place. He is survived by life partner, Susan Spaeth, Grand Forks, ND, and their family; mother, Arlene McDougall of Grand Forks, ND, sons, Cody of Grand Forks, ND, Jason (Anne) Spaeth, Jonah, Samuel, and Joshua of Greenwood, MN, daughter, Trisha (Jake) Perlman of Denver, CO, brother, Daniel (Lucy) McDougall of Benton, Arkansas and their children Amy (Nick) Brown and Beth (Kyle) Lawrence. Susan's mother, Melva Glarum and sisters Patsy (Ed) Sullivan of Albuquerque, NM and Betty (Jeff) Heatley of Wellington, FL. He was preceded in death by his father. Memorial Services: 11:00 a.m. Friday, July, 15, 2011 in Calvary Lutheran Church, 1405 S. 9th St., Grand Forks, with visitation one hour prior to the service in the church. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome to celebrate Doug's life with an Irish wake at 5 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2011 at the Knights of Columbus, 601 University Ave, Grand Forks. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorials be given to Calvary Lutheran Church, or the ALS Foundation.