Douglas Ferree

Douglas Ross Ferree, 82, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. His last few days were spent with his loved ones by his side, offering comfort and support.

Doug was born in San Diego on Sept. 24, 1937. The youngest of five growing up in a Naval officer’s house, he knew from a very young age what kind of life the military could offer him. He saw all three of his brothers choose the military as their initial stepping stone into adulthood. So, despite a childhood colored by heart-wrenching events, Douglas, with his mother’s help, managed to enlist in the Marine Corps at an early age. The fact that he could drive a tank before he could drive a car always drew a chuckle from him and a shocked gasp from any new acquaintance. It was clear from the moment he joined the Marines; he had found the discipline and dedication that would shape the rest of his life.

Only a few years later, Doug met the love of his life, Sylvia, after driving over 1,000 miles from San Diego to Denver non stop. It was a blind date his Marine Corps buddies had set up for him in order to convince Doug to drive them all that way. That first date changed Doug’s world, for he was smitten; and the great love affair between Doug and Syl began. After that memorable first date, they only saw each other on two more occasions prior to their wedding in June of ‘57.

And so began his adult life; Douglas was dedicated to the Marine Corps, to his country and to his wife, Sylvia, and their three daughters. He lived his life by the Marine Corps motto “Semper Fidelis” meaning “always faithful.” This characteristic was unwavering and anyone who tested it was sent away, usually with highly colorful language. He lived by the principles of honor, loyalty and integrity; these three traits guiding him through all the challenges Doug faced over his 24 years in service, with tours in Vietnam and Japan, including Okinawa. The day Douglas retired as a captain in the Marine Corps was one of the proudest, yet heavy-hearted days of his life. But never one to rest on his laurels, he immediately began his pursuit of a college degree, and even went so far as to become an enrolled agent.

After moving to Montana, Doug brought his tax expertise to a local firm, where he worked for many years. With all three daughters out of the house, he also found time to embrace his great love of music and theater. He became a strong patron of the arts and enthusiastically supported both local groups, such as the Glacier Symphony and Stillwater Christian School’s music and theater programs, in addition to nationally recognized performers like the Metropolitan Opera. He and Sylvia were loyal congregants of Faith Covenant Presbyterian Church, as well as dedicated attendees to the many Marine Corps events in the Flathead Valley. Surrounded by his fellow Marines, Doug’s hearty laugh and twinkling eyes warmed the hearts of his listeners as he recounted his lively tales of life in the Marine Corps.

Douglas is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia, of 63 years; their three daughters and their husbands, Jacquelyn and Russell Slinker, Jeannette and Bill Wolf, and Juliet and Ian Bishop; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; his last living sibling, Donald; and by many loving nieces and nephews.

In memory of him, get your brakes and tires checked … which is just a taste of the practical advice he offered his family and friends.