Douglas "Doug" C. Roth

When Jesus stretched out His hand and called out his name, Douglas Carl Roth took hold and passed peacefully into God’s arms on May 15th, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. Doug, as he was lovingly known, was the second son born on November 29, 1944, to Perry and Ruth Roth in Albany, Oregon. His first home was east of Albany. It was there he joined his older brother, Ron, and a deep bond was formed.

A few years later, Doug moved with his family to a farm east of Knox Butte his parents had rented from two brothers, Harold and Clifford Cox. During these years Doug attended Santiam Central Grade School. Proving to be an outstanding student, the teacher advanced Doug to the next grade. At this small community grade school, Doug met and developed friendships with many of the other boys in the area. Often these boys spent many hours at the Roth home. Growing up with the freedom to roam that a farm provides, Doug enjoyed the walnut grove, the creeks that flowed through the farm, and swimming in the South Santiam River with his brother and many of his neighborhood friends under the watchful eye of his mother. On this farm his three sisters, Jo, Janet, and Carol, were added to the family.

When Doug was ten, the family moved once again to Black Dog Farm, a farm that had belonged to his grandfather, Henry. It was on this farm that Doug developed his work ethic while working the fields, changing irrigation pipe, and assisting his father with the harvest. It must be said here the farm was not all work. Play was an important part of Doug’s life at this cherished bit of heaven located by the Willamette River. Here, Doug enjoyed the banks and the waters of the Willamette River much as Huckleberry Finn had done in one of Mark Twain’s books. Across the slough next to the house was an island where Doug and his brother, Ron, built a tree house. It was supposed to be their secret hideout, and a place where boys could be boys, a place where all kinds of adventures could be carried out. Doug grew into a man on this farm.

During Doug’s high school years, he met a wonderful, sweet, young woman by the name of Sharon Bradley. Often their date nights included their friends, Clyde, or Sam as Doug called him, and his girlfriend, Brenda. Over their high school years, they had many memorable times together. It needs to be mentioned here that if Doug was out past his curfew, he knew how to sneak back into the house without waking his parents. At least that is what he thought!

As Doug was nearing an end to his junior year in high school, he applied for and was awarded a four year scholarship to Oregon State University where he would major in Civil Engineering upon graduation the following year. During his college time Doug and Sharon married. The couple rented a two story home in Albany that belonged to an uncle. Doug and Sharon lived on the bottom floor, while cousin, David, and his wife, Janette, lived in the upper story of the home on Willetta Street. David and Doug commuted back and forth together to Oregon State for their classes. David said Doug was so smart, and if Doug had not helped him, he would have flunked chemistry. Doug excelled at Oregon State and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. During these years, daughter, Susan, was born into the family.

Doug found employment with a government position, and he moved his family to an apartment in Tigard. Five years later, twin daughters, Lisa and Lori, joined the family. In this position Doug was able to put his exceptional, creative mind to work. Doug could put paper on a drawing board and create the most beautiful homes, bridges, parks, and remarkable inventions. One of his inventions was an early prototype of a jet sled. Before skidoos and wave runners became as popular as they are today, Doug had designed and built a stand up jet sled that could skim effortlessly across the water of the Willamette River. On hot summer days Doug was seen riding his jet sled up and down the river, barely making any waves.

Doug loved the farm where he grew up. At one time he farmed Black Dog and an uncle’s farm near Jefferson with his father where they raised wheat and barley. The high rise buildings of Portland were too restrictive, and Doug still sought the freedom of the farm he had found as a young boy.

An interest in photography had developed, and Doug captured many subjects on film. He entered some of his photos in the Oregon State Fair and received awards for them. A favorite photo framed and given as a gift to his siblings is the one he took successfully, after much patience, of two little young foxes at the entrance of their den on Black Dog Farm.

Doug especially loved his family. He loved his extended family. He cherished the family gatherings down at the old swimming hole on Black Dog Farm. Sharing this place with his children and grandchildren was very important to him. Family times were important to Doug, and most often these included his parents and siblings with their families throughout the years. Doug enjoyed camping, and telling ghost stories by the campfire with his family. He enjoyed going to the beach and spending time in the mountains. Doug’s happiest times were spent snowmobiling and four wheeling. According to Sharon, he especially delighted in trying to tip her over. Sunday drives and taking a lot of pictures were other things in which Doug found great pleasure. Doug inherited his father’s sense of humor and loved to tell jokes. He loved being silly, and he loved making his family laugh. He loved seeing them happy. Doug’s favorite season was autumn, because he loved all the brilliant colors associated with the fall time of year. He had the biggest heart and loved us all. Doug was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, and brother.

Surviving Doug is his wife of 60 wonderful years together, Sharon, as well as his daughters, Susan Butcher (husband, Ron), Lisa Krismer, and Lori Brown. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Brandon Butcher (wife, Lauren), Bryce Butcher (wife, Amber), Destiny Krismer, Karly Krismer, Trevor Brown, Ashley Brown, Ron Graham, step grandson, and great grandchildren, Halle, Hudson, and Caleb. Also surviving Doug are his brother, Ron (wife Madison), sisters, Jo Helms (husband, Michael), Janet Lundberg (husband, Jon), and Carol Thomas (husband, Clyde), along with numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

Preceding Doug in passing were his parents, Perry and Ruth Roth, and a grandson, Dylan Krismer.

Rest in peace now, Doug, and just know that you are loved. We look forward to one great big family reunion next to the River of Life one of these days soon. We will be seeing you there, but until then, we will miss you so much!

A funeral service will take place on Sunday June 9, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd. in Portland, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations in Doug's name to the American Liver Association.