In the late hours of May 24, family members said goodbye to Doug Bochsler. He was surrounded by his loving family when he was taken by complications from cancer.
He was born on Sept. 5, 1964 in Silverton Hospital to John and Betty Bochsler who both preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Robin Bochsler; his children Chris (Holly), Bob (Minnow Ditch), Samantha (Karl Bischoff), and Rosie (Kevin Kacalek); his grandchildren Savannah, Lucas, Broderick, and Victoria; his brothers Jim (Dianne) of Bellingham, Dave (Nancy) of Mount Angel, and sisters Gina (John) Manley of Brooks, Shari (Tommy) Riedman of Mount Angel and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Doug worked as a successful and respected mechanical engineer. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Physics from Linfield College and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University in 1987. He worked for R & W Engineering from 1986 – 2004 with a interlude working for the Oregon Department of Transportation in 1989-1991, then worked for 6 years at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. In the past four years he worked designing fisheries and fish ladders for Tetra Tech.
He enjoyed his work, but always reserved energy to help his community. Doug was a life-long resident of Mount Angel. He served as a volunteer fireman for 13 years and remained active in supporting the fire department after he retired from active duty. He was a member of the Mount Angel School Board for 13 years and was serving as the chair at the time of his death. He also was active on numerous committees including the City of Mount Angel Budget Committee and the City of Mount Angel Planning Commission of which he was also a chairman. He spent many hours helping coach area youth in football and softball.
In his free time, Doug was drawn to the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed observing and studying the wildlife and plants in this area. Doug understood the need to utilize natural resources, but also knew that there were areas that deserved protection. In 1994, he worked to preserve a grove of trees lining the creek above one his favorite places – Abiqua Falls. He was reminded frequently of this accomplishment when he fished or explored the area over the last 20 years.
All of his interests and accomplishments gave Doug a full life, but those who knew him well understood that his greatest passion was for his family and friends. His encouraging words at nearly every sporting event involving his large family; his ready smile and the twinkle in his eye as he “discussed” an issue; and his guidance and wisdom will be missed.
Funeral services were held Thursday, May 29 at St. Mary’s Church in Mount Angel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to JFK Booster Club, Mount Angel Volunteer Fire Fighter Association, or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
