Douglas C Ross

Douglas C. Ross passed peacefully among the glow of the Northern Lights early on May 11, 2024. Doug was born on December 14, 1953, in Ogden, Utah, to Donald C. Ross and Bernda Alithe Sorenson.

The youngest of three children, he grew up in Washington Terrace, playing little league, junior high, and high school football. While playing high school football, he met Gary Ellsworth; the two remained very close friends, engaging in their weekly banter about the Raiders and Broncos. He had many adventures with his friends Ron, Dan, Kevin, Ted, Ralph Terry, and Robbie, and these friendships endured into adulthood.

Doug loved spending time fishing up Mink Creek with his grandpa Sorenson. He embraced and learned many wonderful life skills from his grandpa and Uncle Garnell. He cherished his grandma Minty, often recalling memories of time spent with her.

Upon graduation from Bonneville High School in 1972, he scaled house frames and built many schools, cabins, and structures while in the construction business. 

Doug married Janet Stegen in 1978 and welcomed a daughter, Jessica, while living in Layton. After moving to Farr West, a second daughter, Julie, was born. Farr West would then become his forever home.

A lover of animals, snowmobiles, and the outdoors, much of Doug’s life was spent on the mountains of Monte Cristo during all seasons. He loved his dogs fiercely and would spend hours training them in obedience, hunting, and a love of water. Basketball, biking, and hunting brought him infectious rhapsody. 

Early on, Doug discovered snowmobiles. He bought sleds for the girls, teaching them to love riding in nearby fields and many trips up to Monte. Snowmobiling was his ultimate retreat, traversing hills, blazing trails, and enjoying the fresh powder. Island Park, Yellowstone, and Franklin Basin were among some of his fondest trips. In the summer months, he relished the thrill of a RZR ride and good tunes.

Doug began his career with Mountain Fuel in 1987 and retired as a Project Manager with Dominion Energy in 2019. During his 32-year career, he held many positions and oversaw multiple projects to bring natural gas to areas in need. Sincere appreciation to Gary Westergard, Nate Crouch, and Cody Randall for the adventurous bird hunts and friendship, along with Steve Gibbons from Whitaker Construction.

With such a creative mind, a plethora of “custom deluxe” trailers, tools, snowmobile modifications, and ramps now exist. He loved fine lines and everything “sano”. Doug could see a treasure on the road and would find a home for it to use at a later date.

If you needed something, Doug would be the first to generously lend a trailer, tractor, helping hand, and tools. He graciously provided trailers, moving supplies, and manpower several times, helping friends and family alike. An avid Ford lover, he owned many trucks over the years and always had a deep appreciation for Polaris, Browning, and Pendleton.

Doug also loved a good meal. He crafted the perfect crunchy peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the crispiest glass of cold milk. Peanut M&M’s, Snickers, and Oreo Cookies were supreme favorites. Maddox, Javier’s, and Tony’s will always hold many special memories of Doug and his love of food. His coffee was always hot, the best cookies were always semi sweet and crunchy, and his beer ice cold. Jeremiah’s was his go-to for early morning breakfasts with his daughters, as well as the occasional trip to McDonald’s for a Cheese Danish for Janet.

With a zest for information and knowing all the things, there was always a magazine, newspaper, or online article being read. A collector of many treasures, a hat for every occasion and some extras for good measure. Next to hats, Doug enjoyed a superb coffee mug with a sturdy handle big enough for a full grip. Lastly, a mighty fine pen for precision writing. One should never underestimate a good pen with a yellow pad of paper.

If you knew Doug, he had a nickname for you, matching your interests, talents, or habits. Growler, Snoozer Rossi, and Bilerz were the three main girls in his life, followed by his absolute love and adoration for CJC, JDC, HAY, and KEN. Big Bro Gage, Kid Kade, Kutie K, and Babyface Chase.

Words and public speaking were truly remarkable talents in which Doug excelled. Toastmasters brought colossal joy to his life, as well as the largest words known to man. More than once, a dictionary was needed after a conversation with “The Head Word Nerd.”

Grandpa was a title that sparked so much pride and joy as he taught the littles to swing level, keep their eye on the ball, and to run hard. Whether it was a dance competition or a comp basketball game, when Grandpa was there, you knew your biggest fan was there to cheer you on.

He instilled the value of hard work and doing things the right way, taught through yard work, jobs, and everyday life. His daughters will always have a love of precise lawnmower lines and freshly cleared snow. He could often be found fixing a sprinkler, helping with a fence, or even eating lunch with his grandkids if his family needed help. He truly knew a multitude about nearly everything.

As an avid sports fan, Doug experienced Game Day with The Utes, a Raiders/Broncos game in 2022 with his dear friend Gary Ellsworth, as well as “several many” high school and college games.

Jim Morrison once said, “There cannot be creation without destruction. There cannot be life without death.” Music was always a huge part of Doug’s life, and his collection was quite large. With lyrics so powerful, they resonated deep within his soul. The Doors, though, were his favorite, and he lived by much of what Jim Morrison sang.

Doug stayed active attending his grandkids' activities, hunting with friends, and the occasional trip in some powder, until his health declined, and he wasn’t able to. He had missed his Dad, Uncle, and many other loved ones greatly since their passings. There is peace and solace knowing he is reunited with those loved ones and the numerous cats and dogs he loved so dearly.

Doug is survived by Janet Stegen Ross; daughters, Jessica (Cory) Loertscher and Julie (Cory) Campbell; his eight grandchildren, Cam, Jordan, HayLie. and KenLie Campbell, Gage, Kade, Kearsley, and Chase Loertscher; sisters, Donalee Ross and Ruth Ann Poole; aunts, Betty Wilkinson and Reva Boyack; brothers-in-law, Ralph (Kathy) Stegen and Rob Stegen; several nieces, nephews, and their children; as well as his beloved cats and dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws; and granddaughter, Lexie Campbell.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

 Please share your memories of Doug for the family to cherish for generations.

"The future’s uncertain and the end is always near. You gotta roll, baby, roll."