Norman Dean Douglas, known as 'Dean” most of his life, died March 12 2025 at his home in Priest River Idaho. He was 82.

Dean was born November 29, 1942 to Norman and Margaret Douglas in Malhuer Co., Oregon.

And later moved to Priest River, Idaho at the age of 14. In high school Dean was quite the athlete, lettering in varsity Football and Basketball. Beginning at the age of 14, during the summers and weekends, Dean worked for his father’s logging company from the ground up limbing logs on the landing with a double bitted axe before being allowed to run a chainsaw the following year.

After graduating high school Dean married Judith Rose a lifelong native of Priest River, Idaho.

They went on to have four children, Todd, Shane, Troy and Collette. Dean worked for a few years out of high school in the woods sawing and operating equipment for a few local logging contractors before venturing into the logging business as a contractor for himself. Dean helped pioneer the start and development of PRYAA which promoted youth sports and ran for several years before handing down leadership to the next generation. Dean was always a huge supporter of the local youth athletics programs.

As the years went by, Dean divorced. He later married Katie Wheeler, who was from a previous marriage, had four children JR, Thomas, Faye and Tammy Wheeler. Dean and Katie continued in the logging business as D&K Logging. At the age of 80 Dean was selected as “Bull of the Woods” 2023 Timber Days. He was nervous but really enjoyed the day and the honor. Dean sold out his ground logging side and continued with contract log hauling in his later years. He hauled logs up until he was diagnosed with cancer in its advanced stage within this year 2025. He would not quit. In his last days he said, “I wish I could get in my truck and go back to work; I enjoy it so much!”

Dean also said he was so lucky to have such great family and friends to have surrounded him and he was very grateful.

He was preceded in death by (his youngest son) Troy Stephen Douglas, (wife) Katie (Wheeler) Douglas, and (brother) Gary Douglas, all of Priest River. Survivors include: Todd and (wife) Maribeth Douglas, Shane and (wife) Dana Douglas, Collette and (husband) Bill Lucas, JR and (wife) Wendy Wheeler, Thomas Wheeler, Faye Ramsey, Tammy and (husband) Ronnie Kingery. Many wonderful grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. There will be no graveside service.

Sherman Campbell Funeral Home in Newport WA is in charge of arrangements.

Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell. com.

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