Douglas McGregor

Douglas Walter McGregor was born on April 15, 1930 to Floyd and Adeline McGregor. He grew up in Sheridan, Montana where his father was an agronomist for Ferry Morse Seed Co. His mother was the first woman pharmacist graduate from the University of Montana in Missoula. Doug went to school at the University of Montana where he met his wonderful wife of 59 years, Barbara Bartels. They moved to Ames, Iowa where Barb finished her degree and Doug received a degree in veterinary medicine. In 1963 they moved to Billings where they eventually started and operated both the Shiloh and Rimrock Veterinary Clinics. They lived on Yellowstone Avenue, only one half block from St. Pius X Church, yet they still managed to usually be late. Doug served as a signalman in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War during the first testing of the hydrogen bomb at the Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. He earned several medals and was honorably discharged. Although he took his family fishing, hunting, and skiing, his favorite thing to do was golf. Every year he held a family reunion & golf tournament called the McGregor Open, which he usually won. Douglas is survived by his wife Barbara; sons Stephen, Byron (Arlyne), John (Sandi), Mike (Juanita); daughters Kathy, and Jennifer (Brian James); daughter-in-law Cindy. His grandchildren include Kristina, Tavi, Floyd, Megan, Russell, Shayla, Roy, Barbara, Abigail, Brayden, and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Joe; and sister MaryLynn (who died when she was only 2). Doug was a fine man who was loved and respected by all of them. After a long illness, he died peacefully on the morning of March 21, 2015. He kept up a good spirit right until the very end, surrounded by his wife and kids. He is the kind of person you could count on to do the right thing. He lived a good life. A vigil will be held at 7 pm Tuesday at Dahl Funeral Chapel. A Memorial Mass celebrating the life of Douglas will be held at 11 am Wednesday at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Inurnment will be held in Sheridan, MT this summer. Donations may be made to The First Tee Montana, St. Pius Church, or charity of choice. The family would like to express gratitude to Frontier Cancer Center, doctors and staff for their compassion and extended care.