Douglas McPhail

Douglas A McPhail

Douglas A McPhail, 74 passed away February 22, 2025, at the Western Area Regional Medical Center in Bullhead City, AZ. Douglas Alexander McPhail, son of David 'Gravy' McPhail and Ruby (Tattle) McPhail was born December 13th, 1950, in Devils Lake, ND. He graduated from Devils Lake High School in 1969 where he lettered in football and hockey. 

After high school he enlisted in the US Navy and was deployed to Vietnam on the Destroyer USS Worden. He was honorably discharged in 1971 and returned to Devils Lake.

Douglas was united in marriage to Deborah Ann Glaser on August 31st, 1972, at St Joseph Church. They made their home in Devils Lake where they would live and raise their family.

Doug had a love for sports, coaching hockey for 25 years and was considered a "great motivational" coach and had a "unique style" of bringing out the full potential of every player on and off the ice. He enjoyed hearing from and catching up with players years after his coaching days had ended. He played softball for many years with the Burly's Bears where he made lifelong friends. 

Doug and Deb enjoyed camping, riding motorcycle and just being outdoors. When their children were grown, they moved to Arizona where they could enjoy the warmer outdoors year-round. 

Doug is survived by his wife of 52 years Deborah, Bullhead City, AZ; children Jon (Mary) McPhail Barnesville MN, Troy (Lisa) McPhail Fargo, ND, Corey McPhail Searchlight, NV, Amanda McPhail Bullhead City, AZ and Becky Perleberg Jamestown, ND; sisters Becky Garman Fargo, ND, Sue McPhail Fargo, ND, Bunny (John) Pickar Valley City, ND, Anna (Rusty) Mertens East Grand Forks, MN; brother Kip (Kathy) Svidal Devils Lake, ND. Grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and Jeanette (Svidal) McPhail.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers: Jacob McPhail, Riley McPhail, Noah McPhail, Nicholas McPhail, J'von Niemeyer and Kira McPhail.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Friday, March 7, 2025 at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake ND from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The funeral service for Doug will be on Saturday, March 8th at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Dayne Zachrison officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be at the Devils Lake Cemetery.