Douglas A McPhail, 74 passed away Feb. 22, 2025, at the Western Area Regional Medical Center in Bullhead City, Ariz. Douglas Alexander McPhail, son of David ‘Gravy’ McPhail and Ruby (Tattle) McPhail was born Dec. 13, 1950, in Devils Lake, N.D. He graduated from Devils Lake High School in 1969 where he lettered in football and hockey.
After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. 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 Aug. 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, Ariz.; children Jon (Mary) McPhail Barnesville Minn., Troy (Lisa) McPhail Fargo, N.D., Corey McPhail Searchlight, Nev., Amanda McPhail Bullhead City, Ariz., and Becky Perleberg Jamestown, N.D.; sisters Becky Garman Fargo, N.D., Sue McPhail Fargo, N.D., Bunny (John) Pickar Valley City, N.D., Anna (Rusty) Mertens East Grand Forks, Minn.; brother Kip (Kathy) Svidal Devils Lake, N.D. 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 N.D. from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The funeral service for Doug will be on Saturday, March 8 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.
