C. Douglas “Doug” Getz (Grangeville ’58)
Posted: August 05, 2026
Doug was born in Kalispell, MT, July 30, 1933, and passed away on August 3, 2026.
Doug lived in Sommers, MT, in his younger years. The family moved to Anamoose, ND, where he went to a country school. When he was older, he took a train to Kalispell, stayed with his grandparents, and attended school there a few years. His family moved to Hot Springs, MT, where his dad ran a grocery store. Doug graduated from Hot Springs HS in 1951 and was active in a variety of sports.
He went to Carroll College in Helena for two years (1951-52), where he played football and studied history and education.
Doug then joined the Navy, serving from 1952 to 1956. He went to photography school and was stationed in California and Atsugi, Japan, as an aerial photographer.
In 1956, he returned to his studies at Carroll College, doing some ranch work the following summer.
Doug jumped at Grangeville (1958-59, 1961-62) and Missoula (1960, 1963-64).
In September 1958, he flew to Alaska, married Susan Imlach, and returned to Carroll College to begin life as a “married student.”
In the fall of 1960, Doug began working year-round with the smokejumper program developing equipment. He received recognition and $100 for his sewing expertise in implementing a “raglan” sleeve for the jumper jackets—a much more practical design.
During his time with the smokejumpers, he began learning to fly and obtained his private-pilot license. In the spring of 1965, he went to work for the US Border Patrol. Doug was on the US Border Patrol National Pistol Team and also joined a flying club to continue his love of flying. He was stationed at Calexico CA, until 1967.
In 1967, he went to work for the Montana Fish and Game Department as a game warden. Eventually he was designated “warden pilot” and then “pilot warden.” Later, he was sent to Missoula for training in helicopters. His interest and experience in firearms led to his becoming the firearms training officer. He also participated in the hunter-safety program, helping to educate younger generations of hunters.
He and Susan had five children: Connie, Bill, Sam, Patsy, and Ken.
