Douglas Ray McMaster, 67, passed away on July 16, 2024 at home, surrounded by his wife and children, after a long battle with melanoma.
Doug was born on February 5, 1957, in Jerome, Idaho, to A. Melvin and Arlene McMaster. As the oldest child, he spent his childhood in Wendell, Chubbuck, and Pocatello, ID. He had a lively spirit and a witty sense of humor….you knew when Doug walked into the room! He enjoyed playing Kick the Can, shooting squirrels (or anything else, including his brother Gary :)), riding dirt bikes, camping, and even served as a Boy Scout. He also loved playing the saxophone in high school.
After high school, he joined the National Guard but was honorably discharged one month later due to a heart murmur. He then worked various jobs at Kenny’s Shoes, Zales Diamonds, and sold insurance. Seeking new challenges, he moved to Boise, ID, and began his journey inself-employment. He sold his car to buy his first backhoe, started knocking on doors to inquire about sewer services, and thus Masco was born. He once shared that he had filed for bankruptcy twice before achieving success, emphasizing never to let anyone tell you “you can’t” do something. His dedication and accomplishment of his Masco business was evident, as he would start work at 5:00am and often work until 7, 8, 9, or even 10pm, six days a week. Over time, he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and employees alike.
During his time at Masco, Doug enjoyed lunches with his equipment “peddler” friends, telling stories, and teasing his employees. He had a gift with words and phrases and knew how to make others smile or laugh. Some notable ones being: “Life is tough, but it’s tougher if you are stupid….and “Diggin’ Deep & Singing Loud”! He eventually expanded Masco by acquiring Center Lane Paving and building a new shop for the merge. In 2002, Masco made it into the top 50 privately owned businesses in Idaho in a notable magazine. In 2004, he sold Masco to Knife River after 25 years of successful operation.
After “retiring,” he returned to work five years later when his non-compete clause expired, starting McMaster Construction, McMaster Limited Partnership, and venturing into owning Cordova Coolers and multi-family investment & development projects. He always sought new challenges and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others interested in his ventures. Doug desired and wished for the success of every individual as enthusiastically as he sought his own. His tough approach stemmed from his belief that everyone could rise to achieve the same level of success he had attained, knowing it was within reach for all.
Outside of work, Doug was passionate about making memories through hunting, jetboating, riding motorcycles, snowmobiles, razors—anything with an engine. He took life-changing trips to Africa (twice), South America (twice), and Alaska, among others. He constructed a cabin in Featherville, where he immersed himself in the Trinity Mountains & Anderson Ranch Reservoir for over 11 years, enjoying activities such as riding horses, dirt biking, snowmobiling, and boating. After selling his Featherville property, he built a cabin in McCall. Whether speeding through the waters so vigorously that others had to cling on for dear life or unwinding on his deck, Doug found delight in mountain adventures and spent over a decade enjoying the beauty of Payette Lake. He later spent some time in Lake Havasu & Lake Fork as well.
Above all, Doug cherished his family. He was a loving father to Meagan and Justin, step father to Mimi, Jennie, & John, and a devoted husband to Lisa. He enjoyed playing Monopoly, 9-card, foosball, watching movies, shooting BB guns, swimming, and playing cornhole with his 8 grandchildren.
Doug is survived by his wife Lisa, his daughter Meagan, her husband Josh & their kids Hudson, Harper & Kaeson; son Justin and his children Ashlyn & Barrett; Step daughter Mimi, her husband Frankie & their son Frankie, step daughter Jennie, her husband Joe & their kids Hudson & Hayes, step son Jon & his fiance Kaity; and his brother Gary. Doug was preceded in death by his parents A. Melvin & Arlene McMaster.
A celebration of life will be held at Mint Barrel Barn on July 23, 2024 @ 11am.
Doug leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and hard work. His memory will be forever cherished by his family & friends. He touched countless lives in the valley, and though his departure has left a void, his spirit and legacy will live on in those he inspired. He will be deeply missed.