Roger Doering, 84

Roger Lee Doering (Big Roger) passed away from end-stage renal failure surrounded by family Jan. 9, 2024. 

Roger was born in Carmel, Calif., on Jan. 21, 1940. 

Roger was raised in Loma Linda, Calif., on a small homestead with his large family. 

Roger is survived by a large family living far and wide, including his children Tami Stormo, Roger Doering, and Brenda Paddack, a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and foster children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Verleda Doering; brothers Daryl and Tobe; sons Glenn and Reagan; granddaughter Ashley; and the love of his life, Helen Doering.

Roger was a hardworking, tenacious and stubborn man. While raising his family in Southern California he had a fleet washing business. It was a family affair; the whole family would load up in the work truck and our 1970s van, and travel all over Southern California washing telephone company vehicles. He never just did one job though, he was always flipping houses, farming, or raising animals to breed or butcher. He was what we called a horse trader. He could sell you anything, (whether you needed it or not). He always had many irons in the fire.

Growing up he always had “strays” living in the guest room, or camper. Roger was always willing to give family or strangers a hand up. With his piercing blue eyes, charisma, and friendly demeanor Roger was easy to make friends. While living in California, Roger and Helen would host huge parties two to three times a year on their 25-acre ranch. Family, friends, and lots of extras would come to spend the weekend camping drinking eating, and enjoying life. 

They moved to Idaho in 1989 and were joined soon after by their adult children and extended family. Roger and Helen were divorced in 2002, but continued to be friendly and had begun to get closer before Helen’s unexpected death in 2014. 

Roger was never shy about imparting his knowledge and wisdom to those around him, especially on how to better prepare his food as Helen did. On many occasions, I saw him pull up a lawn chair and watch someone he had hired to job, all the while making suggestions on how to do the job correctly.

Roger had a fierce desire to live, he was never willing to give up, even at the end. He cheated death many times in his last decade, true to his character he was not going down without a fight!

We invite you to "pull up a chair" and share your fond memories of Roger at the New Life Church in Sandpoint on Feb. 17, 2024, at 2 p.m. Here we will honor a great man. Dinner will be provided directly after the ceremony, potluck dessert.