Douglas Paul Chapel

Doug Died….. Per Doug’s request this was all he wanted in his obituary, however, against his wishes it is with great sadness that his family and friends announce his passing on April 10, 2025, at his beloved home The T-C Ranch at Bull Lake, Montana.

Douglas Paul Chapel was the first-born child to Larry and Billie (Walbridge) Chapel. Born in Bonners Ferry, Idaho on Sept. 29, 1972, he spent his entire life in Troy, Montana. He graduated from Troy High School with the class of 1990, married his best friend Jeri Ann Jenks in 1992, welcomed his first child Mason Paul Chapel in 1998, and his second child Paige Marie Chapel in 2001. 

Doug’s younger years were spent hunting, fishing, shooting guns and spending time with his many friends.

He was well known for his hard work ethic. His first official job was as a box boy at Steins IGA, spent some time with Bushnell Builders and Leighty Brothers Logging then onto what became his total passion, Chapel Cedar Inc. He would often say “Who else can say they do what they love every day.” 

He had a dream to build a planing facility where he could make finished cedar lumber products, he would work his normal day in addition to working many nights and weekends building his planer. Eventually his dream came true. The quality of his products was of the utmost importance to him. He met people from all over, working with and learning from some of the finest home builders. Over his 30-plus years he had many employees who became friends and a couple who have remained to this day who helped him along the way. Doug loved his family dearly, but Chapel Cedar was his life.

Doug was an active volunteer starting with being a member of the Troy Volunteer Fire Department for many years becoming the Fire Marshall alongside his dear friend Darren Coldwell. He then served as a member of the Troy Public Schools Board of Trustees for two terms alongside another dear friend John Konzen. He also served a few years as the President of the Angel Island Home Owners Association.

In 2003 he purchased property on Angel Island and by 2005 he had moved his family there permanently. He started to take time to enjoy life at Bull Lake. It was a wonderful place to raise his family. He spent numerous hours sitting around the campfire, floating on the lake and fishing with his family and special friends Scott & Kim and Brock & Jeralyn. 

Doug was an excellent cook and thoroughly enjoyed preparing meals for his friends and family. In 2020 he moved down the road and purchased the old Bull Lake Guest Ranch. There are no words to explain his love for his ranch. He instantly renamed it the T-C (Thompson Barnes Chapel) Ranch to pay homage to the Alex Thompson family who built it and to Karla Barnes for passing it on to him.

Though he won’t be physically by our side the memories of his mischievous ways will be talked about for years to come and the many nicknames he gave us all will live on. He was proud to say he Lived Life His Way!

Doug is survived by his wife Jeri Ann, son Mason, daughter Paige, granddaughter Peyton, Father Larry, brother Tom, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his loving mother Billie and his sister Shannon as well as all his grandparents.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025 at his home The T-C Ranch with a celebration of life after at the Halfway House. Condolences may be mailed to 19276 Bull Lake Rd, Troy MT. 59935. Chapel Cedar shirts and casual dress welcomed and please bring a chair.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.