Douglas Sameit, 61

Capt. Douglas Sameit USN (Ret.) departed us on Friday, July 8, 2011, doing what he loved in the place that he loved; soaring through the air in a glider over the Flathead Valley.

Flying was in Doug’s blood. He was born in Berkeley, Calif., on Sept. 18, 1949, to George and Isabelle Sameit. He has two younger siblings, Paul Sameit and Laura Kemp. At the age of 12, Doug began flying gliders and he had his pilot’s license by the age of 16, flying gliders and Learjets around the Bay area. He decided to pursue his passion for flying and attended the United States Naval Academy with the single goal of becoming a fighter pilot, which he did, flying both F-4s and A-4s for the next 29 years. Doug lived for those quiet moments soaring through the clouds and the excitement of dog fighting fighter jets over the skies of San Diego and Virginia Beach.

 After his time in the Navy, Doug continued to pursue his love of flying with Northwest Airlines where he flew DC-9s, 757s, and A320s around every corner of the United States for over 31 years.

Besides flying, Doug shared the enjoyment of any sport or hobby that would allow him to connect with friends outdoors. Since he retired his fighter wings, Doug had been an avid golfer, where he made some of his best friends here in Montana and Virginia Beach. It was the thought of golfing in the summer with his friends in Lakeside that carried him through the colder winter days in Virginia. His final flight on Friday was preceded by an amazing round of golf with his good friends. He was also working on his fishing, skiing and scuba diving when he found himself in warmer waters.

In addition to his passions for all things outdoors, Doug was a devoted husband to Mary, his wife of 40 years, a devoted father to his three sons, Dan, Paul and Mark, and a caring grandfather to Breanna, Blythe and Patrick, with a fourth grandson on the way. He reveled in the summers that he and Mary got to spend in Montana, and loved to share that time with his sons and their families, as well as his friends from around the country.

In his home in Cherry Hill, Doug was known as the “Dock Master” as he sat on his back porch looking out at the lake and mountains, sipping a scotch and always ready to help anyone in need. Despite Doug leaving us earlier than we wanted, he lived several lifetimes in his time with us. Words cannot express how much he is loved and how sorely he will be missed.

Memorial contributions can be made in Doug’s name to the Quick Response Unit, P.O. Box 911, Lakeside, MT 59922.

Mass of Christian Burial for Doug will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, at Pope John Paul Catholic Church in Bigfork. Monsignor Donald Shea will celebrate.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Doug’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Doug’s guest book.