Douglas Plante

Douglas Plante
September 10, 1937 - January 28, 2017
Douglas Plante was born in Colorado Springs, Co. He was the oldest of three, including a brother Tom and sister Sharon. He graduated from Oakdale High in 1955. Doug served in the Army for three years, two of which were in Korea. He married his first wife Sheri in 1960, later divorcing in 1977. They had two children, a daughter Cari and son Craig. Doug spent eleven years with the MPD as a sergeant before leaving the department in 1970 to go work for the Agency for International Development in Vietnam helping locals build police departments. Upon his return, he accepted a job as Hughson's first police chief and is credited with designing their arm patch. Doug left his position and worked briefly as a taxi cab driver before joining Peterbilt Motors. He spent twenty years in sales and service traveling all over the states and another ten years for Turlock Peterbilt before retiring. Doug enjoyed tennis, swimming, playing golf and officiating high school football games, but one of his greatest passions was riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle before Parkinson's disease reluctantly forced him to stop. In 2012 Doug moved into Bethel Retirement. He decorated his apartment and entry way with motorcycle memorabilia and became known as "That Harley guy". In 2013, with his Parkinson's disease progressing, as well as increasing dementia, Doug moved into the assisted living section of Bethel and once again brought with him a unique vibe. He quickly made friends with the staff and residents alike. Doug was always looking for a way to make the most out of life including having Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery, which allowed him to go swimming in the summer of 2016 for the first time in years. He loved puzzles, solitaire and going to Black Oak. He was a huge Giant's fan and loyal San Francisco 49'er supporter. One of his favorite things to do, was getting up every morning at 6am and putting his boom box on his walker and traveling through all three levels of Bethel bringing smiles to staff and residences alike. On January 28, with loved ones by his side, Doug left this world to begin the next adventure. Doug is survived by his daughter, son, sister, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
"He rides like an eagle, flying all along the stars, it's all about the journey, safe now from harm. Too soon he left to travel, beyond where we can see, but it's all about the journey, forever riding free" Ride on dad, I'll be watching the night Skies.
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