Douglas Lynn Black

Feb. 28, 1929 - Nov. 27, 2025

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Douglas Lynn Black, a devoted father, accomplished aviator and lifelong lover of the mountains and open skies, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Lewiston. He was 96.

Born in Everett, Wash., in February 1929 to Raleigh and Ethelynn Black. Doug grew up with a natural curiosity, a strong work ethic and a sense of adventure that would define the course of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Bruce Black.

Doug married Clara Mosbrucker in February 1952 and together they raised five children: Lynn Black, Lee Black-Zeller, of Telluride, Colo., Lori Black, of Lake Oswego, Ore., Leslie Boson, of Boise, and Geoffrey Black, of Sacramento, Calif. Clara passed away in 1981. In 1989, Doug married Mary Ellen Hoffman, who remained his loving companion until her passing in October 2021.

Doug was immensely proud of his growing family. He is survived by 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him joy, laughter and purpose throughout his life.

Aviation was Doug's lifelong calling. He earned his private pilot license at just 17, beginning his career with West Coast Airlines as a cabin attendant for the nation's first feeder airline operating with air-mail subsidy. In 1951, during the Korean War, he was called to active duty as an NCO staff sergeant with the Oregon Air National Guard 123rd Fighter Squadron, overseeing flight operations. He received an honorable discharge in 1952.

Doug's general aviation career began that same year with FlightCraft Inc. in Portland, Ore., where he spent 20 years working his way from flight instructor to chief pilot, representing Beechcraft Aircraft across the region. His FAA ratings included airline transport, Learjet rating and FAA pilot examiner, reflecting both mastery and an unwavering commitment to safety. He was a lifetime member the Columbia Aviation Association and the Quiet Birdmen, organizations that honored his dedication to the craft and camaraderie of flying.

Later in his career, Doug served as chief pilot for Flavorland industries and Potlatch Corp., with 50 years in the air, a spotless record and an impeccable safety history, he was awarded the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award - one of the highest honors in civilian aviation.

In retirement, Doug traded wings for water and wilderness. He spent 30 cherished years sailing the Puget Sound and 20 more hiking and backpacking through the mountains of Oregon and Idaho. His hiking partner was celebrated classical guitarist Aaron Shearer, a friendship that blended nature, music and soul. Doug also served the Monastery of St. Gertrude in Cottonwood, for six years as chairperson of the development council - a role he held with humility, humor and heart. He often joked, "I earned my Ph.D. in marketing and finance from the nuns at St. Gertrude!" which always made the sisters laugh.

In his later years - his "autumn years" as he called them - his close friend Beverly Kight became a treasured companion. Together they shared memories, new adventures and the quiet contentment of a life well-lived.

Doug will be remembered for his integrity, his sharp wit, his love of learning, his fierce independence and the steady, joyful way he lived his life. He leaves behind a legacy of service, curiosity, deep family love and a lifetime spent both above the clouds and on the trails he adored.

He will be profoundly missed.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Lewiston is in charge of arrangements.