Butch McDougall

Butch McDougall, 78, of Pocatello, Idaho passed away on May 19, 2026.

Butch was born to Harry and Shirley McDougall on December 17, 1947 in Pocatello. He was a member of the first graduating class of the newly built Highland High School and remained a lifelong resident of Pocatello.

In his younger years Butch could often be found flying his airplane, racing sports cars, boating, or water skiing. He had a band of dachshund dogs to keep him company along with his many friends. He was in to cars of all varieties throughout his life, ultimately keeping his ’69 Plymouth GTX in pristine condition to this day.

Butch’s love of flying largely came from the legacy of his grandfather, Harry O. McDougall, Idaho’s only World War I flying ace, who died tragically in a plane crash in November of 1928, and of whom Pocatello’s first airport McDougall Field was named after.

Butch owned and operated Economy Heating & Refrigeration for decades. Largely not financially motivated in his life, he used his business to care for his friends and his community.

Butch could always be found keeping watch over South 1st Avenue in Pocatello with a cigar in hand. He came to be known as the Mayor of First Street by many who knew him. For decades, he and his friends gathered around in the mornings and afternoons to have coffee at what he named the Old Man Coffee Club at the Rhoad House, named after his dear friend and mentor Steve Rhoads. Butch’s friendships were always the most cherished part of his life.

Butch was a lifelong learner, oftentimes done in the name of proving a friend wrong. He became known among his close friends as "The Sage."  He was a member of the Pocatello Elks Club.

Butch never cared for recognition of the kindness he showed to everyone he interacted with in his life. He was known throughout his whole life for helping people. The good things he did for other people and for his community are beyond count.

Butch was preceded in death by the dozens of friends he made throughout his life. He is survived by those that are still around to remember the great, kind, wonderful man that he was and his beloved daughter Ashley McDougall.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID.

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