• Robert “Bob” McDougall


    Bob’s passion and uncompromised dedication to his community is evident though his years of committed service as a business owner and representative at the state, county and local levels. Born and raised in Cashmere, Bob graduated from Cashmere High School in 1942. He served in World War ll and following his honorable discharge in 1947, he enrolled in what was Wenatchee Valley College Distinguished Alumni Award. Bob continued his education at Washington State University, graduation in 1951 with a B.A. in journalism. He returned to the Wenatchee Valley that same year to raise his family. He took over the management of the Horan family orchard and became active in state and local government.
    Bob was a successful orchardist and warehouse-man since 1951. He took a small family orchard and built a business that today continues to be a recognized leader in the tree fruit industry. Long active in the fruit industry he served as president of the Washington-Oregon Canning Pear Association, co-chair of the State Horticulture Association’s Legislative Committee, and director or the Washington State Fruit Commission. Bon was one of the four founding partners if Columbia Marketing International (CMI), recognized world-wide as one of Washington State’s largest marketer of premium fruit. Bob retired in 1992 as President of McDougall & Son’s Inc., but remained an active partner in the Northview Orchard until his death.
    Elected in 1960, Bob McDougall served with distinction eight years in the House of Representatives and four years in the State Senate for the 12th district. He served as Assistant Majority Leader in the 1967 House and as a Minority Whip in the 1971 Senate. Under Bob’s leadership in various committees, he helped pass a legislation important to the growth and development of Chelan and Douglas Counties.
    Bob retired from state government in 1972 and was elected to the PUD Commission. He assumed a leading role in bringing about the full development of recreational and environmental facilities within the county. Bob was instrumental in the planning and implementation of Exhibit R, which created the parks and recreational areas along the Columbia River.
    Bob was an active, hard-working member of the community up until the time of his death. His affiliations included membership in the Beacon Hill Grange, Rotary, Wenatchee Chamber and Junior Chamber of Commerce, Elks, and Eagles and Masonic lodges. Bob was a board member on the Humane Society and the Lake Chelan Sewer boards. Bob has given much of his time and money in support in the community activities, especially youth sports.
    Bob McDougall, a friend, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a highly respected member of this community, lived very pro-active, pro-community life. Today, has many citizens in Chelan and Douglas Counties are enjoying the fruits of his labor. Bob has exemplified the character, the qualities, and the dedication to this community that would qualify him for the Cashmere Wall of Fame.