Charles Douglas “Doug” Archer was born October 30, 1967, to Alice S. Archer and the late F. Curtis Archer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He and his family moved to Spokane, Washington, where he graduated from high school and began a rewarding 30-year service to Spokane County Fire Protection District 8.

Doug attended University of Idaho, graduating with architecture and interior design degrees. He worked for several architectural and engineering firms in the Spokane area. He was the owner of an architectural business and film and photography businesses. He spent several winters working as a sub-contractor for Riblet Tramway Company at United States Air Force Distant Early Warning Radar sites in Alaska. He taught college architectural classes in Italy. In Washington, he taught photography to high school students.

His 30 years in the fire service included being a firefighter/emergency medical technician, crew boss, engine boss, fire investigator, public education specialist, and field observer. Doug investigated numerous fires and worked many state and federal wildfires. He was a member of Washington State Chapter 21 International Association of Fire Investigators. For many years he participated with Inland Empire Public Fire Educators delivering public education programs throughout the Northwest. Doug received numerous awards through the fire service, including Firefighter of the Year, recognition from Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. He worked with Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group, Department of Emergency Management, and many others. He participated with the creation of public education teams in Washington State, partnering with Washington Department of Natural Resources.
Doug enjoyed being a world traveler, especially in Europe. This also included college programs in Italy.

He was an avid photographer from a young age, starting out with a box camera. He amassed a substantial collection of photographical equipment. Doug had been a Boy Scout with the greater Milwaukee Council and a YMCA Indian Guides member. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and skiing. He was past president of the Spokane Engineers’ Forum. Doug was a past officer with the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council. His indoor recreation included assembling models and electric trains.
He had been a soccer referee and player for much of his younger life. He enjoyed attending Admirals, Brewers, Bucks, and Packers games when he lived in Wisconsin. In Spokane, he was an Indians Baseball and Spokane Chiefs hockey fan. He attended the Spokane Symphony on a regular basis.

Doug was a caring son, brother, uncle, and friend and is missed by all at Spokane County Fire Protection District 8.