Obituary of Douglas Barry Chester

Douglas Barry "Uncle Doug" Chester of Spring Mills passed away at home on Sunday January 8, 2017. Doug was born on June 14, 1952 in Hudson New York, the only child of Albert William and Marjorie Kahlmeyer Chester, both of whom predeceased him. Doug grew up in Lexington Massachusetts; attended Lexington High School; Brown & Nichols Preparatory School; Dartmouth College (A.B. 1975 in Chemistry and Russian Language); University of Leningrad, U.S.S.R. (now University of St. Petersburg, Russia; Certificate 1974); and the New England School of Law (J.D. 1979). Doug married Margaret McMath Chester on July 10, 1976 at Lake Angelus, Michigan; Margaret survives at home. Doug came from a very small family which immigrated to the United States from Russia in the 1880s. He and Margaret never had children but he became close to Margaret's nieces and nephews: John McMath (Ashley) of Fostoria, Michigan; Sandy Haley (Sean) of Rochester Hills, Michigan; Jennifer McMath (Thom Stawski) of Chesterfield, Michigan; Rebecca Maddison (Marc) of Centennial, Colorado; and David McMath (Teresa) of Rapid City, South Dakota. Doug also had many "honorary" nieces and nephews and was called "Uncle Doug" even by his mother-in-law. Doug was a solo law practitioner, initially in Massachusetts, then moving to Spring Mills in 1980 to open a law practice while his wife Margaret attended Penn State as a graduate student. Doug's office was in the front of their home and he had a general practice – "anything that comes in the door," with a particular interest and expertise in criminal defense. Clients were welcomed by their hunting dogs, often four or five at a time and all very friendly. In recent years the majority of his practice was as a member of the pool of attorneys appointed by the Federal District Courts to represent indigent clients. His favorite accomplishments included writing the zoning ordinances for two local townships which protected our trout streams; successfully defending the driver of the Gregg Township fire truck struck by a car while racing to a fire; and successfully helping an elderly woman regain her independence from a scheming relative. Doug was a skilled and creative craftsman known for his expertise in tying trout, salmon and saltwater flies; refinishing bamboo fly rods; building traditional flintlock rifles for hunting Pennsylvania's primitive deer season (a craft he learned from the late Ken Ishler of Millheim); and making Damascus hunting knives in partnership with a close friend. Doug also refinished canoes and built rowing craft for fishing small lakes and rivers. Doug made all these things for his and Margaret's use in hunting and fishing and for friends and family. Doug was also a humorous and engaging storyteller and wrote up dozens of their adventures together. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following organizations: the Dartmouth Outing Club; Trout Unlimited; Ruffed Grouse Society; Penns Valley Conservation Association; and Gift of Life Donor Program. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.