The memorial, a beautiful abstract steel sculpture standing on a round plinth of river rocks, was done in memory of John Douglas Ochs, a 43 year old Colville resident who tragically died in 2004 as the result of a wind-surfing accident near Kettle Falls, WA.
Born in Auburn, WA, John spent his early years there and moved to Colville with his family at the age of seven. While in school he was a baseball player and a wrestler. Following school he enjoyed many recreational sports, including volleyball, basketball, softball and was a Little League coach. He also enjoyed hunting, playing golf, fishing and water and snow skiing.
After graduation he worked on the family farm for several years, followed by a move to Vaagen Brothers Lumber of Colville. Married in 1987, he left one son.
Source: The Spokane Spokesman-Review
The Plaque:
Opie's Spirit Flame
In Loving Memory
John Douglas Ochs
2-9-61 8-3-04
Thoughtful, Kind and Caring
An Angel Walking
Amongst Us