Douglas Robert Roquet

Born October 18, 1964, in Carroll, Iowa, and passed away May 11, 2025, from metastatic kidney cancer.

Doug was the youngest of three sons born to Paul and Betty Roquet. He was proud of being from Iowa and loved reminiscing about the family farm. His dad, Paul, worked for International Harvester at the corporate level, and each promotion meant a move across the country.  They lived in Iowa, Portland, Chicago, and Pleasanton, CA, before moving to Walla Walla in 1978, when his dad and a partner bought International Harvester in Walla Walla.

Doug was FFA President during his senior year at Wa-HI, class of 1983. Active his entire life in agriculture, Doug grew wheat on the Wa-Hi campus where the soccer field is now and borrowed combines and farm equipment from his dad’s dealership to harvest it. He was passionate about red tractors and the farm industry. He had so many crazy stories about things he saw and did. He moved to Hermiston, Oregon, to manage the Case IH dealership there and begin his sales career. He loved the people and liked to give his best quote first, not haggle.

He embarked on a career as a mortgage loan officer; He enjoyed helping people buy a home, but decided his best course would be to return to the farm equipment industry, this time to New Holland.

He made his last career change to drive semi-trucks and thoroughly enjoyed it! He ended up with the best, most enjoyable job of his life at AG Trucking (bought out by KAG Trucking), and made good friends there.

Doug married Brenda Mercado in 1997. They were rarely apart during the almost 30 years they were together. They have two children, Larissa Mercado and Alexander Roquet. They, along with their grandson, Quin Cook, were the joy of their lives. Quin called Doug “Bumpa,” and they were Best Buddies. Doug always ensured we all had what we needed, especially the little things. He participated in the activities the children chose, was always present at their sports events, and was actively involved in each of their Scouting careers. Our family was often snowmobiling, boating, riding ATVs, motorcycles, kayaking, camping, or traveling.

Doug was diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer in January 2023. We were told he beat it, but the cancer then spread to his lymph nodes. He did everything he could to fight, rarely complaining of the pain he endured. He is dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Doug is survived by his wife, Brenda; their children, Larissa Mercado (Walla Walla, WA), Alexander Roquet (Bellingham, WA), and his grandchild, Quin Cook. He is also survived by his brother, Greg Roquet, sister-in-law Debbie Roquet (Woodland, CA), their children, Paul (Momoko) Roquet (Cambridge, MA) and Molly Roquet (Davis, CA)—his Aunt Joan Morgan of Iowa, Uncle Dave Roquet of Iowa, along with many cousins. Doug is also survived by his mother-in-law, Angie Mercado, Sisters-in-law Carlene Mercado, Sissy Mercado, Shari Bjorn (Jared Fedor), brothers-in-law Blair Mercado (Carrie), Bryce Mercado (Paula), Blaine Mercado (Loren), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Betty Roquet; his brother, Michael Roquet; his grandparents, uncles, and aunts, along with his father-in-law, Carl Mercado, and brother-in-law, Corey Mercado. There were many to greet him as he reached those pearly gates. Our hearts will never be the same.

At Doug’s request, a simple graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens on Myra Road, College Place. Immediately after, there will be a gathering and lunch at the cemetery house at the top of the hill on the grounds. Family and friends are welcome.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Walla Walla Humane Society, as he was a huge animal lover, through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.