Obituary Douglas N. Hix
October 15th, 1947 - May 31st, 2023
Douglas N. Hix, 75, a longtime Eastern Idaho resident passed away May 31, 2023, from heart complications and resulting maladies, leaving behind a close-knit network of family and friends to remember and carry on his legacy.
Doug, the fourth of five Hix siblings, was born in Rigby, Idaho, to loving parents Abigail Ann and Lowell R. Hix on October 15, 1947, spending his early years growing up in Grant, Idaho, learning to pull his weight on the family farm and developing a love for the great outdoors. During this time Doug met his lifelong partner — in love and business — Alene Hawker. Together they built an amazing life spanning over 57 years, from high-school sweethearts to retirement, officially beginning their journey on September 18, 1965. They had three children, Lisa, Conn, and Steve, and spent their time as closely involved in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren as possible.
At the age of 19, taking an entry-level position as a delivery driver for Bemis Bag Company in 1966, no one realized he was embarking on his life’s work and career. Through tenacity and a large dose of optimism, Doug, with Alene by his side, opened Hix Sales Co., out of the trunk of his car, in 1982. In 1983, with an official name and location, Idaho Package Company was launched in Idaho Falls on Utah Avenue. Built on Doug’s ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit, Idaho Package grew out of his dream of effectively serving the local and regional agricultural community by distributing produce packaging products nationwide.
The summer after high school graduation, Doug took a job planting pine seedlings for the Targhee National Forest Restoration and Planting Project in forests in Island Park, Idaho. This led to a passion for environmental volunteerism. He was a regular hand on local Idaho Fish and Game reclamation projects, an integral founder of the Ducks Unlimited Chapter in Jefferson County and served Citizens Against Poaching for the past decade on the board, as well as for a term as Vice President.
Other favorite pastimes included golfing every nice day of summer with his crew. He had an avid propensity for continual learning, every day religiously reading numerous publications and continually expanding his horizons. Doug was an avid sports fan and appreciated athleticism, competition, and keeping himself physically fit throughout his life. A top priority was attending his grandkids’ sporting and extracurricular events whenever he and Alene could.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents: Abigail and Lowell Hix; and sisters: Patricia Hix Jenkins and Donna Hix Meeks. He is survived by brothers: David Hix and Jerry Hix; his beloved wife, Alene Hawker Hix; his daughter, Lisa Hix Fischbach [Steve Fischbach]; grandson, Clark McKitrick; his son, Conn D. Hix [Carrie Shippen Hix], grandsons: Jay Hix, Alex Hix, and granddaughter, Caitlin Hix; his son, Steve Hix [Jayme Montoya], grandson, Gabe Hix, and granddaughters: Alison Hix and Natalie Montoya; as well as 5 great-grandchildren: Lucy, Maya, Farrah [Jay Hix]; Harper and Briggs [ and Alex Hix];.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name at your favorite environmental non-profit or the Ronald McDonald House in Idaho Falls online at https://www.rmhcidaho.org/rmfr/.
In Doug’s honor, the family invites you to mingle and share memories, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, June 9, 2023, at The Waterfront at Snake River Landing, 1220 Event Center Drive, Idaho Falls. A private graveside service will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023.
Cremation is under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.
