Hey – thanks for these videos of my dear friend Doug. I knew Doug best in the late ’70s when we met at a Youth Hostel in New Zealand, then penpals (yes) for many years until we met again in Encinitis in 83/84. Doug wasthe kindest and most generous host to this Aussie girl. Through Doug’s Sunday arvo croquet games I met one of best friends Cindy – who migrated to Australia on the basis of our friendship. I still have the California backyard croquet set – Doug’s farewell gift… and we still play 40 years later.
I was watching a crazy SoCal real estate show here in Oz tonight and thought I’d google my old pal. I was taken back to see his obituary and that he died at the age I am now.
He’d just started his own business when I stayed with him… and he and Orva were just ‘liasing’.
A special kind friend to me all those decades ago but he shaped my future in many ways unknown to him. Yes I remembered his July birthday. Cheers Jill