Was it at the last reunion? Willy had it made. Drinking a beer at the drive-in, talking about the "bike" he just bought and being retired after only 20 some years with the phone company. Was willing to talk with anyone. Will miss talking with you, see you at the "Last" reunion. Brownie
Doug was the first classmate to call me and offer his sympathies to me and my family when my brother Steve was killed. I talked to Doug several times after that when I was in Kearney. He had some serious heart problems, but was able to enjoy life almost to the fullest until he was hospitalized at the Heart Institute in Lincoln where he passed away. I'll miss my cross country teammate and friend. John Wolf
Doug scared the hell out of me one night 30 some years ago when he showed up at my door and told me "you're in big trouble now." I wasn't sure what I had done but I was backing up from the door. Then he, Dan Cavenee (my cousin who had instigated the whole thing)and I went out drinking where they laughed their asses off because I had looked so scared. I saw Doug at most of the gun shows through the years. When my wife left me, he was the one who told me, "life goes on and it will get better." Well buddy, it goes on for awhile, but doesn't always get better. Miss you too. gp
Doug was probably the highlight of the 30th reunion for me. His big heart finally ran out of gas. All of our losses are hard, but this one was "Park School" hard.
The last conversation I had with Doug was at our 20th reuion. He was so happy and proud of himself. He told me about the farm land he had and how his wife drove one of those Mary Kaye Pink Cadillacs. I remember being so happy for him. I hope that he continued feeling content. He was a sweetheart for sure.
Doug really LIVED his life, and left many friends behind. One particular vivid memory occurred in high school. There had been a genuine blizzard, and several of us were snowed in at Julie Ender's house. Doug called up--must have been bored and trying to find a use for the unusual "free day". He somehow made his way through the drifts and driving snow with a small bottle of Southern Comfort--my first experience with that one. Such gallantry was (and still is )remarkable. I remember his fun side, but there always seemed to be more to him than that. He will be missed at our reunion, but probably will be there in spirit-- here's to you Doug. Denise
I have many fond memories of Doug beginning with Little League at the age of eight. No one played with more grit and there was absolutely NO QUIT in this kid. He new but one way to do it and that was all out. Doug had the same aggressive approach to cross country and wrestling. He was formidable at both. That's how Doug lived his whole life which, tragically, was far too short. I miss him deeply.
I'll vouch for his wrestling ability. I drew him at some multischool meet at Kearney when we were seniors and got beat. He was very sportsmanlike about it both before and after the match. I've still got a photo of us receiving our medals filed somewhere. He was a very likeable kid.
Randy Brown
Was it at the last reunion? Willy had it made. Drinking a beer at the drive-in, talking about the "bike" he just bought and being retired after only 20 some years with the phone company. Was willing to talk with anyone. Will miss talking with you, see you at the "Last" reunion.Brownie
John Wolf
Doug was the first classmate to call me and offer his sympathies to me and my family when my brother Steve was killed. I talked to Doug several times after that when I was in Kearney. He had some serious heart problems, but was able to enjoy life almost to the fullest until he was hospitalized at the Heart Institute in Lincoln where he passed away. I'll miss my cross country teammate and friend. John WolfCelia Hoffman (Seastone)
A true 69er who would have had us all in stitches with his stories....We'll all miss you, Doug. CeliaGary Paine
Doug scared the hell out of me one night 30 some years ago when he showed up at my door and told me "you're in big trouble now." I wasn't sure what I had done but I was backing up from the door. Then he, Dan Cavenee (my cousin who had instigated the whole thing)and I went out drinking where they laughed their asses off because I had looked so scared. I saw Doug at most of the gun shows through the years. When my wife left me, he was the one who told me, "life goes on and it will get better." Well buddy, it goes on for awhile, but doesn't always get better. Miss you too. gpBob Elliott
Doug was probably the highlight of the 30th reunion for me. His big heart finally ran out of gas. All of our losses are hard, but this one was "Park School" hard.Bob Elliott
Susan Reiber (Holt)
The last conversation I had with Doug was at our 20th reuion. He was so happy and proud of himself. He told me about the farm land he had and how his wife drove one of those Mary Kaye Pink Cadillacs. I remember being so happy for him. I hope that he continued feeling content. He was a sweetheart for sure.Denise King (Capek)
Doug really LIVED his life, and left many friends behind. One particular vivid memory occurred in high school. There had been a genuine blizzard, and several of us were snowed in at Julie Ender's house. Doug called up--must have been bored and trying to find a use for the unusual "free day". He somehow made his way through the drifts and driving snow with a small bottle of Southern Comfort--my first experience with that one. Such gallantry was (and still is )remarkable. I remember his fun side, but there always seemed to be more to him than that. He will be missed at our reunion, but probably will be there in spirit-- here's to you Doug. DeniseMike Blocher
I have many fond memories of Doug beginning with Little League at the age of eight. No one played with more grit and there was absolutely NO QUIT in this kid. He new but one way to do it and that was all out. Doug had the same aggressive approach to cross country and wrestling. He was formidable at both. That's how Doug lived his whole life which, tragically, was far too short. I miss him deeply.Terry Christlieb
I'll vouch for his wrestling ability. I drew him at some multischool meet at Kearney when we were seniors and got beat. He was very sportsmanlike about it both before and after the match. I've still got a photo of us receiving our medals filed somewhere. He was a very likeable kid.