Suffer No More

GUTTED doesn't even touch the surface of how I'm feeling. Please bare with me if I jump all over this post and it doesn't make sense but rather then trying to collect my thoughts, I'm going to post while the emotions are raw. 

I woke up to the news yesterday that my good friend Doug Ducklow passed away. Looking back, we met in our early years and I can't put my finger on exactly when it was, but it was an immediate connection of the "Doug's". Of course, both being gingers was just the icing on the cake. Life has taken us in many different directions but when time would permit and we could, we would get together for coffee and have a "Doug Summit". 

Some of the greatest and diverse conversations in my life came from coffee and "meeting of great minds". Doug would like to remind me all the time how great it was to be a "Doug". Plagued by many health issues from a child, eventually it lead to him getting a kidney transplant over 10 years ago. During one of my early Cancer Ribbon Tattoo events, he booked his appointment with me and was adamant that there was no one else that he would consider to do this tattoo for him, marking his transplant and paying tribute to his donor. CHCH TV also showed up while he was there and did a cover story of him and his journey.

Through his many struggles, travels and successes, he was always larger then life but so humble in doing so. The battles were hard and he loved even harder. He always took it on the chin and pushed forward. One of his famous quotes was "life's tough...get a frickin helmet!". That battle helmet was worn better then anyone else that I have ever met. 

You will see many posts today across FB with many stories about Doug. He was one of a kind, loved by all that met him, and changed minds and lives along the way. He lived his life his way and was never afraid to tell you his opinion on the matter.

His knowledge and experience in the "van life" was my greatest influence and book of knowledge that I could lean on in living the life that I'm currently doing. He held my hand pretty much most of the way with my build, correcting ideas that I had and encouraging so many others. In the true sense of the word, Doug defined the word "Nomad".

No longer being able to make that one last physical trip to Australia (that was his end goal), I'm sure he has made his journey to see his "Momma", taking her by the hand, and they are both basking in the sunshine on one of the beaches there.

Doug, you were one of a kind, touched the world and people more than anyone I've ever met, and a complete honour to call you my friend. You live in the hearts and minds of all who met you.

I will take great comfort in my journey's knowing you are watching out for me, and "taking the wheel" when needed lol.

For the last time until I see you again, as we always said in parting ways..."I Love You Brother".