I first started conversing with Doug back when he lived in Tennessee and we started chatting on the phone, Doug was dealing with health issues then and took an early retirement from truck driving. He wanted to move to Chama because he could get involved with the Friends and participate in work sessions each summer. Doug was our go-to guy when it came to small engine and equipment repair always having the Friends equipment ready to go for the teams. If there was a problem Doug would drop everything and get things working again.
Doug not only kept equipment running, but he drove the Friends truck and trailers with equipment and supplies to remote locations along the railroad always making sure that each team had what they needed for the job.
One time when our team was working at the Lava Pump house Doug came out with some supplies for us, that summer the mosquitos were in abundance and when they saw Doug come there in the no sleeve t-shirt they pounced on him. We had Doug stand with his arms up while two of us sprayed him from head to toe with Off insect repellent. Ol Popeye sure stunk from that stuff but the mosquitos left him alone after that. Doug was such a good hearted guy that when he heard that my wife Joanie needed a crock pot he loaned us his for the week, and there was nothing he wouldn't do for you.
I stayed with Popeye during the rotary snowplow event this winter and I would bring him some of the left over box lunches each day which were appreciated as he was house bound by that time. Popeye always had a positive attitude even though he was dealing with a lot of pain each day. I could tell he was going down hill health wise so it wasn't a surprise when I heard he was in hospice. Green signal my friend, I am glad I got to know and work with you, so long for now.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/28/2020 03:26PM by John Cole.
