RIP: Doug Mahon

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rmmpe

Social climber
Milford, PA
May 9, 2012 - 07:34pm PT
The Sunday, May 20, 2012 Memorial for Doug in Colorado will be at the American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th Street, Golden, CO 80401. Hours are 1 to 5 PM.

More info to follow regarding the 2 Memorials in Oregon.

Thank you all for your thoughts and remembrances. They mean a lot to his family.
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Topic Author's Reply - May 9, 2012 - 08:05pm PT
Most of my tenure with PCOBS was in the Sierra Program, during the 90's- Doug's reputation was well known to me via his role as PD at Odin Falls, and his (in)famous partnership with 'Butch' Greer, who was also in the Sierra Program at that time. The two of them had a well-known history of managing the youth programming in the Central Cascades, which was a foundation of experience from which the Sierra's youth program was developed. His efforts were something of legend (if that's not too strong a word) amongst Sierra staff, as he had already invested many years of time and effort in working with youth with a well-defined pedagogical approach.

My direct interactions with Doug came later in my tenure, as I moved into program management- his presence was always so strong and impressive. Odin Falls had been through tumultuous years, and Doug's clarity of vision (and some needed housecleaning) brought the Central Cascades program to a new standard of organization and efficiency.

To be quite honest, Doug & I had a very uneven relationship- still, I consider him an important role model, and had great appreciation (and a desire to emulate) for his ability to enact his vision within an organization. Outward Bound communities can be exceptionally closed and in a bubble- Doug was very, very good about balancing that kind of idealism with the real world. One of the phrases he repeated often within the management team was 'progress, not perfection'- that kind of reality check was much needed within that community- to this day, I keep that phrase in mind when organizing projects that simply must be completed in a timely manner, and Doug comes to mind every time.

Bldrjac

Ice climber
Boulder
May 9, 2012 - 11:31pm PT
I'm so sorry....no easy way around such loss, other than celebrating their life as best and as heartily as you can.
best,
pam roberts
rmmpe

Social climber
Milford, PA
May 10, 2012 - 11:02am PT
Here's another photo of Doug with "His kids".
rmmpe

Social climber
Milford, PA
May 21, 2012 - 09:51pm PT
The memorial celebration in Golden on the 20th was extremely well attended. One of Doug's oldest friends came in from Hong Kong on the 19th for the occasion and returned to Hong Kong on the 21st. Many more came from all over and it was truly a touching celebration to honor a man of distinction.

Needless to say (but I will), Doug touched many in his short 62 years and his loss has been felt by many.
rmmpe

Social climber
Milford, PA
May 22, 2012 - 01:14pm PT
Apogee,
The latest I have on the other memorials is June 8 for Odin Falls, OR and June 23, for Rancho.
I'll post any better info as I get it.
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Topic Author's Reply - May 22, 2012 - 01:45pm PT
Thanks for that update, rmmpe.

Was the Hong Kong attendee Butch Greer, by any chance? Those two were inseparable in their efforts to improve youth programming at PCOBS in the Sierra & Central Cascades (not to mention their history at Rancho). That event must have been quite powerful.
rmmpe

Social climber
Milford, PA
May 22, 2012 - 09:53pm PT
Apogee,
It most certainly was Butch Greer (Butchie). Not afraid to shed tears, Butchie became a favorite of mine and I told him so.
Can you possibly imagine how humbling it is to know you are brother to a giant?

I'm the eldest and it's not supposed to work this way.
MRooney

Trad climber
Boise, ID
May 22, 2012 - 10:40pm PT
RMMPE, Do you mind sending me an e-mail to mrooney [at] stonebuck [dot] com? I'm just one more of the legion of Dougie Devotees.

Regards,

Mark
whipper

Trad climber
Boulder, CO
May 23, 2012 - 12:32am PT
I too only knew Doug for a short time. My time with OB was very brief, but he cut through the crap like few others can. And later, when I was teaching a high school leadership course, he volunteered to come down and teach a lesson--and blew the socks off my students. I still use a story of his in class these days--he described it as a lesson he got when working construction back east when he was young: his foreman rhythmically clapping hands, shouting, "times a-wastin'!", waiting for the next piece of lumber to get tossed up by Doug. And Doug would clap his hands in that rhythm, waiting for everyone around him to get focused. He knew how to seize the day.

RIP, Doug

-Chris
rmmpe

Social climber
Milford, PA
May 23, 2012 - 09:42am PT
Mark,
Done.
ACW

climber
Redmond, Oregon
Jun 7, 2012 - 08:52pm PT
Doug was my "boss" at PCOBS for 5 or 6 years (my memory is starting to go!) Yes, he was blustery, yes he was hilarious.....and caring, honest and unfailingly genuine. Definitely something of a father/uncle figure for me. I wonder how many of us out there can say that? I'm betting that there are lots of us who looked to Doug for support as we blundered through our twenties!

I haven't seen Doug in a long time. How I would love to sit down with a beer and talk about art and music....and just generally savor f***ing life!!

Cheers Doug!! You are loved.
rmmpe

Social climber
Milford, PA
Aug 29, 2012 - 11:16am PT
Happy Birthday, Brother. Keep a light on for me.
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 29, 2012 - 11:59am PT
Eerie...Doug came to mind yesterday.

Happy Birthday, Dougie.
Fletcher

Trad climber
Fumbling towards stone
Aug 29, 2012 - 01:36pm PT
I missed this the first time around... my hats off to Doug and a life fully and beautifully lived. RIP. And peace to all that he knew and touched.

Eric
dirt claud

Social climber
san diego,ca
Aug 29, 2012 - 01:43pm PT
Didn't know Doug, but just saw this thread.
Looks like a life well lived, thanks for all that you gave back to the world.
Happy Birthday Doug
Port

Trad climber
San Diego
Aug 29, 2012 - 01:58pm PT
He looks like a good man. F*#k Cancer.
Messages 21 - 37 of total 37 in this topic << First  |  < Previous  |  Show All  |  Next >  |  Last >>
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