Sunday, February 28, 2021
Our son Matt called us this week to share “some sad news. Mr. Harper died.” Sue and I were both shocked into silence. I am torn now by the need to offer some kind words of condolence to Pat, Lisa, Meredith, Keith and the deep sadness that Sue and I feel at Doug’s passing. Our memories of Doug will help console us: his generous spirit, his strong faith, his wise counsel - and our mutual fondness for red wine.
Our friendship with Doug and Pat began many years ago as our children became friends. We joined them at the Good Shepherd Community where Doug was Lay Community Leader, CCD teacher, and eventually our son Matt’s Confirmation sponsor. Our daughter Amy played the harp at Meredith’s wedding and years later sought Doug’s advice as she entered Rutgers Law School. Matt and Keith have been close friends since elementary school.
Doug and I would often sit together on the train traveling to Hoboken and share family updates and analysis of the New York Times that we both read on our daily commutes. As he exited the Newark Station, he would always offer a note of encouragement like “Keep those markets honest, John” – wildly exaggerating my influence in such matters. But that was Doug; he made you feel important.
Like everyone else, Sue and I were awaiting the end of the pandemic restrictions so we could resume some familiar activities, in particular, our dinners with Doug, Pat, and Peg and Ray Codey. Months would often pass between our gatherings, but once we got together the passage of time mattered little. Good food, good wine and good friends made for easy conversation and lots of fun. We will miss Doug – his philosophical musings and his hearty laugh.
Billy Joel was wrong. The good don’t always die young; sometimes they die too soon.
