It is really sad, sad news for Doug and Jill and family as well as for all of us. His witty, tongue-in-cheek, skeptical humour will be greatly missed now that he has crossed the bar. I will cherish many, many fond memories of “Zorch” from the fall of 1960 into 2019: from meeting him during Frosh week at McMaster sporting our silly Mac beanies; to the HMCS STAR Gunroom and the Chicken Roost restaurant in downtown Hamilton after UNTD drill nights; to the McMaster Marauder football games on the crispy days of Fall; to a 1961 frigate cruise with the unforgettable Lt. J.T. (Dutch) Holland; to the Queen Mary 2 UNTD cruise to the UK; to my last in-person time with Doug in St. John’s, Nfld during the 75th Anniversary of the UNTD a few months ago. We were in the same 1st year naval officer summer training division together; and the same 3rd year division on the west coast where his witty skepticism kept me in line as his C/C.
Living on the west coast since 1970, I was only able to attend two of the STAR 60 UNTD pool parties; one about 1983 when Doug in his inimitable way treated us to the visual and olfactory treat of unpacking his kit bag after it had remained packed in his garage for some 20 years after 3rd summer training. His #23’s (Khakis) still looked as pink and disreputable as ever. The second occasion was a few days before many of us came together in 2014 for the 50th wedding anniversary of our UNTD STAR classmate Darrell Benninger.
I am really privileged to have known Doug and cherished his friendship of almost 60 years. I am reminded of Admiral Bob Welland’s comments to me a few weeks before his death - that his strongest, most meaningful relationships of his adult life were those formed in the navy. It rings true for me too. May the wind now be always at your back Doug, Farewell dear friend.
Roger Elmes
President, UNTD Association of Canada
Doug,
Too soon for you to go buddy! Fond memories of you as a shipmate.
Paul (Hummy) Wagner
UNTD U-1184
My sincere sympathy on your loss Jill and the Hain family. Doug was a super guy. I remember New Year's Eve at my place. We had such a fun time. May you find strength in friends and family at this difficult time
I am greatly saddened by the passing of this warm, caring and gentle man.
He was a great teacher in every sense of that word, inside and out of the classroom. My deepest heartfelt condolences to the entire Hain family in this great time of profound loss. He had such an incredibly positive impact on me in the just the few years I knew him, I can't imagine the void that now presents itself for all of you. I have no words to make this time any easier, but we all know that he has moved on to a good place and is lighting up that place with his smile, warmth and humor, and is at peace. Rest in peace Mr.Hain, and thank you.
Warmest regards to the Hain Family
- Jim
Doug was a great friend to our family for over 40 years. Mike and Doug taught together at ESA, where Doig was a beloved geography teacher and hilarious host to many school formals. He was a kind, funny joyous person who ,made all of his friends better people for having known him. We will miss him so very much. Michele and Mike