As many of you know, the Florida Magazine Association will honor Doug by awarding a journalism scholarship in his name on August 7 at their annual conference. I plan to attend and read the following tribute:
It is a privilege to be with you today to help present the Doug Damerst scholarship to this year’s deserving recipient. Helping young adults was a passion of Doug’s, so this award is very appropriate, and I thank the FMA for creating this scholarship in Doug’s honor. Brittany, my heartfelt congratulations go out to you and your family for this wonderful achievement.
As many of you know, Doug passed away last year from an aggressive form of Lymphoma. He fought valiantly, as he so often did in many areas of his life, and he literally worked for both his employer and the FMA up until the very end, not because he had to, but because he loved his work that much.
Thirty-five years ago, while working as Public Relations manager for AAA Colorado, Doug placed an ad in the Denver Post for a Publication Artist. I applied for the position, and was called in for an interview.
Chin held high, I confidently walked into the building and asked to see the manager. And then it hit me. What on earth was I doing? I knew nothing about designing publications. My nerves kicked in as I sat alone in his office, waiting for my interviewer to arrive. But from the moment this kind, soft-spoken man entered the room, I was put instantly at ease. Needless to say, I accepted the position, and my life was forever changed.
Over the next few years, Doug assembled a team of rising journalists and artists and provided a fun environment where we could push the creative envelope. Doug believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, often gently nudging me into places I didn’t want to go, but was later glad I did. Before long, the Auto Club’s boring, black and white newspaper had transformed into a slick color magazine with the highest circulation in the state. We had done the impossible, because Doug had taught us how to work smart and think outside the box; skills we would use our entire careers.
Doug and I began dating when he left AAA to work for Vail Associates and we were married three years later. The success of the Colorado club soon caught the attention of AAA headquarters in Washington D.C., and Doug went on to work his magic on a national scale. Not only was Doug an amazing writer, editor and publisher, but also a visionary leader who understood the big picture without overlooking the smallest detail—a rare skill in our industry. His talent for contract negotiations became legendary, and both his employers and employees benefited from having worked with him.
Doug left this world much too soon, but I am forever grateful for 34 truly joyful years and the two beautiful daughters we had together. Doug was our rock. We looked to him for guidance and drew upon his strength. And although we are heartbroken to have lost him, we will put to good use the lessons and wisdom he gave us, and Doug’s spirit will live on not only through this scholarship, but in the memories and stories of family, friends and the colleagues who knew him best.
