I met Doug in the early 1970’s when we both worked at COMSAT Labs. I used to take a break and visit him in his office where he would tell me stories and make me laugh. Many years later we lost touch, but I still tell other people some of the funny quips he had said. He was a very good friend to me. As other people have noted, he was always available when I needed help. I will never forget him. The world has lost a special person.
This memorial website was created in memory my big brother, Doug Kitchener.
Tributes
Leave a tributeI met Doug in the early 1970’s when we both worked at COMSAT Labs. I used to take a break and visit him in his office where he would tell me stories and make me laugh. Many years later we lost touch, but I still tell other people some of the funny quips he had said. He was a very good friend to me. As other people have noted, he was always available when I needed help. I will never forget him. The world has lost a special person.
A few years ago Doug, my sister, Karen, and I traveled to our mothers' home town. Doug was able, with very little help, to find the farmhouse they grew up in. He loved history, music, and Oldsmobiles.
Rest easy, Doug, you will be missed.
His compassion for his mother and his attentiveness to her was palpable.
I was so moved by his attendance and reflective comments at the funeral of his former room-mate, Dave, who was my former husband (for whom I ended up being a care-giver).
Last summer, a few of the high-school buddies met at the beach, and Doug conveyed his concerns about "reflux." I'm glad we had some time to reminisce during that beach trip. It was a shock to learn that he was dealing cancer. It was a bigger shock to learn that he passed. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Wishing Doug a sweet ride in an Oldsmobile to the other side.
I was so saddened by your sudden departure from this world. I wish I were able to prevent it. You will truly be missed.
May you rest in peace,
--Sam Wiseman
my loyal childhood friend, next door neighbor, school classmate.
I was so shy at school, but Doug navigated the way for me as we faced each new year. Doug was super-intelligent (no wonder he never brought textbooks home), and SO quick-witted. All of our classmates recognized his skills in repairing old cars. Yes, there was always a "car mechanics project" going on in his driveway to satisfy that passion. When our mothers enrolled us in 6th grade Cotillion Dance classes together, Doug never laughed at the stockings that puddled around my ankles (pre-pantyhose era) due to my skinny legs; nor laugh at my pointed eyeglasses or skin breakouts. He gave me my first taste of what it felt like to be treated as a LADY. Now that's a true friend! Although we landed states apart in our adult years, we kept in touch. Doug, I sure miss knowing that you are there -- but I cherish the memories of our growing up together.
His helpfulness extended into other areas too numerous to recall; pouring coffee this morning, it occurred that the kitchen island I was using was there thanks to Doug’s help. Found it on Craigslist, close by the College, but how to move it to my car? I rang Doug, who immediately shifted his dinner break to assist. He helped in deliberations on a yard tractor when I moved to the country, recommending Wheel Horse (not many around!) and am surprised he didn’t recommend Allis Chalmers, as I see he was familiar with, in the photo:)
I miss his funny expresssions, Star Trek lines spring to mind, and his quick wit and refined musical tastes. His interest in obscure stories from the Andrea Doria shipwreck to the mystery surrounding Mary Pinchot Meyer in Georgetown, were endlessly entertaining.
I’m sorry I won’t have the chance to visit him in Winchester, but much sorrier still that he didn’t have the chance to enjoy his richly-deserved retirement there.
+RIP, Doug.
~Maura Hilburn
I have spent some time gathering photos I have of you, along with some you sent me. Just posted some. Rest in Peace+ ED
Doug helped me build my first muscle car, a 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS. We swapped transmissions, rebuilt the engine and turned the old, tired car into quite a runner. I couldn't have done it without his help. You can tell that we were both car guys!
Much later on, Doug helped me move my Mom into assisted living. Over and over he showed what a good friend he was. I count myself lucky to have had him as my friend.
Doug passed away peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 22, 2019 from cancer. He had started chemo and radiation treatments, but apparently the cancer was caught too late.
Two of Doug's favorite institutions were those listed below. If you are interested in making a memorial donation in Doug's memory, here are links to organizations you might consider:
WBJC—Classical Music Station (Baltimore):
http://www.wbjc.com/support-wbjc
Hillwood Museum (Washington, D.C.):
https://www.hillwoodmuseum.org
Leave a Tribute
I met Doug in the early 1970’s when we both worked at COMSAT Labs. I used to take a break and visit him in his office where he would tell me stories and make me laugh. Many years later we lost touch, but I still tell other people some of the funny quips he had said. He was a very good friend to me. As other people have noted, he was always available when I needed help. I will never forget him. The world has lost a special person.
A few years ago Doug, my sister, Karen, and I traveled to our mothers' home town. Doug was able, with very little help, to find the farmhouse they grew up in. He loved history, music, and Oldsmobiles.
Rest easy, Doug, you will be missed.
His compassion for his mother and his attentiveness to her was palpable.
I was so moved by his attendance and reflective comments at the funeral of his former room-mate, Dave, who was my former husband (for whom I ended up being a care-giver).
Last summer, a few of the high-school buddies met at the beach, and Doug conveyed his concerns about "reflux." I'm glad we had some time to reminisce during that beach trip. It was a shock to learn that he was dealing cancer. It was a bigger shock to learn that he passed. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Wishing Doug a sweet ride in an Oldsmobile to the other side.
Family Reunions
Later in life, Doug became more interested in his family history, especially the stories related to his Mom’s family narrative. Marguerite Hill was born and raised in the small town of Brooks in northern Minnesota and later moved to southwest Wisconsin to attend high school. Doug made the trip in 2013 to Livingston, Wisconsin, to attend the annual family reunion, and again the year after his Mom died to attend a memorial service at the old Rock Church and cemetery where many of the Hill family members are buried. He was planning to attend the reunion once again in 2019 before he learned that that he was battling cancer. He will be remembered at the memorial service this August at the Rock Church, and some of his cremated remains will be spread at selected gravesites at the cemetery.