Doug Pilcher

You’re on the shortlist for knowing me more than 3 decades!  We’ve backpacked in wilderness areas, had some fun and crazy times, you were in my wedding, and you’re my son’s godfather.  Somehow you missed the fine print about paying for his college degree!

You combine a dual superpower of leadership and service.  We met on a Sierra Club Service trip in the White Mountains of New Mexico.  There it is right out of the gate: SERVICE.  And later when we went into the Service Trip trip leader program and did our own trip, you were the LEADER and I was the cook.  From the first time we met, I knew you had that special leadership characteristic.  The calm togetherness, wisdom, acceptance and humility.  Your service and leadership in so many areas both in and out of your career have truly made a positive difference.

A true testament is on the Sierra trips you continue to lead, you get people coming back. When a trip was cancelled during the pandemic, you had the same people defer until the following year.  You create a memorable experience by being that leader that goes unnoticed, but always appreciated.

What is so cool about you is that along with all the traits described, you have this zany kid-like humor that pops out at the most unexpected moments.  The understated dry comments, the jokes, the framing of something ordinary into the extraordinary, and the sense of wonder and adventure.  This is what I truly love about you.

Thanks for all that you’ve done throughout your life.  Thanks for unconditionally accepting me for who I am and always being there with kind words, a bit of wisdom and most important, the laughter.  If we had more people in the world like, it would assuredly be a better place.

Those who know you are better for it!