Condolences from Dieter, Helga and family in Germany

Hi Peter,

Llet me first express my condolences about the death of your father and our friend, Doug.

When I called some weeks ago and heard that Doug was suffering from Alzheimers – well, it was hard to accept as I had always remembered him as a friend who enjoyed telling me about his numerous trips all over the world or about the situation in Germany right after the war or who liked discussing or joking about political, environmental educational or philosophical problems. His eloquent and humorous letters of complaint to different companies or organisations were a legend in our family.

I am glad he and Joan were our guests in Germany several times. There are certain little things that have always reminded us of these visits – the way he artfully rearranged some pictures on the wall after tactfully hinting that the former arrangement could be slightly improved, the carpet we bought after he had advised us about it and convinced us that this was the only reasonable choice. That was about 20 years ago but we still have our pictures arranged as Doug had suggested and yes, he was right about the carpet, too. On one occasion he even burned the midnight oil so as to complete the colouring in of a jumping jack for our kids much to their enjoyment; then there was the fan he bought because he couldn't stand the heat of a particularly hot German summer. I remember his pretended anger when our son playfully addressed him as 'Duck'. Well and then there is still a big box of his stored in our basement. Heaven knows what is inside it but I guess it is full of tourist guides, maybe of warm-pullovers ("You never know in Europe.") and other travelling requisites.
It is sad that Doug won't need them anymore.

(PS. If any members of the Campbell family should make it to Europe they are welcome to stay with us and claim it back!)

Thinking of you all at this time of great sadness.

Love
Dieter, Helga and kids

Victoria Market

Doug on the bahn with Dieter