Dugan's Memorial

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Dugan's memorial went off beautifully today. I was honored to be there to witness it. You could feel how much love there is for a man who touched so many lives. This past week has been a blur but now that the memorial is over I can't really believe that he is gone. I really expect to see him out again. I guess that is why we have memories. Any time I want to see him, I can.

While at the memorial I got chills while watching the paddle out. It was hot, the surf was going off and the one guy who would have been drooling at this day wasn't there. Or was he? When the circle was formed and everyone had their hands together, a nice set rolled through. I could feel the energy of the moment and I could feel Dugan.

While I wasn't able to participate in the paddle I did get to spend that time taking in the energy and spending a very special moment with my daughter who is 3. As I looked at her, I thought about what type of guy I am and what sort of example I can be for her and my fellow surfers. I thought of Dugan and what he has done and felt that I had a good role model. I thank you for that, Dugan. Thank you for your lessons in life and thank you for your friendship to so many people.

Ed

Dugan... We Will Miss You

Anyone who knew Dugan had respect for him.  He was a one of a kind sort of guy who was a living link to surfing's past.  For the past 12 years that I have surfed Grandview I have been both inspired and humbled by him.  On the days that I would wear a 4/3 he would trunk it. On the days that I was nervous to paddle out, he would be out at the crack of dawn (in trunks) taking off on the biggest sets.  On the small days when the surf was flat he would entertain me with stories of the places he's been and the people he met along the way.

Dugan was a true waterman, a living legend, and a friend to all he surfed with.  He lived life to the fullest and made a lot of friends along the way. Personally I will never forget him.  This world and our little surf spot he called home were better places for having him.

Good bye Dugan.  We will miss you.

Ed

Photos courtesy of John Costan.  The story of them is below.

Dugan was always and will always be the master of his universe, the
ocean. I am thankful for the opportunity to know him. I had the good
fortune of many fun sessions with him in the water.

This was a Fall day in 2006, cold water and a big swell. Dugan
trunking it, of course... as usual!! I happily had these printed and
presented to them to Dugan at Grandview. We agreed on payment of a
good wave, or two!

There will be a Celebration of Dugan's life Memorial Paddle out Scheduled for Sunday January the 18th, 12:00 noon.  Memorial will start at Ponto Beach and then be followed by a short walk to Grandview for the paddle out. Please pass this info on...For more information please contact 760-445-9839.