I have not been on the board in some time. I think it was before Doug's passing.
I knew Dragon, better than some, not as well as others, but I did indeed have the privilege of staying in his home. I was honored with being able to see his passion for motorcycles first hand. He was a highly intelligent git, and had no issue with sharing information, parts, and directing any one here to someone who could help them if he knew of someone.
While Doug was somewhat reclusive in real life, if youo had the chance of meeting him in person he was as good as gold and happy to help you in any way he could. he had a big soft spot for those who struggled with money to complete their machines, and as many have seen, would send parts to the unknowing if he thought theywould help. he was as interested in the people he helped as he was in seeing one more old bike put back to life. The way he saw it, no one should be without a motorcycle if they really want one, and no bike should go to the scrap heap.
He had a HUGE soft spot for those who proudly serve this country. If you were man or woman enough to sign the line and wear the uniform of service to this country, he was man enough to say thank you and pay you the due respect and honor you so justly deserve. I think he took it personally every time he read of a man or woman killed in service.
I was doing as much business as I could with him, trying to buy some of the bikes from him that he knew he would never finish due to his declining health. I have a nice sordid collection of bikes and parts that came from him that will provide me with projects from now till doomsday. If I could have bought all he had I would have. He had an eye for the good stuff....
I referred to him as brother on this board and others, and treated him as though he was family when in his presence. I would give anything to have him back, and offered to move him in with me and take care of him on many occassions before he passed. I think had he not been responsible for his mother that he would have taken one of the souls who offered to take him in up on the offer.
I may never have my brother back, but I do have many possessions of his that were close to his heart. I even managed to get "Homie", who will eventually become head of my complaint department. "Homie" was Dragons target practice mannequin. A headless, armless department store mannequin that Doug had decked out like a thug and tied to a tree in his back yard for target practice.
I know that Dragon is some place much better than this world. While I am an agnostic, I have to believe that there is some place on the other end of this wretched life.
Ride Forever Free Douglas Dubois Drake aka "Dragon"! You are much loved brother and will be forever missed!
David "Doc" Caldwell