| 20 November 1999 | |
This is the document Doug prepared for his 50th Speech. He kept pretty close to the script. |
click on photos to enlarge |
| "Everyone here has in some way at some time been part of what has been a full and varied life. I want to thank you for this. I would like to acknowledge the people like my Mum and Dad, friend Bruce, Uncle Kieth and Auntie Gloria, who have passed away. There are new friends here, old friends and also family. My life to this point has been so full, this is all we must all hope for. Running the full gambit from elation to despair. I think of my life as being a Sine Curve. There has been times of total joy and sometimes great pain. But hey that's what life is all about. I recently attended...(Story about happiness seminar summer and winter etc) But in nearly all these times one or a few of you have been with me, increasing the joy or easing my pain. | 
|
| I do need to reciprocate to the people who have shared stories about me. And tell you a litle bit about them. John is my Dad's brother. John has known me and been a part of my life longer than any one else here. John was like a second father to me. We lived next door. Worked together in the brick factory and spent heaps of time on weekends and after work together. There was some great cricket matches and trips to the rivers. I remember John playing the harmonica in the car as we headed out to the Selwyn gorge. For some reason John gave me ..... | 
|
| Wayne and I have been buddies for 33 years we surfed together, partied, played in a band together and generally raged it up. Wayne and Noeline have given Trish and I great support over the years. My first memory of Wayne is on my first day as a new boy in the seventh form at Papakura High. The classroom door burst open and "Shit it's Ginger Baker walking in"! Arguing at full volume, about some amazingly complicated maths problem with Colin Powell. Wayne is one of the most brightest guys I know. Wayne is bloody marvellous with motors though we are lucky to still be alive after various incidents. (Relate Morris Minor van with supercharger and unbolted front seat story). .... The girls would land on the matress in the back! Hills were best I think. | 
Ginger Baker???
Richard Gary Doug Mark - Surfies 4 |
| Lindsay and I have been friends for about 10 years through the Gym and business. You would would have to say Lindsay has tried to be a good influence on me. It hasn't always been easy for him. If I had to pay Lindsay (and Penny) for counselling services Lindsay would be driving the Ferrari he dreams of one day owning. We've had so many great times at the gym, in the sauna. ooh I promised not to talk about that..... and yes your abs are better than mine but that's only cause I'm 50. That Singlet you wore at the gym the other day really did stink Lindsay so here's a new one. Throw the old one away. .....I hope this doesn't mean you won't supply me with my Viagra any more! | 
|
| Hey I found this the other day. It says....List of the good times we've had over the years. (Pull out scroll). Trish has been my teacher, counselor, flatmate, lover, companion and friend. If I have to picture Trish in an imaginative way she has sometimes been a rock in the middle of a stream that I have clung to as the water has attempted to drag me over. I know of no better person to live with. Trish has been a brilliant mother to our two lads. They are a lucky couple of boys. She is also a better ballroom dancer. However Trish does have this problem with what can only be described as sensibilness, so I've bought her a very nonsensible present, I am very proud to say I that I bought the present myself. | 
"non-sensible" knickers |
| Well old friends, new friends and family. I'd like to do a song if you'll bear with me. That kind of says a bit of how I feel about you guys. Don't walk out on me if I sing out of key". Click for lyrics. | 
"There are places I remember..." |
