The first time I met Doug (my wife Marci’s cousin), he met us for dinner at Outback Steakhouse.  We entered the restaurant to a line of people waiting to be seated.  The hostess greeted us to put our name on the waiting list.

Doug said, “My name is already on your list.  We called ahead…”

The hostess politely told Doug the restaurant doesn’t take reservations.

“Oh, you took this one,” Doug exclaimed!  “My boss is meeting us here and he is the crown prince of Kuwait, Sultan Abdul Ahmed Muhammed.”

The hostess didn’t know what to say, but was clearly shaken.  She quickly found us a table.

Doug was one of the funniest and fun to be around people I have ever known.  We shared Thanksgiving at his house in 2023 and talked about his family and retirement.  Julie and his kids were his pride and joy.  We will miss him.