Karen, thank you for sharing your life partner with all of us for so many years. And, thank you for supporting his passions and the assignments that God had for him. Cassie, Shea and Travis, your dad was incredibly proud of all of you. Continue to live his legacy by pursuing your passions fiercely and by never losing faith....
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My condolences to Doyle's family. I first met Doyle when we played volley ball with a group of friends in DC. We would often go to Millie and Al's, a local bar in Adams Morgan after the game to socialize as a group. My husband, Dick Piper, and I stayed in touch the family when our children were young, and though we had not seen each other recently, we followed his career. We greatly admired all the good work that he had done in his life. He will be greatly missed.
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Such an amazing man, husband and father. Had the pleasure of working with Karen and got to know Doyle through many gatherings. Always enjoyed being around him. Sending our deepest condolences from the Eastern shore.
With love,
Kim & Brian Marion
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From our dear 'Uncle Dan'... see the latest picture posted!
"I am greatly saddened by the loss of my long-time friend, Doyle. My bond with Doyle and his wonderful wife, Karen, stretched back to 1976. He was the first and best Managing Editor of the In These Time progressive news magazine in Chicago and I was one of their labor reporters. Doyle was my mentor and confidante who guided me to hone my reporting and writing skills. He and Karen shared the warmth of their family with me, starting in Chicago and moving to their new home in Maryland as their children Cassi, Shea and Travis came along and matured. I was a joyful “Uncle Dan” as this happy-time photo shows. We celebrated birthdays together and shared many a pleasant meal in the DMV. I cheered on Cassi as she exceled in gymnastics. I always took great comfort in knowing that Doyle the attorney, elected official and unwavering activist was out there combating the bad guys through Maryland’s justice system. I will sorely miss his advice, friendship, hearty laugh, and dynamic personality."
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Our deepest sympathy goes out to Karen, Shea, Cassie, Travis and the extend family.
We hope all your wonderful memories provide you comfort during this difficult time.
Even though we didn't see Doyle often he always was so warm and friendly at a family event. We will miss his words of wisdom and pleasant smile. As well as, my (Maxine) requested political advice whether it was national or local. He was always so kind to share his knowledge. We will carry with us our great memories! He will be missed!
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I'm so sorry for your loss. Doyle came to a 2005 reunion for
The Rag, Austin's underground newspaper in 2005. He is included in a documentary about
The Rag. Recently, he sent me a great summary of the
Rag's legal case that went to the Supreme Court -- understandable to those (like me) without law degrees. He also worked on the
Space City! paper in Houston and the
Great Speckled Bird in Atlanta. I know that he will be best known for his public service as an elected official in Maryland, but he will be fondly remembered by many who knew him in his younger days. What a life well lived. May his memory be a blessing.
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My condolences to Doyle's family. I knew Doyle during the time he was in Austin starting in the late 1960s. He and I worked together in the antiwar movement. We both spent a great deal of time building a branch of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) called the New Left Education Project (NLEP). We distributed antiwar literature on the UT campus. NLEP members were accused of selling literature on campus, a clear violation of University regulations. Of course, we were selling literature, but we were able to get the charges dropped. Eventually, this case of solicitation of funds went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Doyle and Alice Embree teamed up about a year ago to provide a detailed account of the legal proceedings. I have included this insightful work into research I am doing on the Austin antiwar Movement. Doyle gets pride of place in my book. I have a photograph that I want to include in my book. Doyle is right out there in front of the march, in a long line of dedicated antiwar protesters. I remember him as a tireless fighter for the antiwar cause -- sharp-witted, clear headed, and a really good person with a cogent argument. Over the past years, I have gone over police files about the antiwar movement. I have found references to him and several clandestine surveillance photos. For me, these are signs of his relevance -- and badges of honor.
In email communication starting several years ago, I had agreed with Doyle that we would meet in Washington DC at some later date to reminisce about how we tried to stop the War Machine. Alas, this is not to be. In my mind, I still see him -- smiling and talking, arguing and gesticulating, bushy hair, big old sideburns. He always had something very carefully reasoned to say about strategies and tactics. Our paths crossed during this one profound moment in American history. For his children, your dad was out there, bigger than life, strong willed and thoughtful and kind. He was a comrade you could rely on, and trust. I know he made a difference -- and I am so saddened by this terrible news.
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Sending my condolences to the entire family. Doyle was my classmate at the UMD Law School, he and I saw eye to eye on many topics. Later we crossed paths again in Prince George’s County. Huge respect for all his dedicated service to our community.
1
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
1
I'm so shocked and saddened to hear of Doyle's passing. My heart and my love goes out to his entire wonderful family.
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Watch this Doyle Niemann oral history interview, 2017-05-04. Part of the Great Speckled Bird Oral History Project at Georgia State University Library.
IT IS LONG. So here are some parts to scroll to:
00:01:23 - Growing up in Grand Island, Neb.00:08:23 - Working parents and family businesses00:18:38 - Segregation, the University of Nebraska, and early activism00:28:44 - Early influences and the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS)00:41:23 - Career ambitions and intellectual influences00:53:06 - The New Left at the University of Texas01:07:05 - Ideology of the New Left and the dissolution of the SDS01:19:04 - Journalism beginnings at the Space City News01:30:09 - Travels to Cuba and relocation to Atlanta, Ga.01:41:11 - The draft and the FBI01:50:15 - Involvement with Unitarian youth groups01:58:37 - Social dynamics of The Great Speckled Bird02:08:51 - Working at The Great Speckled Bird02:20:36 - Progressivism at The Great Speckled Bird02:35:08 - Leaving The Great Speckled Bird02:38:26 - New beginnings at In These Times02:53:45 - Activism after In These Times03:05:36 - Living in the Washington D.C. area03:13:39 - Entry into Maryland politics03:31:18 - From the Maryland House of Delegates to the States Attorney's Office03:44:02 - Reflections on life and work experiences
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I knew and worked with Doyle as ED of a Montgomery Co. based UFCW Local. I had tremendous respect for him. He was always a good man of principle and someone you could count on!
Farewell my Brother!
Bob Stewart
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Just wanted to share this story of how Doyle's kindness impacted my life. When I finally gathered up enough courage to self publish my poetry book in 2021, Doyle (who I knew as my partner's Uncle) reached out to support me and purchase a copy. He then took time to send me a really kind and thoughtful message about it after he received it. He also told me he took the liberty to subscribe me to poet/songwriter Carrie Newcomer's newsletters, because she was one of his favorites and he thought I would resonate with her work. This was a small gesture of kindness but it meant the world to me. After hearing of his passing I went back and reread the first newsletter of hers he shared with me when he sent the subscription and it was a timely message I needed to read again. I'm grateful for Doyle's presence in Paul's life and mine during the time I knew him. My love and prayers go out to all of you who are mourning this tremendous loss.
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