A DKP LEGEND PASSES

[johnl]

Today on my way into work my cell rang.  It was Ron Fleming to advise me he had just been informed that our beloved friend Doug "Underdog" Gordon had passed.  At this point I have no details but I sure they will come soon.

Doug was a very special friend to Christie and myself.  There were many times when the three of us would visit and do things that were not DKP related.  Currently my memory is going through countless times with Doug or as most of us affectionately called him, the MASS.  Doug was a towering guy and had a heart just as big.  Once you got through that rough exterior you would find a very special person inside.

A few years ago he phoned me on a Saturday and we chatted.  I had a feeling that something wasn't just right so I said, "Doug, what is wrong"?  At that point he told me he had lost an eye due to cancer.  Christie and I made a trip up to visit him and found him to be the same big loveable guy as always. 

Some years back were able to get Doug to meet with several of the original DKP members at a local eatery and we all waited with anticipation as to how he would look and act.  The door open and in walked an older somewhat thinner Doug.  There was no mistaking that it really was the MASS.  His false eye was not really detectable and he did walk with a Cain but seemed to do well.

From that time on Ron and I tried numerous times to get him to come around but as fate would have it that never came to pass.  We don't know why he stayed away and I guess we never will.

Attached is a photo of Christie and Doug the last time we got together.  God's speed Doug, we will miss you..................................

[Donny B.]

So sad...!

[speedwell]

Sad news 

RIP Doug

[Fastbrit]

I was truly saddened when I heard the news earlier today. A great loss and, as Ron 'Dad'; Fleming pointed out to me on the phone, if it hadn't been for Doug agreeing to turn his street car into the original orange Underdog, Ron may not have ended up being the racer he is today.

On a personal level, I was blown away when Doug showed up at the launch of my original California Look VW book at VW Classic back in '95 or '96. He hadn't been to a VW event in an age, so it was a real surprise and a great honour.

God speed Doug – and thanks for corrupting the Flemdog...

[Rick Meredith]

Very sad.

Godspeed Doug.

[TexasTom]

Such sad news to hear ... RIP Doug Gordon!

[johnl]

I've located this link regarding Doug that I thought would be good to share.  Even with the loss of an eye he enjoyed photography and was quite good at it.  Some of his black and white work we saw was really outstanding.  http://finearttrekkinmonrovia.blogspot.com/2011/04/doug-gordon-winner-of-heart-in-arts.html

All I can say at this time is I'm still numb from the info of his passing.............

[nicolas]

very sad news indeed. my condolences to family and friends

[j-f]

Sad new, condolences to the family   

[Fritter]

Sorry to hear about this. 

[IP359]

Sad to hear that 
RIP Mr Gordon

[.]

Race In Peace Doug
 

[Fasteddie63]

RIP Doug,He Was One Of Our Cal-Look Godfathers For Sure

[flemdog]

It's been a real tough day for me. Thanks for everything Doug and a safe journey to vw hot rod heaven for you truly belong my friend !
Gone to soon the real "underdog" the reason I'm a vw drag racer Doug Gordon!

[johnl]

It's been a real tough day for me. Thanks for everything Doug and a safe journey to vw hot rod heaven for you truly belong my friend !
Gone to soon the real "underdog" the reason I'm a vw drag racer Doug Gordon!

Ron it has been a tough day for several of us that knew and loved the guy.  Gregg Bunch just left my house moments ago after we did some VW related stuff and then Gregg joined Christie and myself for dinner.  Friendships that developed all of those years ago seem to endure as I think we all appreciate each other more now than back then.

I look forward to seeing you at Zero Dark Thirty on Saturday and expect a hug as you know you'll get one back.  I think the MASS will be looking down on us with approval..............

[edcraig]

Sorry to hear the news.  Doug was a really nice guy.  RIP Doug.

...Ed

[Eddie DVK]

Really sad.

My heart goes out to who loved\knew him.

Godspeed.

[Matty c]

Rip doug

[dirk zeyen]

 Condolences to the family!!!

[Scoops]

Sad news

[peejke]

RIP Doug,
don't let him be forgotten.

[Jim Ratto]

Real inspiration to all of us guys that have ever faced the Christmas Tree across from twice-the-cylinders. Showed us what can be done with a warmed up street car, way back when.
Rest in Peace

[Russell]

My deepest condolences to his family and to his VW friends, his car Underdog 1 was the first replica I want to build and am somewhat pleased that Underdog 2 has graced the NHRA museum. From what I know he was the man behind the scenes but a very important man.

RIP

[johnl]

Here are a couple more photos regarding Doug.  First is one Christie took at Cars & Coffee yesterday morning.  Ron Fleming showed up with his Underdog orange shirt on.  How appropriate we thought and Ron agreed.

Second is a shot of our wedding on August 21, 1971.  As Christie and I were walking out of the Church who else but Doug would be there.  His back is to the camera and his hands on his hips but I remember the look on his face some 42 years later.  From this photo I think you can get a perspective of how big the Mass really was.  The only thing larger about Doug as I've stated prior was his heart.  Also, the guy on the far right is Rich Kugel.

[DKK Ted]

Condolences to the family and his close friends.

Ted

[jamiep_jamiep]

Very sad news, the loss of a legend and by all accounts a very nice guy.

[MC Dyno Don]

 "Big Doug" will be missed... had a chance to view some very nice pictures that(Jonh L. sent me) that Doug took along the way in his journey of life that captured some beautiful moments. A rather quiet gentleman who enjoyed life. RIP DG....    Dyno Don

[speedwell]

"Big Doug" will be missed... had a chance to view some very nice pictures that(Jonh L. sent me) that Doug took along the way in his journey of life that captured some beautiful moments. A rather quiet gentleman who enjoyed life. RIP DG....    Dyno Don

[MC Dyno Don]

Thanks Fabs..!!  For those wanting story value/ The deck lid in the picture was in fact the Underdog lid that was taken as a DGVA club prank in the early years at Orange County Raceway. I located the lost deck lid years later in an ex club members garage just sitting in the corner with some old parts. I asked to have it in my possesion and he gave it to me knowing that I thought it was only fitting to return it, after the many years gone by, back to its original owner, Doug Gordon of The Underdog.

[johnl]

We've just returned home from a very special evening.  Recently I was contacted by a friend of Doug Gordon's advising me of a memorial gathering that was by invitation only.  This gal knew who we were by Doug talking about us numerous times over the years and thus the contact.

I started an e-mail communication with her and believe it or not she knew virtually nothing of Doug's VW days.  She even told me she had never heard of the Underdog until I mentioned it.  At that point I ask if Doug ever spoke of Ron Fleming or others and to my surprise she said no.

At that time I explained the relation that Ron and Doug had and she ask me to pass on the invitation.  So tonight Ron, Gregg Bunch, Christie and myself attended a small gathering of family and coworkers at JPL where Doug had worked for 25 years.

Ron and I told several adventures of our times with Doug and these folks were amazed.  Gregg had put together a good photo display of some of those times.  More amazing we learned that Doug had a brother two years older than him and he knew nothing of the VW history.

Doug was a rather private person and kept his illness away from most, but in this gathering we learned much of what a giving and caring person he really was.  He was well respected and loved in the local art world and had won many awards with his photography.

There was a lot of laughter and a few tears along the path.  We three Panzers feel a great loss of our dear friend but are so thankful we had the journey we were allotted with him.  I'm sure he was smiling down on all of us this evening.

Attached is a program that was passed out to all of those attending tonight and I thought I'd share it with you.  Once again God's speed Doug.  We miss you and you will always be in our thoughts and hearts....