Douglas W. Early

Service Information

A Memorial gathering will be held February 18th at 1 PM. Contact Catherine Sarette for details at auntbellow@gmail.com

Douglas W. Early was born in Nashville, Tennessee on St. Patrick's Day, 1953. He was a big guy, 6'4" tall, a gentle guy, tender with his cats; a quiet guy with a twinkle in his eye who had rock solid beliefs and unshakable opinions which he never voiced unless asked. When faced with arguments or advice he didn't argue but went on thinking and doing exactly what he believed to be right. As a child, when his teachers discovered that the material at his grade level was beneath his abilities, they gave him books and sat him in a corner to study on his own. The habit never left him. He believed there was no problem he couldn't research and solve alone.

He came to Bellingham by way of California, having earned a BS degree in Astronomy at Caltech but also having worked for the Krishnamurti Foundation in Ojai for many years. He saw no contradiction between the two sides of himself. He had a scientific, spiritual mind. Whenever ideas came his way -- out of body travel, dreaming as a window into the future -- he experimented with them using scientific methods. Among his many interests were physics, astronomy, photography, computer programming, the teachings of Seth, homeopathy, art, and music. At the time of his death he was writing a book on the physicist David Bohm.

Doug spent the last years of his life living with housemates in a household on Sehome Hill. He worked from home as a copy editor, mostly of academic articles. He leaves behind his mother, a brother, two nephews and a niece, as well grieving friends and housemates who miss him more than we knew, and box upon box upon box of books on every subject under the sun.

He died of cancer on the afternoon of January 19th after four months in Whatcom Hospice House. He had fought for over a year with homeopathic remedies, never mentioning more than a backache to anyone for the first eight months of the illness, and always saying, when asked about his back, "It's getting better." His end was peaceful, surrounded by friends and music. He believed that after death he would awake into the larger consciousness that actually ran the avatar of his mortal body, and the next step will be to begin again as a new little baby with all the learning inside him from this and all past lifetimes.

His family and friends thank the wonderful Hospice House staff and volunteers who made Doug's last months as good as they possibly could be. We also want to thank the alternative practitioners who helped him in his final months: Chiropractor Jackson Highley gently moved Doug to understand that he had cancer. Homeopath Carolyn Hallet persuaded him to see a doctor and for the remaining months of his life provided homeopathic remedies that relieved his pain and symptoms. She and Hypnotherapist and NeuroLinguistic Programming coach Cindy Brooks helped him to stay off heavy pain medication and live with a clear mind until the very end.

Memorial donations may be sent either of the following:

Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Belllingham, WA 98225 www.hospicehelp.org

Whatcom County Library Foundation, 5205 Northwest Dr., Bellingham, WA 98226 www.wcls.org/Foundation

Memories

From Linda and Richard

We're so glad that we could get to know Doug a little better in the last months of his life. He brightened our Christmases for years with his dry wit and sweetness. We love you, Doug.

L & R.

Feb 02, 2012

From Christa & John Shaw

Doug is missed and I always treasure our shared love of chicken, the garden and natural life around us. His gentleness has touched my heart and his memory is with me even here in Thailand. Goodbye and farewell as you journey on, Doug.

Feb 09, 2012

From Martha Porter Irwin

I knew Doug in his youth and have loved and enjoyed the many experiences of the Early family thoughout the years. I knew of Doug's brilliance at an early age and his sweet spirit. I remember when his Sunday School teachers were having difficulty convincing Doug to do something, and his said, " I do what Stever (his brother) does". He's probably helping God with a thing or two now. Farewell, Doug.

Feb 10, 2012

From Cindy Brooks

When I remember Doug I am most affected by my memory of his gentleness, and curiosity. I sensed in him a deep ability to reflect and to love. I always felt held within a much greater conversation when spending time with him. Thank you Doug for sharing your expansive mind, your good will and your beautiful vulnerability.

Feb 15, 2012

From Echo Mae

Doug became a part of my life at Key Street House, where I lived with him in a community household for several years. I will always remember Doug as a gentle and witty man who was full of life, love, and curiosity. I think of him as lifelong learner who had a lively inquisitiveness about the world around us; he seemed to consider life the grandest of learning experiences. I keep so many wonderful and beautiful memories of you in my heart, Doug. Thank you so much for the privilege of being a part of your life. We all love you so much.

Feb 15, 2012

From Carol Oberton

ahhh Doug, I miss his warm smile and easy going laugh, the crinkle in his cheeks below eyes as he patiently explains to me, yet again, how do use my computer, install this or that program...We shared an appreciation for visual arts and artists, had many wonderful conversations about how the world should work ... he had integrity & attention to detail, a marvelous mind and great sense of humor... such grace and humility....what a honor it is to call him my friend.

Feb 15, 2012

From Arielle Stein

The words already written here have reflected so beautifully on Doug's gentle presence. Doug was an impressive combination of someone so rounded in so many areas of science and mysticism, so well researched and strong willed, yet so kind, gentle and good natured. The last four months brought many of Doug's friends together in a very supportive way with Doug at the center of a creating a calm and positive setting. Thank you to Catherine and all the Hospice staff and volunteers for creating such a peaceful setting - the way Doug wanted. We will miss Doug, and I speculate he is achieving his next set of dreams.

Feb 17, 2012

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