There aren't enough words to describe, or a paper long enough, to hold all the flowers that my friend, my guy, or as he would say "my man!" deserves. Most knew him as Doug, lots called him Skaff, but to me he was "Dougie Fresh." I called him that partly due to 90s and American Pop Culture nostalgia, but more so because he was one of the coolest people I've ever known. We've known each other for probably twenty years but became family over the past decade. Not only did I lose a friend, but the state of West Virginia lost a dear friend as well.
I'm sad because this tribute is every bit of forty years too early, and something none of us should have to endure. We had very different upbringings but had similar paths upon entering college, and we were on an inevitable collision course to meet in the real world. I became familiar with him from collegiate circles and one of my mentors turned close mutual friends. I'm not sure what it was but he took an interest in my journey of service beyond friendship when the state was quite more homogenous to say the least. This never went unnoticed, and a new relationship was born. We were way more than lawmakers or friends, we became family.
Doug hosted the only two fundraisers that I've had in Charleston. He thought it was important to help position people on his team to give back to the state he loved. That's just who he was, a team guy. It was hard to find him without a smile on his face, or better yet that smirk with some type of grandiose idea of a lifetime behind it. He was a beacon of light and wanted to make sure he could share some of his sunshine with the people that he cared about. There was never a dull moment in his presence as he was continuously plotting the next adventure.
Over the years, I learned a lot from Dougie, and I told him as much. I can honestly say if it weren't for some of his guidance and opportunities afforded, I wouldn't be where I'm at today. I am eternally grateful for the time we shared and lessons I learned from him. We traveled the country together looking for opportunities to better West Virginia. We discussed our ideal political landscape, had conversations about life and goals, talked about business ventures and projects and took trips together - but most of all we shared our respective infatuation of our sons being the best Boy Dads around.
While I won't be able to pick your brain anymore or travel with you for our next adventure - and the mere thought of that makes tears come down my face - I promise I'll keep your name and your vision for a better West Virginia alive. I promise to help Marisa and your boys with anything they might need. I promise to keep chasing my dreams and do it big like you did it. Our relationship is an example of life goals. Two different worlds, two different paths- brought together by love and a common interest in making the world a better place while having fun doing it. Family man, businessman, leader, entrepreneur, socialite and all the other accolades and titles could never serve you justice. You were simply the best champion!
Peace, love, and prayers for comfort to all the Skaff family and friends. A friend shared this with me this morning, and I want to share it as well: Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" – John 11:23-26
I love you Dougie Fresh, forever and always my man.
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