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Doug, better known as "Starchy" or "Half-Moon," was always so welcoming
and warm. Whenever we got together, he was the first to go for the
handshake and a hug. You really felt like family when Doug was there. He
was always in good spirits and looking for opportunities to share in some
good humor. I often joked with him about how his day was going and
if he was having an eighth, quarter, half, or full moon day. According to
John Capurso '82, "A group of Brothers were visiting another eta Chi
Chapter and met a Brother who looked just like Doug, but much bigger. His
nickname was Moon. Doug, being half his size, was forever Half Moon after
that." e origins of "Starchy" and "General" remain a mystery.
Looking back to our undergraduate days in the early '80s, Doug was among
the first eta Chi Brothers I met at the Chapter. At house tours, he was so
welcoming and conversational. He helped to make our group of freshmen
feel comfortable and at home among new friends. It was not long thereafter
that I joined the fraternity as a pledge, due in part to Doug's outreach efforts
and natural ability to connect and make friends.
In later years as alumni, Doug and I occasionally crossed paths at various
events and venues. Most recently, though, I got to see Doug, his wife, Beth
(and sometimes even the kids), at the annual Foos Rally at Ernie Cormier's
house in Norwell. Every year, it was so refreshing to catch up, have a few
laughs, and (of course) check if he was having an eighth, quarter, half, or
full moon day.
After Doug's passing, I attended his calling hours. It was great to see
so many of Doug's close friends and eta Chi Brothers in attendance.
After going through the line, we gathered in the seating area to reflect
on Doug's life and how he touched us all. e first Brother I saw at the
gathering was Mike Lawrence '82. Checking Starchy's page in my pledge
book (which is online), it was a coincidence to find that the answer to his
question was Mike Lawrence. It was great to see everyone, albeit under
somber circumstances.
Of all the Brothers I've ever met, Doug was perhaps the one who most often
wore the military red shirt (or hat) with bright white eta Chi letters. He
was an exemplary Brother through and through, always willing to help,
share, and engage. He was a true eta Chi for Life! I will miss him dearly
and think of him often.
Fraternally,
James Melvin '85
R E M E M B E R I N G D O U G S M A L L ' 81
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