Douglas Kamuela McKeague
October 29, 1942 – May 7, 2014
Douglas Kamuela McKeague was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on October 29, 1942 to the late Esther and Zachariah McKeague. He was an artist, musician and massage therapist among many other talents. Doug is survived by his wife Violet McKeague, daughter Coral McKeague-Higby and son in law Eugene Higby. Brother of Richard McKeague and the late Barbara McKeague. His passing was unique, of course, as was he. This is Coral’s version of the event: My dad has passed. Mom, Uncle Richard and I spent the night in the hospice with him that day. All night, I barely slept, restless – I kept checking on him, wondering why he was waiting… Morning came and he was still alive, though not awake. Gene and his Dad got there and we were all milling about the room talking when a therapy dog named Joyce (also my late mother in-law’s name) came in, she was a guide-dog for the blind reject, half Golden Retriever and Half Labrador. She visited with all of us, then we put dad’s hand on her head and she gave him kisses, and he opened his eyes, they were clear. Then it was like Joyce Higby, and all of our dogs we’ve ever had come to walk Dad to Heaven with them. He was waiting for them, and when he went, it was all okay. He is no longer suffering. I’m positive. Dad’s dear friends Brother Noland and Steven Bader are planning a gathering of music and remembrance on May 26, 2014, Memorial Day. Details will be posted on www.caringbridge.org/douglasmckeague/ when when they are available.
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Please allow me to offer my sincere condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Our Heavenly father in His word the Bible, calls death an enemy (1Cor. 15:26). He promises in the very near future to do away with death. (Rev. 21:4,5) At that time tragedies and accidents will be a thing of the past, and no one will ever get sick (Isaiah 33:24) and there will be a reuniting, a bringing back to life instead of losing life. (John 5:28,29) I hope these words can give you some comfort and hope. (2Cor. 1:3,4)
Dear Vi (and family),
I had no idea that Doug had died. I only knew (but was apparently wrong) that he’d have a birthday in June, and I was writing to send greetings in advance! And yet, I was too late. And, in any case, this obituary says he was born October 29. (I’m curious, is June your birthday, Vi, or your wedding anniversary? I wonder why I had it noted.)
My deep condolences for your loss of Doug, not just this May, but all that was lost in that horrible accident so many years ago. I so appreciate you, Vi, for your support of Doug during all the challenges that ensued. It must have made a huge difference in his life.
Though I visited him in the hospital and phoned him, our physical paths did not cross again, but Doug does indeed live on in my memory and the rare tribute Mom made to him: At a party in my home, they sat on one of the white wicker love seats and he sang very quietly to her, accompanied by his ukelele, . Mom was so impressed that she stood and addressed the crowd to be quiet, and listen to Doug’s beautiful singing!
I smile now, thinking that, if there’s a heaven, Mom and Doug can enjoy each others music, there! (:o)
Blessings to you, dear Vi, and all the family and friends, who were there for Doug and will miss him yet may be comforted to know he suffers no more.
Softly,
Gretchen
PS: I wish I could remember how Doug first entered my life, to play drums for my concert at Bumbershoot (in the Starbucks tent). I know we had one rehearsal in your home. On another occasion (perhaps earlier), I went by boat to a party on the bay in Olympia, at which Doug had brought his van and karaoke equipment. If you have memories you can fill in for me and would like to share, I’d welcome them. In any case, I hope you have many, many good memories to warm you through the years.
To hear my parting thought, you may go to http://www.GoldCupMusic.com and click on “What Time Is It?” With love to share, Gretchen Christopher