It is with regret and sadness and respect for the Stern family that I pass on the news that Doug Stern has passed away.
Doug Stern succumbed to his challenge with cancer over the weekend and has moved to a more peaceful place without the difficulties of his former affliction.
Doug Stern is an icon in triathlon circles as an athlete, swim coach, father and husband and friend. A selfless promoter of our sport, swimming and a healthy and vibrant lifestyle, Doug lived a life few people can acheive and touched the lives of thousands and thousands of people with his many endeavors, always empowering, always teaching.
During Doug’s time with cancer his helpful spirit of friendship in the crowded city of New York was also demonstrated by the many fine friends of his who took careful and loving care of him. In advance, I apologize for the names I will miss here, but they include Kate- who did such a wonderful job of being with Doug, Samantha, Erica, Sue, Miha and- as I say, many others including first and foremost his family.
Doug is a wonderful man, I I say that not just in the hour of his passing. It is truth. Each of us fortunate enough to have met him know this and now will do our best to carry his wonderful spirit and incredible character forward as he now lives within each of us.
Oh man, that really really sucks. Please pass on my best to Doug’s family. We will sorely miss him. I regret never having met him in person. In our lives, the only legacy we really leave is the positive impact that we leave on those around us who are left behind. I never met Doug in person, but his reach was powerful. Every stroke that I swim has a piece of Doug Stern in there. In your words Tom, that is HUGE.
The loss for us is very bad but we are so much the better to have known him. His friendship is a treasure, as are all the associations I made with the people I met through Doug.
Thank you guys for all your kind words and I wager Doug’s family will also appreciate the many kind sentiments along with his many friends.
have never had the opportunity to meet him personally and it sad to see he went through so much pain from the illness and had to pass so early in life. i learned so much by reading his selfless posts on improving swimming skills over the years. what a kind man…
It is fortunate for us to live in the age of the internet whereby someones kindness and knowledge had the ability to spread to so many of us internationally that had never met him. I don’t think you could quantify the number of people his guidance has impacted on here. What a great legacy to leave…