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Dwight "Doc" Strayer

Dwight "Doc" Strayer

October 16th, 1956 - September 19th, 2020

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Name Dwight "Doc" Strayer
Date of Birth October 16th, 1956
Date of Death September 19th, 2020
Other City Malibu, CA, US 

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Jonathan Davidorf published a tribute .

Doc’s Trail
(thx to Susan A for snapping the group pic)

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Barbara And Jeff published a tribute .

A man of many talents, Doc went hiking with us...ok, we did have to twist his arm but Michelle’s love helped him find the trail.

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Kareem published a comment .

Rahimahou Allah

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Tate Brazas published a tribute .

A second video from the paddle out has been added and can be viewed in the "mementos" section or on YouTube at https://youtu.be/BZQzJZ-q_Og

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Mari published a tribute .

Malibu Times October 29

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Tate Brazas published a tribute .

Hello all! Happy Dia de Los Muertos. We have added a video of the ceremony held at Dwight's paddle out on October 21, 2020. Click the "Momentos" section to see it or copy this link to watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/49QtYDN2qEk

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Tate Brazas published a comment .

Special thanks to Gregory Matuskiewicz for the video!

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Douglas Cavanaugh published a comment .

Oh hell..where do I buy one of those shirts??

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Jim Strayer published a tribute .

Dwight was my cousin, when he was just a little kid my father got his father a job at the air traffic control center in Hawaii. Before he moved I would see him frequently at my grandmothers house in Toledo have family gatherings. He was always a happy kid. Then I didn’t get to see him for many years until I was in the Navy stationed at Kaneohe only. Aunt and uncle would invite me over for dinner about once a week. Dwight would always talk to me about going surfing at different beaches around the island and Would con me into taking him and his little brother Dean to go surfing. When Dean would go with us we would generally go body surfing at sandy beach or Pounders beach at Laie. One weekend we went to banzai Pipeline and after being knocked off my board by the wave and shot up in the air flew back down and broke my rib. Dwight consoled me with “Jimmy you know stuff happens when you’re surfing”. He continued in his pigeon accent and told me “we probably ought to go home brudda, but let’s stop in Haleiwa and get some shave ice before we go, it’ll make you feel better”. I remember going shopping at Holiday Mart was his mother and him and his brother to get an aloha shirt and slippers (flip-flops) for a party, Dwight picked out the shirt and his flip-flops and when I put them on he said “now you look Hawaiian brudda”. His mother yelled at him again for talking pidgin. I remember going to the drive-in in Kailua he would come with me and a bunch of my navy buddies. I remember us hiking the edge of the diamond head crater and falling off and rolling down the side and nearly getting killed. I remember going to Ferrels at the international market Place for ice cream, Where he introduced me to caramel and macadamia nut ice cream sundae and then tell me “brudda you know we really should have to gone to Waimanalo to get shave ice, it be betta, ya know” When I first got to Oahu I remember us going to the Willows restaurant in Honolulu and getting their famous mile high pie and him and Dean being beside themselves with excitement to see my reaction this pie that had 8 or 9 inches of meringue on top. I remember him helping me rebuild the brakes on my 1956 Rambler in his mom and dads driveway and Him helping me sew fabric on the seats that were rotted away. When we were done with the repairs he told me you know Jimmy “dis” is going to cost you a lot, now you got to take me anywhere I wanna go, so I did, we were family. Dwight and his little brother helped me explore all Hawaii Hanama bay snorkeling, hiking around the point to get to blow hole and toilet bowl hiking Waimea falls and diving off of them. I took them with me to a screening of five summer stories at the University, I remember going to countless festivals and him introducing me to Siamin noodles. So many wonderful memories, of a chill and adventuresome guy. When I left Hawaii I lost touch I knew he and his family moved to California. Few years ago I started working on my genealogy and started researching and started looking for Dwight. I found that he had a house in Malibu and got a telephone number and called and called and called never seem to be able to hook up finally last year around the holidays we called one of the numbers we had and Dwight answer the phone we were overjoyed we shared stories and information about the families and then last week something told me to Google Dwight, I did and I saw the article in the Malibu times, I was crushed. I never got to meet Michele and I am so sorry for your loss, Dwight was really a good guy. After researching his location I found out what a great guy and what a great life he had lead. I remember once we were surfing at Waimanalo and Dwight kept taking a little waves and I asked him why don’t you wait for a bigger one and he said “you know you can sit out there and wait all day or you can do like me and surf, even if it’s a little one, your surfing” So, with tears in my eyes I say, so little brudda, Aloha and Mahalo one last time. Please Tap the link below https://search.yahoo.com/search?p=aloha+and+Mahalo&fr=iphone&.tsrc=apple&pcarrier=Sprint&pmcc=310&pmnc=120

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Jim Strayer published a comment .

Try this link instead https://vimeo.com/222838982?ref=em-share

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Jim Strayer published a comment .

Dwight and i surfed all these breaks when i was stationed at Kaneohe. I wanted to share this clip because it shows the joy all surfers feel as they ride into shore and the look this guy has on his face is the same Dwight had on his face in the water https://vimeo.com/222838982

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Frank T published a tribute .

R.I.P. Dwight.. I knew Dwight through UPS.. He always wished he was at home than work.. I reminded him that he lived at Paradise and anyone would want that.. Will be truly missed...

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Simon Snyder published a tribute .

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Simon Snyder published a tribute .

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Lily published a tribute .

Fifteen years I watch him drag his flip flops into ups always so excited to come to work ...NOT he had that look on his face ooh god I had to always remind him how good he had it . Dweetoe bantito or peapod he had many nicknames but mostly he was crab

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Lily published a comment .

Picture taken Aug/2016 THIS DAY I SAW HIM AT HIS BEST HIS TRUE LOVE NO CRAB JUST A WONDERFUL PERSON A GREAT TEACHER.

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Lily published a comment .

(Sorry I was cut off top paragraph) not just the Malibu crab but a gentle giant a true sweetheart . I was happy for him when he retired he actually had a smile and super white teeth. So many stories I’m so glad I knew him my twin girls enjoyed that day with the big tall guys that was like a kid they said and I enjoyed watching him for the first time truly happy at home in his ocean .!

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Tate Brazas published a tribute .

King of the One-Footer

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Moom published a comment .

Thanks for posting this Tate, and for the "technical assistance"!

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Mari Miller published a tribute .

For the "technically challenged" (myself!) please paste the links below into your browser to view the video

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Tate Brazas published a comment .

also added to the "mementos" section!

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Mari Miller published a tribute .

A few videos from today...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSTbvgRpJB4&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPyAzrjfykU&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1lAkSd6TfM&feature=youtu.be

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Mari Miller published a tribute .

I added a few photos from the paddle out today in the "Mementos" section in the upper right corner, please feel free to take a look.

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Alan And Harry From Ups published a tribute .

We ran into him at theMalibu Guitar fest Harry and Alan in 2017

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Hank published a tribute .

you always hear the saying 1 in a million, i always thought, who is the 1.in our case it was Doc, as groms we all grew to love surfing and everything that came with it. we than would talk about how can we keep this going many of us tried but life gets in the way. jobs, families you lose the passion. Doc lived to surf,, not only did he set himself up to surf on his own time for the rest of his life he finds a women to share his life and his passion, lucky no, well planned yes. thru the years he got the cottage on the beach, the beautiful wife who embraced his passion and his warehouse of boards, and a job that allowed him to do all this. he had crew of friends that are more like family to him and Michelle. it was like a kick in the n#t$ when I heard about his passing but he had a life I admired, I mean heck he even lived in a place called Paradise so he wont have change his mailing address in heaven. I will miss you my friend

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Barbara Smith published a tribute .

Dwight stepped in as my surrogate father and walked me down the “aisle” at our wedding.

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Barbara Smith And Jeff Ort published a tribute .

One of the happiest days of our lives...shared with Doc and Michelle

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Seth published a tribute .

Doc and I became friends surfing Zuma over the years. I always enjoyed being around him as he had an Obi Wan Kenobi level of wisdom that you can only get by spending your whole life in the ocean. He loved to surf more than anyone I know. No matter how early I left my house, he would always beat me to the beach. Like so many others on here, I would always look for his black truck when pulling up to Zuma. Even on the worst days, he always managed to find that magic little left. He was a true legend, a good friend, and I’ll miss him dearly.

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Dogg published a tribute .

Dwight's only tatt
Yosemite Sam
Bad Ass

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Jim Mcloud published a tribute .

Dwight holds the world record for most waves surfed at Zuma!! I will always miss getting a good surf report from you.

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Marc Wiener published a tribute .

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Bond published a comment .

Abercrombie & Fitch commercial?

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Dogg published a tribute .

Masks and distance are good ideas in these uncertain times. Regretfully !!

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Marc Wiener published a tribute .

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Marc Wiener published a tribute .

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Marc Wiener published a tribute .

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Marc Wiener published a tribute .

What can be said,I surfed with Doc for years.We surfed Tavarua,Mexico,Nica,and Zuma.From 1 foot to 12 feet Doc Would Go.I loved surfing with Doc he had a way of always welcoming me to ride waves,always wanted to share.I Will Miss You Forever You Were My Friend.Love You Michele

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Shelly Spolter published a tribute .

May you continue to embark on your Surfin’ Safari!

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Dogg published a tribute .

Bird training video

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Dogg published a comment .

I guess you can't share video?

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Jonathan Davidorf published a comment .

Hi Michelle. One option: you can upload video to YouTube and post the link here.

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Wayne Ribnick published a tribute .

I have no words that haven't already been said. Any stories that haven't been told. Doc, I miss you every day. I feel very lucky to have been able to know you, Surf with you, and to have the honor to call you friend . Peace.

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Anthony Meripol published a tribute .

/Users/anthonymeripol/Pictures/Photos Library.photoslibrary/resources/proxies/derivatives/15/00/15b3/PWgQ1sobQRyMXGAPkcVfWA_thumb_15b3.jpg

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Douglas Cavanaugh published a tribute .

Word has it that Matthew McConnaughey taught Doc and Baker all they knew about surfing and beach culture.

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Dogg published a tribute .

The good ole days...

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Dogg published a tribute .

We need to remember all the good times and fun so we can show the kids how it's done..

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John Baker published a tribute .

Doc and I shared so many waves. 25-30 years. Every morning cove , Zuma, Oxnard and County...he had names for every spot and named for all our buddies. I called them Docisiums. So funny. He was a true surf warrior. King of the one foot. He would take any wave knee high or under. He was the leader of our tribe. Our tribe @ Zuma won’t be the same. We will miss him here at the Hut his favorite spot. All our love to Mischell

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John Baker published a comment .

These are surf spots Doc named @ Zuma. Starting at Point Dume. Pot O Gold, Randy’s Peak, Doc’s left, PDS, Star Bar, Small Point, Third Lamp Pole, Pipe, Restaurants, Drain Pipes, Bathrooms, Rivermouth, Stabbies, Turns, HQ, Hot Showers, Regulars, The Box, 9 Palms, Murray’s Elbow, Gaga’s, Rehab Reef and Corbies....

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Randy Degregori published a tribute .

Doc was the Man. My best early surf report. I really got to know him after retiring in 2001. I had more time to surf locally in the mornings. Doc came up with a nickname for most everyone. He was always right on with it too. I never heard mine, he either kept it to himself or shared it on penalties. Just called me RD. When Doc moved from 1000 Barrels, The Box, everyone followed. He could find a good wave where no one else could. Frustrating to watch, why can’t I do that? Maybe it’s the 12 years difference in age but I think it’s more than that. The times I surfed in the Cove with Doc and Michelle was so gracious to make us lunch. I treasure those days and memories. Doc knew what he wanted in life and built it just right. Miss you every day Brother. Love you Michelle ❤️

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Dennis published a tribute .

Gift in Mexico for the lady

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Dennis published a tribute .

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Marty published a tribute .

I have always enjoyed watching Doc from the Beach. His passion for Michelle, Surfing and Biking were constant reminder to all that knew him.
I remember Fighting the Woolsey Fire on the PCH with Dwight. The majority of us were suited up for the fight and Doc was in his Trunks and Flip-Flops. He told me he had enough of covered shoes working for UPS. Love You Man!

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Marty published a tribute .

Dwight with his Lazer Focus.

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Marty published a tribute .

Doc at his office.

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Marty published a tribute .

8/10/2018 I shot Dwight on 4 Great Waves this morning.

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Marty published a tribute .

8/10/2018.

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Marty published a tribute .

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Marty published a tribute .

Doc at his Home Break. 7:50 am on Friday August the 10th 2018.
I have been in the water almost every morning waiting for him to walk up the beach, stretch and join us for some conversation and fun waves. The King Family Misses You Greatly. All Love and Light to Michelle.

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Dennis published a tribute .

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Dennis published a tribute .

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Dennis published a tribute .

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Dennis published a tribute .

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Dennis published a tribute .

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Alan Willey published a tribute .

A friend gone to soon.

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Lee Westfall published a comment .

Haven't been able to surf Zuma since Doc's passing. I drive by Rehab beach and don't see Doc's black truck so I just keep on going. It just won't be the same anymore. Love you Doc!!!

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Lee Westfall published a comment .

Something that always struck me that was a good example of how we all felt about Doc. You guys remember when we all used to surf the Box. Sure, a couple months out of the year we'd be at PDS or Drainpipe but 90% of the time it was the Box, and Doc was always there. Then, after Doc had his shoulder surgery he moved up the beach to Tower 13 calling it Rehab Beach. I think he wanted to surf alone so as not to look like a kook during his rehab. Well, pretty soon I noticed more and more of us out surfing with Doc until Rehab Beach became the new place to be. Everyone wanted to surf and be with Doc because he was fun and always I got your stoke up. I can't remember how many gloomy, windy, cold and crummy surf mornings I would see Doc's truck and pull up and see Doc getting into his wetsuit for the go out. As soon as he would see me he would always say, "C'mon Lee, there's some one-footers out there and with the tide coming up it's gonna be good". Doc was SurfStoked to the end, just as we all want to be. I'm going to miss that!

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Dogg. published a tribute .

IT'S TIME TO PADDLE OUT THERE
PLEASE JOIN US AT ZUMA,
TOWER 13, WEDNESDAY AT 9AM.
OCTOBER 21st

I urge everyone to stay safe...please wear a mask , don't gather too close together. I am asking everyone to share their stories here on this website as we are not doing that publicly at the beach. This way I can also have a memorial book made.
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL THE LOVE ...

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Dogg published a comment .

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD !

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Rob Sobel published a tribute .

20 years ago, I was “sneaking” into Paradise Cove to surf. Doc paddled out to me one day and called me out. Gave me shit about surfing his turf. I had no alternative but to buy a place here. Thanks, Doc!!!
Dwight also turned me on to my favorite surfboard of all time. You guessed it. A McCoy. Love that board, although its pretty beat up now.
Finally, I remember the time the two of us were surfing PCP. It was Labor Day. The beach was jammed with people. The south swell was building and Doc and I were surfing more and more into the throngs of beach goers. The life guard had a decision to make. Force the two of us back or move 50+ beachgoers down the beach to let us enjoy the waves. Of course, the life guard moved all the beach goers, and Doc and I had a great afternoon. When the lifeguard got off work, he paddled out and we welcomed him into the line up.
I didn’t know Doc well, but the few encounters we had were pleasantly unforgettable.

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Justin published a tribute .

One of the nicest guys I’ve come across always quick with a smile or a wave we bonded over our love for boards, their shape, their unique characteristics, the joy they brought to us surfers I’ll miss seeing you on my stroll out to the rock, doc I wish peace and strength to michelle and to all your friends and families it’s been an absolute pleasure to share some time with you Doc... you will be missed

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Robert Rex published a tribute .

I surfed with Doc on a daily for a thirty something years...probably the person I saw the most besides my wife. One thing about Doc...he was the king of the unique board. He had a way of working/cajoling shapers into making boards they would probably not have come up with on their own. The wild part is they worked. The first really odd one I remember was a Jim McCloud board that looked like he cut the outline with a saw then glassed it. The rails were pretty much square...Jim must of been horrified. Doc would take that board out at big Drainpipes and fly. I remember he won a heat at a contest at Drainers with it. (I think he beat Tim Curren). Then he dove into the McCoy Nuggets...had at least six or seven of those. One small orange one was one of the fastest boards I ever saw. I remember him making waves that were so hollow he was just stuck to the wall in the pit...wave after wave. Doc wasn't afraid of a little color on his board, bright, wild patterns, not one the same....he'd reach into his board bag and pull something out you need dark glasses to study. I'm probably missing some but Malcolm Campbell Bonzers next, Russ Shorts....then he settled on the Octafish. I watched him ride those boards and I had to have one...or six. Those flew on the big days but all of Doc's boards could ride the tiny one footers. Next up Tim Ryan Twins....so many and liters and liters of foam. I remember someone saying, "Well they'll work in the small stuff, but they'll be like a runaway pool table in the big stuff." Then an early season solid south at PDS...big hollow bowls linking together...easy 10 foot faces. Doc in early on the biggest sets, connecting all the bowls...any wave he wanted. He owned it. Doc's boards....they were unique like Doc and when I think of them they make me smile.

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Douglas Cavanaugh published a comment .

Love it! He had an ugly green scaly board several summers ago that looked like a giant lizard. I called it "The Gorn"

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Dogg published a tribute .

Our scrubby....coming over since the fire..

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Douglas Cavanaugh published a comment .

He was so enamored of that jay! He would come to the beach all excited to relay the latest "Scrubby" stories.

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Matt Butler published a tribute .

Like my younger brother Mike Butler, I first met Dwight in 1975 at Drainpipe. I was a kneeboarder, there were a few of us out there back then, and surfed with Dwight and Mike now and then. A year later I played b-ball against Dwight, I was Pierce and he at Valley College, so we had a couple different connections. I had not seen Dwight much in recent years but talked to him this summer and we were reminiscing about out b-ball days. He liked b-ball but of course he loved surfing, and more importantly loved doing it with his friends. I never saw anyone get more great tube rides than Dwight in those days.
I also want to express my deep condolences to his widow. We never met but I heard about your wonderful life together through Mike. Dwight was his own man, touched many people, and will be sorely missed.
Matt Butler

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Dogg published a tribute .

Monkey...the one who got too many kitty Kisses !!

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Dogg published a tribute .

SWEET.

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Lindy published a tribute .

I first met Dwight through my client and then friend, Michelle. He had really good energy, looked like he felt comfortable in his own skin, like a guy you could trust. As I got to know him I saw that all that was true and so much more. He really cared about other people, you could see that but he put feelings into action. Sometimes he’d ride his bike past our house and see something amiss- tell Michelle,”hey something’s off at the Dollarhyde’s, we need to check it out”. He was always ready to lend a hand if needed. During the Woolsey fire we had just left for a vacation. Dwight and Michelle came to our house and put out the fires in our yard. They turned off the gas too when they smelled a leak. We could have come home to ashes if they (and other valiant neighbors) hadn’t cared so much for this place we all call home. Dwight is a part of this town, and always will be, because of the way he lived his life here. I will miss seeing him riding his bike all over the hills, I will miss watching his lanky frame on a surfboard but mostly I will miss knowing that a good man has gone from all our lives.

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Michael Howard published a tribute .

Erin and I were gutted to hear the news about Dwight. Dwight and Michelle have been family for more than 30 years. To say Doc loved surfing was an understatement. In my opinion he lived for 3 things. Michelle, Surfing and his friends and family. He and Michelle have a special relationship that will forever be alive. We who were blessed to share part of his life with him are the fortunate ones.
He left this thing called life on his own terms. That is how Dwight lived his life. Honesty being one of his great qualities. As Doc would say so many times when the waves were in question whether or not to paddle out. "You never know it may be your last" Somehow he knew all these years that his destiny lay ahead of him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Love you my friend.

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Douglas Cavanaugh published a tribute .

I loved watching the rapport Dwight had with the kids we worked with for so many years at Shaka Surf Club. Many kids came from tragic backgrounds: victims of abuse, neglect, rape, incest...you name it. Some were almost feral in their distrust of adults. Yet I never saw a single one withdraw or recoil when Doc approached them. It was as if they knew instinctively that they could trust him, that he was a gentle soul who wouldn't fail them. The kids loved him and he loved them. I used to tease him by stating that because of his skinny frame and hunched shoulders he resembled the ice cream man, and who doesn't love the ice cream man?? ("All you're missing is the paper hat and a vanilla cone to pass through the window of your truck, Doc!").

In all seriousness though, it was amazing watching how he effected them. Kids who were once shy, scared or angry became outgoing, confident and full of stoke after one session with Doc. He was like a favorite uncle figure to them and he made a difference in their lives and outlook. Week after week he would be coming out of the water, board under his arm, only to be charged and surrounded by the newly-arrived kids firing enthusiastic questions at him a mile a minute:
"How is it, Dwight?!"
"Are the waves good today?!"
"Did you catch any good ones?! Can we surf today?!"

You could see Doc's smile from a mile away at those moments, the smile of a person who is suddenly hit with the warm realization that he has touched and helped lives that desperately needed it. One kid we had was a 6'3, 250 Lb "man-child" of 14 who had anger management issues and was a bit mentally slow. But he was beside himself with joy and stoke every time he saw Doc, even when he wasn't working. He would amble up to him as he was unloading his surfboard, waving his big arms in the air in greeting, wanting to get the scoop on the waves and wondering when he (Doc) was going to work with him again. Again, Dwight's entire face is beaming.

He HATED to disappoint them or see them sad in any way, so whenever the conditions were too dangerous (Doc's word was ALWAYS the final word when it came to whether it was a surf day, a boogie board day or a waist-deep wading day. We respected his wisdom) he would whisper "Hey...tell 'em boogies only today..." and walk away quickly so he wouldn't have to hear anyone get sad about it. The guy had a big heart for youngsters.

I love you Dwight, and I'm missing you terribly already, my tears made easier by the huge bouts of laughter I have in remembering your funny quips, dry humor, quirks, passionate rants and overall hilarious ways. You were one of a kind.

I would say "rest in peace" like everyone else, but two things I never saw you striving for were "rest" and "peace." Nope, you wanted to be where the action, fun and stoke were. So I'll say "Keep on keepin' on" until I see you on the other side and all this pain of missing you becomes nothing more than another joke for us to laugh about, like we always did.

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Gary Rodriguez published a tribute .

Doc,
I tried buddy to keep you here with everything I knew. I’m sorry. I guess God had different plans. You are truly loved by many. Rest In Peace
Gary Rodriguez

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Barbara Smith & Jeff Ort published a tribute .

I only knew Doc and Michelle for about 8 years...far too short to fully embrace the presence they have held in Malibu, but long enough to love them both. We did share significant moments - he walked me down the "aisle" on my wedding day to Jeff and laughed with his two girls (Michelle and Lisa Mac) beside him at our home. He joined us on a hike (a seldom occurrence)...no bike, no board, just Doc loving Michelle and joining us in our passion. I miss him already and will never walk Zuma without hearing Michelle's whistle to him in the water, his huge wave back, and their smiles shared. Gee...it just isn't fair.

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Lou published a tribute .

Doc I’ve known you since I was 15 years old and I’m 58 now. I have countless memories and laughs
I could write volumes .
You we’re such a great friend. And I appreciate all the time I’ve spent in the water with you. And the times you took to talk to me when things in my life weren’t so great because you were a friend who cared I am forever grateful for your friendship. I will miss you more than you could ever imagine more than all the waves you caught in your life and that’s a lot of fucking waves. Michelle my heart goes out to you I am so sorry for your loss.
DOC ,
RIP

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Douglas Cavanaugh published a comment .

I met you through Doc. He had his inner circle and you were one of them. Hang in there, Louie.

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Louie published a tribute .

I shot this around 78-80 Zuma before he started riding Mc Coy
☮️♥️

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Dogg published a tribute .

Flag at half staff tower 13 today

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Corbin Timbrook published a tribute .

Often on a typical Zuma morning, crack of dawn, I’d be suiting up and would look to see Doc pulling up in his pick up. He’d give me a smile and wave his “round em up” finger letting me know it was a go out. We’d walk to the edge of the water, stretch our aching bodies and discuss our numerous ailments. We’d paddle out, a little chit chat, float in silence and then more than once, he would offer up his mantra, “we have to keep doing this until we can’t
anymore,...cause you never know”. Then he’d pick one off, rip it to the sand, ending with his signature off the top “lip bounce”! Good advise Doc. I will miss those mornings.

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Brian Ledis published a comment .

Dwight was the real deal. He was tougher than nails and what u seen was what u got, take it or leave it. And that was the beautiful part about him. He was so humble and immediately humbled you to really get down to what mattered, no BS. Hanging with him was a life lesson unto itself each and every time. He taught me alot which i am forever grateful. As a middle age dude I kind of adopted him as my surf dad and was always excited to go back "home" to trancas and show him what id learned or share in some jokes about the state of the world or our local area and get that sense of security from him (he was a natural leader) that its ok not to worry about whats goin on and how "shoot, it dont matter, you just do what you gotta do to keep movin forward. And ya either surf or ya don't." I loved throwing GIANT obnoxious shakas at him and waving wildly from across the lineup as his whole MO was to be low key and that made him laugh after he figured out i did it as a grand silly gesture and it became our thing. He was a good dude. A humble dude. Im gunna miss him forever. Giant silly shakas to the sky for ya doc, i miss u.

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Ted Silverberg published a tribute .

Photos and reflections...Time to vent! 2020 sucks on all accounts!!! Having a great friend pass away, just adds to 2020's tremendous SUCK! I always inspire to find something good I can take away from any loss. We are all here to find our own HAPPINESS. Doc found his. A simple life, a great wife, surfing , (NO LONGBOARDS, SUPS, BOOGIE BOARDS, POP OUT's etc) and biking daily ( get an electric bike, they are amazing!). You don't need much, travel as often as possible, enjoy the NO DRAMA life. The internet is for surf reports and planning surf trips and checking the weather.Its not to follow ideas, opinions, drama, shit news or anything negative. Keep a low profile, gain and give respect the old way. I have to believe some people are put on earth , just to see how some of us handle and react to things on earth. Doc may have been one of those. Some who come into your life, help us find our better selves, Doc showed me a lot about me. 2020 has angered the fight in me, I will be damned if 2020 will get the best of me, steal my friends, but know, they were better people than you were a year 2020!~

RIP to the KING of 1 footers!

Life was meant to be lived. Life is meant to include as little drama as possible. Life is not always meant to be long, some lives are best kept simple with everything in moderation.... Just surf everyday, you just surf or you don't! Avoid the crowds, be in the water on the most challenging of days. Love your wife fiercely. Hold your friends close. Its never about what you have, just what you get to do every day.... Work nights at a photo store or night shift at UPS, so you can spend countless hours and days in the water. Travel, see the world, protect things you value... My close friend of over 40 years taught me these things, through his daily choices. God knows we laughed a lot. We surfed more than a lifetime of great waves together. Doc, you did it right, you played this lifetime very well. Miss you won't cover my feelings. Maybe I am just excited for what your planning for us next. Save me a set wave. REHAB reef will never be the same, Paradise cove is devistated, Malibu has lost an icon. 40 year plus friends are few. You will never be gone or forgotten... Aloha my brother.... Stay wet. Thanks for being in my life. Will miss you very much till we meet again! ( Yup, I got tears, but you did finish, just like we always dreamed about, surfing till the very end...) RIP Mr Dwight DOC Strayer. Hugs, love and support to Michelle.

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Aka. Michelle published a comment .

You summed him up so eloquently

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Dogg published a comment .

Thank you Ted...the tribe here at the Hut misses you two. Wish you were here ♥️

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Drew Leonard published a tribute .

Jacob started surfing Zuma when he was 6 years old. Doc and everyone at the box took him under there wings and always made him feel welcome. Throughout the years, everytime I would paddle out the first question out of Doc's mouth was "how is Jacob doing". If you were Doc's friend he made you feel legit. I was lucky enough to share a couple of Nicaragua surf trips with him and almost made it to Indonesia with him. Doc, it was an honor to know you. Thank you for always making me laugh and keeping me entertained on those one foot zuma days. Thank You Simeon for the picture.

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Brian Ledis published a comment .

Dwight was the real deal. He was tougher than nails and what u seen was what u got, take it or leave it. And that was the beautiful part about him. He was so humble and immediately humbled you to really get down to what mattered, no BS. Hanging with him was a life lesson unto itself each and every time. He taught me alot which i am forever grateful. As a middle age dude I kind of adopted him as my surf dad and was always excited to go back "home" to trancas and show him what id learned or share in some jokes about the state of the world or our local area and get that sense of security from him (he was a natural leader) that its ok not to worry about whats goin on and how "shoot, it dont matter, you just do what you gotta do to keep movin forward. And ya either surf or ya don't." I loved throwing GIANT obnoxious shakas at him and waving wildly from across the lineup as his whole MO was to be low key and that made him laugh after he figured out i did it as a grand silly gesture and it became our thing. He was a good dude. A humble dude. Im gunna miss him forever. Giant silly shakas to the sky for ya doc, i miss u.

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Michael Butler published a tribute .

I first met Dwight in 1975 at Westward Beach. We became fast friends. We spent many winters surfing in Oxnard through the 80's and traveled to Mexico together. We were both working nights so we could surf days. One day I told him that I had this great job offer but I would have to work during the day and only surf on the weekends. He looked at me and said, "Potts come on, what about night sales!?" He never wanted me to give up surfing during the week or lose water time.

In recent years he joined me we working with at risk youth who were in rehab. He was amazing with those kids! Working along side Doc were some of the best times in my life, which I will always cherish. It was meant to be that during his final days he was working with kids. They learned a lot from him.

He always pushed me to be better. I looked forward to his "one liners" and texts. When he didn't see me at the beach he would simply text "Giddy".

The picture of us was taken in 1985. Dwight felt it was necessary to document the dent in my new truck.

I miss you my friend but you will always be with me out in water.

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Lizzy Baldwin published a tribute .

How can it be that I won't see Dwight everyday to hear his truck come and go, to hear him rinse out his wetsuits on the side yard, to hear him whistle to let Michelle know he's back from his bike ride, he kept me current on "As the Cove turns" news, hearing him talk surf with my 3 boys and husband, 30 years of living next door to this legend who deeply loved Michelle and the water, you rode your last wave into heaven my friend.

This picture is from Blake's wedding and the smiles on their faces show their love for Doc it made our night when he got out there and danced!

Rest in Peace Dwight the village will take care of Michelle

Love The Baldwin Family

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Jonathan Davidorf published a tribute .

Rest peacefully and playfully dear friend.
Doc impacted me like a big brother would – from the surfboard and bike I ride, to my morning routine of the Five Tibetans and YogaWheel, I trusted all things Doc. In the things he knew, Doc was a sage. When together, I was the Doctor, but he was the Real Doc. Authentic, consistent, true. With his “Doc-isms” he could sum up a situation in fewer words than a twitter post. Doc’s last words to me were in the water that last Saturday morning -- “Go, go, go!”

Much love and peace to Michelle and to all of those who cherished this very special man. Crushing. We miss you already.
-jd

PS:
A few Doc-ism nuggets (with my interpretation/translation):

“1fter” (aka one footer):
any wave below waist high

“Either you surf or you don’t.”
The answer to, “Are you goin’ out, Doc?”

“Ya never know, right?”
Another tool of Doc’s to encourage a buddy to get wet.

“Vintage”
A mountain bike without a motor

“Wall-hanger”
A mountain bike without a motor

“I got in a few wiggles”
I surfed today

“It’s over”
(1) The moment the tide or wind becomes unfavorable (2) Too many “walk-ins”

Also, here’s a link to a very short video of Dwight after the Woolsey Fire: https://youtu.be/QUYslD3PTww

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Francine Greene published a tribute .

Dwight and Michelle have been our friends for decades. Dwight was a smart, handsome, kind and humble man. He was direct with his word and correct. If you were his friend you were lucky because he believed in you. Michelle and Mother Ocean were his true loves and all dogs, kitty’s and
birds were too. He will be more than missed. Hold Michelle close because she’s a great gal. Always there 100% with perfection. She never dreamt they would not have years ahead to share together. Dwight would like that. We will miss you Dwight forever and a day.

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Barclay & Erin published a tribute .

Hit us hard today, as we just found out the news. We lived across from Dwight and Michelle for the past seven years until a month ago when we moved out of beautiful Paradise Cove. We were only weekenders -not full time residents- but that didn't stop Dwight from being open, kind and generous from Day 1. Such a good dude. He recently had been trying to sell me on the idea of motorized mountain bikes as if he sold them himself. Love that kind of enthusiasm in anyone. Anyway, it's going to take some time to process, but what a loss to the surf community, and the community at large. All thoughts, love and support to Michelle, friends and family members. Next time I head out for a surf it will for sure be in his honor. Very sad day.

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John Charles Mcdonough published a tribute .

I played on the LA Valley college basketball team with Dwight back in 1976-1977 or thereabouts. He was a good guy and a friend to everyone. We had lots of laughs on and off the court. I was always impressed that although basketball wasn't his ultimate thing, he went out there and played hard every day.
He was also the first person that was my age and sported a tattoo. I believe it was Yosemite Sam?
Rest in peace my friend!

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Bob Moran published a tribute .

He was also a pretty good basketball player back in the day.
I remember going to his games at Valley College.

He didn't get to play much, but one game, the coach let him play a lot of minutes and he was awesome. He tore it up like you wouldn't believe.

I think that was the only game his father wasn't there to see him play.
He was bummed about that.

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Bob Moran published a tribute .

I was lucky enough to be one of the drainpipe crew for a few summers with Dwight starting back about 1974 Good times. Great times.
Surfing, volleyball, sunburns, boogie boards
He got his picture in a surf mag and they got his name wrong.
They called him Dwight Straylin, I think.
Great pic.

In the winter we'd retreat the metal roll-up doors on the snack shacks.. The sun beat down on it and kept us warm. He called it the microwave.

I remember what a good and decent and funny guy he was.

There was:
Ricky Rude
Skanky Ray
No Rap
Pro-Rayer
Perko
Big Paul and all the volleyball people

Wow, this is just too sad.

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Veronique published a tribute .

Michelle and Dwight were among the first people we met when we moved to the Cove in 1994. Dwight out on the water equaled Malibu. My heart aches at this awful news. My deepest condolences to Michelle and the family.

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Doc published a tribute .

R.I.P

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Scott Pieper published a tribute .

Dear Doc
Surfing and living in Paradise Cove along side each other over the years, has been such a wonderful experience, you are the most motivated surfer/person I have known. You would guilt me into the surf with your words of encouragement and laughs. This morning looking at the surf - a new swell starting to show, my only thoughts are how you won't be in the line up and how much the Hut won't be the same without you. Your daily trek from surfing Zuma in the morning to surfing the Hut in the afternoon we could always count on seeing you in the lineup. I feel so bad for Michelle, seeing you too walking together down the beach always so happy and laughing about some new PC resident who is now thinking they belong at the Hut. Your nicknames for everyone and gossip of the goings on was second to none. Just seeing how the local residence handled that day when you were taken from us was unbelievable, almost like the fire last year when everyone stepped outside and stood around in disbelief that someone so healthy could be taken from us. I will never forget you and can only hope to be the true local you have been since you moved into the cove. Catch a 1 footer for me and tell Cal to save a spot in the lineup. RIP my friend.

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Kris Noffke published a tribute .

Met Doc in the 80's. We used to hang out at the oven back in the day. Everyone looked up to him. He is and always will be a legend. Rest easy my brother and I hope your on that endless wave. He touched so many people. His love of surfing inspired so many. He left us doing what he lived for. So fitting. His spirit will always be with us. God bless and R.I.P..

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Mo published a tribute .

I never spoke to this man but surfed beside him for the last 20 years at Zuma. I remember about 10 years ago he had a bright yellow short board, kind of big short board though, almost a gun. I remember him getting the barrel of the day at Westward beach on that yellow board as I was paddling back out. He must have lived an epic life as Malibu shredders do, but I feel for his family and friends who will miss him. Malibu has lost yet another old school shredder... guys like this are what make Malibu a real community. I’ll think about him whenever I’m paddling out at an overhead day at Westward, or when I see someone with a bright yellow gun. Love all you old Malibu shredders. Peace Doc

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Eva published a tribute .

We met everyday at the same time and place- no matter if it was cold, windy or uncomfortable for others. He was always there, in the water, tower 13. Since 3 years I am swimming every morning around 7 am and tower 13 is my turnaround point. The last days he wasn’t there, I was missing him waving at me or talking to me. I thought he will be there tomorrow. Today I got the saddest news. I’m heartbroken and I will always think of him when I’m turning around at tower 13. RIP, Dwight

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Tate Brazas published a tribute .

My uncle Dwight - beloved husband to my aunt Michelle, local Malibu surf legend, and devoted Lakers fan - died on September 19, 2020 after suffering a heart attack while surfing. To call this loss "unexpected" would be a wild understatement - Dwight was a lifelong athlete and in seemingly great health. He was only 63 years old.

Dwight had three great passions in his life: surfing, watching the Lakers, and loving the heck out of my aunt Michelle. It brings some peace knowing that he passed doing a thing he loved so much, the day after watching the Lakers beat the Nuggets in game 1 of the western conference finals.

Dwight and my aunt Michelle had a romance that spanned three and a half decades. Today, both my sister and I reflected that their marriage was the first and most enduring model we had as kids of what a beautiful, loving, co-operative partnership could look like. They truly supported one another in all their endeavors--great and small--and pursued the lives they wanted to live with gusto, but still side-by-side.

In the last couple years, my aunt Michelle and Dwight formed a bond with a wild Western Scrub Jay living in their neighborhood who they called "Scrubby." Every day, they would feed Scrubby peanuts, talk to him, even pet and hold him from time to time. Dwight was often a man of few words, but his gentle, patient kindness toward and affection for this wild bird exemplifies who he was at his very core.

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Mario published a comment .

Sorry for your lost. My condolences to you and your family. I worked with Dwight for 7 years at UPS. He was an amazing person.

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Drh published a comment .

R.I.P. DS my deepest sympathies to your family. Doc was a very nice guy, great

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Harriet Helberg published a comment .

He was an integral part of Malibu - surfing legend, indeed. Our deepest sympathies to Michelle and family.
The Helbergs

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Raleigh published a tribute .

Thank you for your friendship over the years and great conversation, YOU ARE an INSPIRATION to all...
Zuma 12 is “DOCS PLACE” RIP...
RG

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Art Mariscal published a tribute .

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Art Mariscal published a comment .

Rest In Paradise Dwight

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Dennis O’Hara published a tribute .

I am truly sorry for your loss. I worked with Dwight for many years at UPS. I always enjoyed stepping out of the hub to the area where Dwight worked and having a chat with him. He always seemed to have a smile and I always could count on him to get things done. He will be sorely missed.
Dennis

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IT'S TIME TO PADDLE OUT THERE

October 21st, 2020 at 9:00hr
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