I was informed that William D. "Doug" Lanford of HMM 164 suffered a massive stroke on Jan. 5, 2009 and died nigh on 23:30 on January 17, 2009.

Doug had a wife Kathleen "Kathy" and two sons, Matt and Kirby of Camarillo California. Doug was a retired LA County Fire Fighter and was enjoying retirement to the fullest when he suffered a stroke. He apparently had no indicators or problems in the past. Doug will have a private family service and his ashes will be taken to Pt.Magu and distributed there.

I have notified his buddy Jim Nylander who was Dougs first mech as well as John Berg. I posted photos of Doug, John and myself on Popasmoke years ago. Doug was an attendant at my wedding along with my best man, Jerry Caughern who later went to d'nam with HMM 262. Both Jerry and Doug preceede me to that final roll call.

All those who knew Doug know how he will be missed by those of us who loved him. Ooorah!

Adios Doug my friend, and save some of those cans of heavely Ham and Mutha's for me.