Doug Damiano, Stinson L-5 restorer from Chino and Propwash

[bdk]

I got a call today that Doug passed on Saturday from cancer.

He and his dad, an L-5 flight crew member right after the war, purchased an L-5 project that had been a glider tug (at Ramona I think). Restoration was begun in Chino, but Doug and his dad George moved the project to Propwash when they relocated to Texas. Doug restored the aircraft to the highest factory new standard and it was a sight to behold. He had hoped to fly the restored aircraft back to Chino to show all his old friends, but alas, it was not to be.

I would be sure to get together with Doug and travel out to Propwash whenever I got to Dallas on business. I'll certainly miss his friendship and enthusiasm. He turned a real mess into a pot 'O gold.

It is really sad and scary to lose a good friend so young (mid-40s). It really makes me reflect on my own mortality. I hadn't spoken with Doug for a while and wasn't even aware he was sick until just a few days ago.

My condolences to the family and Doug's friends. He'll be missed!

[Cvairwerks]

Definitely Brandon. I last saw Doug probably back in May and he wasn't looking too good back then. I'm so in and out of the loop out at Propwash and didn't know he was doing so bad, or would have tried to make it over there a little more often. The signs of the impending problems for him were starting to show up while he was still in Chino, but no one caught on until it was way too late. That family has been had hit and I know they are hurting bad. Services are pending as of now. I'll post the info on them here as soon as I hear.