Last Friday, we lost one of our Dads. Doug Willey died suddenly and much too young. He was a friend. His passing is a terrible loss for his family - and for our community.

He was dedicated to his wife and daughter. Their family surrounds them as they survive this tragedy. They are surrounded by their Palmer Avenue block that understands what the word 'neighborhood' means. And our town stands ready to help them through these days. As we remember Doug, his life taught us some lessons.

Doug was not the flashiest guy. He was not the loudest guy. He's the guy you would see in the crowd doing his job, focusing on his job, centered on his family. And he was a comet of life.

A number of Christmases ago, we were having one of our Christmas parties: house was full, loud and chaotic. The doorbell rang and I opened it up. There stood Santa in his full regalia. He wished me a Merry and proceeded past me into the house. As he did, I kept asking, "Who are you?"  He made his rounds through the house quickly, exited past me, back out the front door and went on his way. I had no idea who that bearded man was. Later into the evening I finally guessed right. But that run through the house kind of sums up Doug for me. He wasn't here long, we may not have known it was him doing something for us, but we learned he made us smile and made the world a little bit better place for us.

If we were lucky enough to have a world full of Doug Willeys, our children would be happy and content, our communities would have the best quality of life - and baseball would be played 24/7! We miss him. Our heartfelt condolences to Susan and Kristin and his entire family.

Hats off to Doug Willey! Go Phils!