From Ronnette Riley

I just returned from vacation to find a postcard from Doug mailed June 11 and then opened my email to read such heartbreaking news.  I first met Doug in the mid 70's in San Francisco at Ant Farm where he made himself available to me, an aspiring architect.  The office was so cool and creative.  He was generous with his time even though I just walked in uninvited.

In 1980 I was surprised and delighted to work with him at Philip Johnson and am reminded of the time he thought Philip and John Burgee were out of town and came dressed head to toe in bright green leather only to find their trip was canceled.  He was a great idea man and I was captivated by his movie story boards and futurist notions.

Over the years I have kept every mailing, both postal and email, and have been in awe of his energy,  commitment and out there thinking.  No one intrigued me more. Also awed at his thoughtfulness to stay in touch.

The last time I saw Doug was Houston Jan. 02.  We ran around looking at Johnson projects we had both worked on and then spent time outside Enron's old office where he shared his latest ideas on a project about the crooked E which he envisioned to be built on the plaza in front of the building.

I am sorry I will miss his birthday/life celebration but will treasure the memories everyone has shared.  ArchNewsNow.com has posted the Houston obit on their website.

Ronnette Riley
www.ronnetteriley.com