Yesterday I was one of several hundred who farewelled Doug Woodyard. He died on Thursday 17 April.
Doug was a true pioneer and a straight operator in his property sourcing business — honest and as straight as an arrow. He was a moral and earnest soul who was perplexed when confronted by a lack of ethics in others.
I first met Doug ten years ago. He was an early member of our 3 Hours to Freedom Club network and attended our first Dolf de Roos Property Investors School, thereafter attending or assisting on many Empower Education programmes and becoming a welcome and valued part of our ‘family’. He added so much to those around him.
With film star good looks and a ready smile, Doug was an adonis — a fit, tanned, vibrant, energetic, quick-witted man with a heart of absolute gold. He was one of the kindest and most positive people I’ve ever known.
To the end Doug Woodyard was a giant, a warm-hearted king of a man, a loving, open-hearted, honest friend.
Yesterday his family and friends did him proud in a wonderful celebration of his life. But we still cried.
I count it an honour to have known him.
— Peter Aranyi, 20 April 2008
