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Harry B. Doyle Memorial
We sadly report that one of 'our own' has passed
away. Harry Doyle, died June 19th 2004 while running a trail
run in California. He was only 56. Harry ran the Deadwood - Mickelson
Trail Half Marathon in 2003. "Harry only ran your trail run
once but loved it and had planned on returning this year had some
other plans not gotten in the way." his wife Diana wrote us.
The following GBMR Guestbook Entry is from Harry Doyle;
"My story is neither unique nor particularly interesting.
But it is mine. Started running about 15 years ago. Did pretty
well as an age group runner. Ran 7 marathons, including Boston
twice. Got hurt and had both knees scoped. Ran much slower but
learned that I truly love the sport and am content to be able
to just participate now. Harry"
Harry B Doyle
Aurora, CO USA
Monday, May 26, 2003
After running the DMTM Half Marathon in June '03 Harry wrote:
"Perhaps the most scenic race I have ever run in the past
20 years. Very impressed with all aspects of the race: course,
organization, entrants, area, etc. I have told all of my friends
about the race and I will definitely be back next year. WOW!"
- Harry
DMTM Exit Poll 2003
Later in 2003 Harry contacted us with the following: "I
had a wonderful time at the half marathon last year. It was
easily the most scenic, well organized and fun half that I have
ever done. I have told a lot of people in the Denver area about
your wonderful race. I was really looking forward to running
the race this year. Please tell Jerry that I won't be able to
make it this year because we are moving to California; however,
I am going to try again next year. Please don't take me off
of the e-mail list. Thanks". - Harry
We are assured that Harry died doing something that he loved
- running. The following are responses to the news that Harry
had passed away from fellow runners and are mostly addressed
to his widow Diana:
"Dear Mrs. Doyle, I was saddened to learn of the death of
your husband. You certainly have my prayers that you find peace
in knowing he was participating in a sport that he loved. My husband
suffered a massive sudden death heart attack in 1993 at the age
of 44. I remained on the Gulf Coast amidst the white sand and
gentle surf that we both loved so much. I can confirm that life
does go on and that pain does heal. Continue to celebrate your
husband’s life and please be kind to yourself. Shortly after my
husband’s death, a well-meaning friend said to me, “You’ll get
over him in time”. Well, I never did, nor do I want to. I did
find that time healed that terrible, burning pain in my heart.
It took away the emptiness and loneliness I felt. I got to where
I could see “couples” together and not burst into tears. I cherish
his memory and remember the good times, and the not so good ones;
but I can smile through them now and know that he would be pleased
with the life I had made for myself. I am now 56 and completed
my first marathon in Anchorage, Alaska on June 19th. I wish you
peace in your time of sorrow. Sincerely, Fonda Thomas "
Fonda Thomas
<FondaNFlorida@aol.com>
Pensacola, FL USA
Friday, August 06, 2004
"Diana, sorry to hear about your loss. Sounds like he did move
on to the next level with a smile on his face though. Can't think
of a better way to be greeted by the universe, than running in nature
and being comforted by all the beauty around you as you move on.
Always remember him for the happiness he brought you and he will
be with you each and every day."
Tom Schnitzius
<tom.schnitzius@ati-title.com>
Dillon, CO USA
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Diana. May we all run a few miles for you, as Harry runs them with us in the big sky.
Steve and Lisa"
Steve Murray
Eagan, MN
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
at this difficult time. I ran the 1/2 Marathon for the first
time this year. I am glad that Harry got the opportunity to
run the trail one time. Sincerely, Paul."
Paul Rud
<pandjrud18@sio.midco.com>
Sioux Falls, SD USA
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
"This is a prayer going out to "Harry" who passed away recently. I too ran the Mickelson 1/2 marathon, and as a fellow runner, though new, I pray for Harry and his family. What a blessing he was able to run!"
Mary Jo Gould <gmjgould@rushmore.com>
Lead, sd lawrence
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
"Dear Diana:
Breath deep, cry when you need and accept support from others; however it may come. Your husband Harry sounds like a gem, and his love of running quite apparent. You too, must be very special...for strangers like myself, are compelled to send their love.
Do you run too? or walk? what-ever ...you do... keep moving, keep dreaming and keep open. Your life will be strengthened by this loss and with the secrets you've shared between one and other, you will grow larger than you can imagine.
I am a wife whose husband is gone a great deal and have a daughter who is 8 and has autism. Our challenge is for a lifetime, though, I can honestly say, I am so much more aware of lifes precious, and, often taken for granted moments. And...with that I can find peace in what I have been given.
If you need really great emotional balance, I know of some great sources that have kicked me in the rear and got me moving.
e-mail me anytime. Jillultra@aol.com "
Jill Kerns <Jillultra@aol.com>
Littleton, CO USA
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
"Dear Diana,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Harry.
Please accept my most profound condolences and may God bless you and your family.
"
Rob Shooer <rshooer@earthlink.net>
Pittsburgh, PA USA
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
"I ran the 1/2 with Harry in 2003 in S.D. My heartfelt sympathies to you, Diana. You must know that Harry did what he wanted to do! He ran......that's all any of us can ask for. May the Lord bless and keep you!"
Kathi Patton <katpat@tampabay.rr.com>
Seminole, FL USA
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
"My condolences to Diana on the loss of Harry. "
Jonathan Beverly <jonathan@runningtimes.com>
Imperial, NE USA
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
"Mrs. Doyle, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I know
that I will feel an extra measure of gratitude for every day that
I run when I think of your husband. Colleen, TX"
Colleen
<colleenecurran@yahoo.com>
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
"We are praying for Harry Doyle. Thanks Jerry for letting us
know of his demise. In spirit, Louie Freiberg - At the ranch."
Louie Freiberg
<Louie@louienet.com>
Rapid City, SD USA
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
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