Doug Barnes, 78

My friends Doug and Whiskey.

Doug Barnes and his well-known dirt-stained yellow lab named Whiskey, were some of the most iconic characters on the North Fork. Doug constantly walked along the North Fork with Whiskey trailing by every summer, ignoring oncoming traffic while his dog happily approached each car driving by to the point where drivers were forced to stop.

I had the luxury of spending time with the two. Whether it be occasional visits, driving them to town, or doing some odd jobs for them.

Doug loved to tell me stories about his past jobs, projects to keep the North Fork less industrialized, and his adventurous trips to Belize.

What I remember most fondly of the two, were Doug and Whiskey’s relationship. I would drive them to town, and Whiskey would begin licking my face intensely, and all I would hear Doug scream was “NOOO!!!!” Loud enough for the all the critters outside to hear. Which made it so fun, was after Whiskey got bored licking my face, Doug would immediately tell me, with a soft and blissful voice “aren’t dogs just magical creatures.”

That was Doug. On the outside, stern and eccentric, but when you got to know him he was kindhearted, emotional, philosophic, and a loving man. And Whiskey was a reflection of his true internal values. He loved his dog Whiskey, more than anything, and it showed.

Doug and Whiskey passed away together recently in a house fire on the North Fork. Although I believe many did not know Doug or Whiskey all too well, I feel the stories I had with them should properly reflect who they were. A kind-hearted, appreciative, and selfless team. They will be missed more than they know.