Doug Gilliam is a happy man at 68. Compare the serious composure of the yearbook picture of the 29-year-old tennis coach (page 96) to the recent picture. In high school we knew him as a pretty serious guy, but also as a joker. He was serious about his job (and ours!) but happy in his career with kids. The icing on the cake was coaching and playing lots of tennis. He had a number of jobs in the district. He went from teacher to counselor to vice-principal at Analy. He then became the Principal of Laguna High School and the Assistant Superintendent of the District.
When Doug retired he was thrilled to spend more time with his loves:
his wife, Pat, his three daughters and their families and tennis. As
those of us with older parents and siblings know, aging loved ones bring
challenges and worries. So do rocky times and illness in our personal
lives or those of extended family members. We know that there is no
life exempt from hardship but Doug has faced any of these with
positive energy, concern and joy. Any negatives are just a small part
of the overwhelmingly joyful world that he holds as his life. His focus
is always a positive one and he generously shares his help, support and
companionship. Happiness is the bigger picture.
Doug’s primary activity is teasing his wife, Pat, in any spare time he
finds. Needless to say, she keeps him as busy as she can. Extra
curricular activities include tax work during the season; pouring wine
at the Harvest Fair judgings in the fall; computer card games, primarily
pinochle, with people worldwide; and traveling. Did you know Doug has
been to every state of the union?
Look again at the current picture of Doug Gilliam. His sideways grin
and bright eyes suggest the imp inside that’s always ready to spill
out. Doug is a happy man!
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