EAST MEREDITH - When Doug turned 70, he said that he had rounded third, in the game of life. On Tuesday, Aug. 13, he slid into home after a long, courageous battle with cancer; the good Lord knows, he was loved and will be missed terribly.

Doug was born in Delhi, on Oct. 20, 1951, to parents Robert and Margaret "Peg" (Merritt) Amadon. Initially settling down in the town of East Meredith, the family eventually set up a permanent homestead in Davenport Center.

Doug's childhood was full of fun and adventures, many of which were shared with his siblings and two lifelong friends, Craig Harvey and Tom Davis. His days were filled with fishing, swimming holes, 4-H, raising and showing chickens at the State Fair (in which he won many an award). Doug was quite often seen on his bike with his pet chicken, Mr. Ed, riding on his shoulder. Additionally, Doug also spent a lot of time working on Ray Christensen's farm, where he earned the nickname, "Tiger." Doug was a man of many a nickname, including (but not limited to): "Dougie," "Uncle Doug," "Disco Doug," and "Also."

Doug graduated from Charlotte Valley Central School in 1969. He then went on to attend Farmingdale Community College, majoring in aeronautics.

Soon after college Doug met the love of his life, Mary (Smith). Their love story was one born of fairytales and they remained true to their vows until the very end. No matter the challenge, they were able to overcome it, just as long as they were together. Aug. 26, they would have celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary.

Being a Saturday child, Doug worked hard for a living. He wore many hats throughout the years: he worked with many companies doing siding and construction, owned and operated a whitewash and cattle spraying business, and owned and operated a wholesale greenhouse range.

His collective skill set allowed him to personally renovate his historical home, both inside and out. Of course, this was done under the close supervision of his wife, Mary, who held creative control of all projects underway.

It was often said Doug could, "make friends with a tree." He could strike up a conversation with anybody, any place, any time, over anything. Doug was known far and wide as a jokester. This charismatic and humorous demeanor earned him friends wherever he traveled. His quick-witted humor will be missed by many.

Doug loved the great outdoors, whether it was for work or play. He was an avid deer and pheasant hunter. Doug loved animals and spent many years with a trained bird dog by his side. While they all held a special place in his heart, I am certain he was greeted in Heaven by his most cherished canine companion, Zach.

A man of many talents, Doug also had a passion for cooking. One of his favorite pastimes was preparing a meal to share with friends and family. You could often find him entertaining outside in what he coined, "the west wing" of the house (a back-enclosed deck that he built with his heart and soul). He loved playing golf. He was always ready to play a round with his friend Rusty. He enjoyed going up to the barn at Charlie and Patty's to hang with the "cool kids." He loved the annual high school class reunions, catching up with friends, and sharing memories. One of his favorite pastimes was taking rides around the block and eating lunch in the park with Mary.

We so appreciate the love and support of our family members and friends who shared this journey with us. They circled their wagons around us and we welcomed their strength and love. We never felt alone. Special thanks to Jeanne, Debbie, Suzie, Timmy, Charlie and Patty, Steve and Penny, Zippy and Joan, Bill and Peg and Cheryl.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his daughter, Dr. Erin Amadon of Raleigh, North Carolina; siblings, Debbie Meyer (Jeff), Bruce (Pam) Amadon, and Jackie (Mark) Wright; his in-laws, Suzanne Smith, Jeanne Slawson (Bart), and James (Beth) Smith, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and his cherished "grand-pups," Chloe, Abigail, and Meredith. He is predeceased by his parents, Margaret and Robert Amadon.

A celebration to honor the life and legacy of Doug will be held at noon Wednesday, Aug. 21 at the East Meredith Fire Department, 6192 County Highway 10. Per Doug's wishes, there will be no calling hours or formal funeral service held. Please keep Doug's memory alive. Come to this celebration with stories, pictures, and memories. While he may be gone, we want to keep his spirit very much alive.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com, the website of Oneonta's only family-owned funeral home, Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono at 51 Dietz St.