May 02, 2009
Remembering Doug Daily
Doug Daily passed away last night after a brief-but-agonizing battle with cancer. Doug was many things: passionate and skillful career public defender; patient and thoughtful judge; proud father and grandfather; loving husband; and an incredibly talented musician.
I don't have any photos of the times I spent with him in court, first as opposing counsel, later as an advocate appearing before Judge Daily, but I do have this slideshow, from one of Doug's gigs with his band, Dynamo Jump.
Doug was playing at the Sidecar Cafe in Ventura three years ago when I took these photos; the song is from his CD, which I've played many times while writing or driving.
His loss is tragic, for his family, as well as the local legal community.
Lawyers are often a vile, petty, backstabbing bunch of conniving, carping, pettyfogging poltroons, but Doug was the exception to the rule. In a profession where everyone has something bad to say about their colleagues, I don't know that I've ever heard anyone criticize Doug.
I think Doug Daily managed to spend a lifetime in the practice of the law without making any enemies -- an unheard of accomplishment.
Doug and I had a brief conversation about music -- he'd loaned me a guitar to try and learn on ("try" is the operative word), encouraging me to keep at it, and I'd recently purchased a guitar of my own and wanted to tell him about it -- a day or two before he left the courthouse, never to return.
It was the last time we spoke.
This video is how I want to remember him, jamming on his guitar, having a ball, laughing and singing as he entertained himself -- and us, too.
Resquiat in pace.
Posted by Mike Lief at May 2, 2009 10:25 PM
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Comments
Really sad news. No more to say.
Posted by: The Little Coach at May 2, 2009 11:04 PM
No finer person has practiced or sat as a judge in our courthouse. Doug, I will miss you.
Posted by: Ryan at May 2, 2009 11:20 PM
Doug was a class act. A man of integrity, compassion and a desire to do right. We are all better for knowing him.
Posted by: Bill at May 2, 2009 11:26 PM
Very sad. Doug, you are sorely missed.
Posted by: Thin Ice, Sr. at May 3, 2009 08:16 AM
My only contact with Doug was as an acquaintance, jr. high and high school. I met him again during a high school reunion. I have crossed paths with only a few individuals who were both genuine and sincere, and he was one of them. I am glad to have met you.
Posted by: Jesus Sandoval at May 14, 2009 03:47 PM
The year was 1985 and I had just graduated from a paralegal program. I was provided with advice to work for free for a while to get some practical experience.
After calling several places and getting turned down, I called the Public Defender's Office and was fortunate to speak with Doug Daily, who enthusiastically offered to let me assist him at the Camarillo State Hospital where he was assigned to handle the Mental Health calendar.
The first day I showed up, Doug put me at ease, and taught me so very much. I watched him single-handedly cover the calendar, and I marveled at his warmth, patience and compassion for the people he served there. It really takes a special person to work with this population, and Doug had exactly the temperament and skill necessary for the job. It was demanding and thankless, but he never complained.
I was thrilled to see him finally elevate to the judicial bench, and so very sad to hear about his cancer diagnosis and eventual passing. Doug was a man of character and a true champion for the rights of the mentally ill. I feel blessed to have had that special training from him. I shall never forget him. May God rest his soul.
Posted by: Roz at May 15, 2009 03:17 PM
I am writing a piece about Judge Daily for the Ventura County Bar Association's magazine, Citations. Any reflections like those above would be very helpful - Doug deserves a great send-off, and I can use all the help I can get. My email is eric@lascher.com
Posted by: Eric Reed at May 15, 2009 04:27 PM
How sad to hear Doug has left us. He was always special. I was his roommate and friend at USC for 2 years, along with our other great friend, Don. Most of my college recollections are of the 3 of us.
I remember him jamming in our living room whenever the opportunity arose -- and many weekend trips up to Oxnard for gigs with his band at the time, Zambimbo.
He was not only a great musician (got me my first guitar, a Fender Mustang!) but also a bright and very compassionate friend -- one of those very rare people you can't help but liking because of his genuine honesty and concern for others.
I'm not suprised he was so successful in life -- he always wanted to be the best he could be at anything.
I am greatly saddened. But I know this: he will make heaven a better place (and if I know Doug, he's jamming with the angels in a pick-up band right now).
Posted by: Pete at January 25, 2011 05:00 PM