Daran Dauble of Portland, quietly passed away at his home, with family by his side, on Tuesday evening, March 27, 2012. For over three decades, Daran was well-know as Director of Golf Instruction at Glendoveer Golf Course. He had been living bravely with a rare and aggressive form of adenoidal cystic carcinoma for the last two years.
Born in Walla Walla, Washington on May 29, 1946 to Ken and Priscilla Dauble, Daran joined older brother ‘Dusty’ in the family’s move to Weston, Oregon. He graduated from WHS in the class of 1964 and Willamette University in 1968 with a BA in History.
He began his work in the golf business at Progress Downs in 1975. He moved on to Glendoveer Golf Course in the Fall of 1978 as Director of Instruction. In 1987 Daran became head golf professional at Glendoveer, and was promoted to Director of Golf in 1992. He remained there until until he passed away at age 65.
He founded Golf Doctors, Inc. a company specializing in vacation golf schools and corporate outings. With golf as a focus, Daran travelled the world playing courses across the country, in Canada and Hawaii, Europe, Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand. He particularly enjoyed working with youth and established the Glendoveer Junior Program in 1980. He was also involved with Special Olympics for 21 years. As a golf instructor, Daran was well respected with many loyal students who appreciated his patience, humor, and insights into the game. His philosophy of education can be summarized in the following quote:
“Teaching well is not only about knowing how, it’s about providing the right information in the right amount at the right time. “
Daran is survived by the daughter of his heart, Colleen Keith, mother Priscilla (Winget) Dauble; siblings Kenneth Dustan, Darcy, Dennis and Dawn Dauble and their partners: Donna Cooper, Jack Lenihan, Nancy Dauble, Brayden Criswell, as well as fond cousins, nephews and nieces, their partners and children. To all Daran was the giver of gifts, poker lessons, golf advice, Blazer commentary and big hugs.
He is preceded in death by his beloved father Kenneth William Dauble.
Daran’s life was truly rich in family, friends and experience enhanced by his appreciation of books, movies, travel and a fine repast. Although very goal oriented (Daran bungee jumped from the suspension bridge over the Kawarau River Gorge (NZ) before his 60th birthday), retirement was never a goal. Instead – his priority following chemotherapy was to return to work. He said “Why would I stop? I get paid to do what most people dream of doing when they can retire!” His golf and business customers and colleagues became lifelong friends. They join Daran’s family in thankfulness for knowing this big guy in heart and spirit.
At Daran’s request, a private gathering is planned by the family for later in the year. Please write a tribute or further honor Daran with a donation to the Special Olympics placed online at www.soor.org or sent to: Special Olympics Oregon, 5901 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97239.
View Daran’s obituary and guest book at Crown Memorial Centers