John D. Douthit

[Ernie Hamm]

I received the latest issue of Identification New today and sadly learned of the passing of John D. Douthit and read the outstanding tribute to John by Dave Grieve. I entered the IAI the year that John was elected President of the IAI and came to know and appreciate him over the years. He was a true professional and gentleman and I always enjoyed spending time with him. It was in later years that I spent more quality time with him at the conferences, remembering times with John and Tom Fiorenza and admiring their competition for the “best pin adored hat”. I tried in the later years to imitate John and Tom with the hat thing at conferences, but could never approach their displays.

I was also privileged to receive the IAI Good of the Association award at the 83rd IAI conference in Little Rock alongside John. I expressed my thoughts at the time that the privilege was doubly appreciated by receiving it in association with John D. Douthit for whom I had the greatest respect and admiration.

May John rest in eternal peace.