Douglas John Velliquette, an original team member of the 1983 Springfield Rugby Football Club, passed away this month at the age of 48. Doug was a member of the Springfield Rugby Football Club from 1983 to 1991. Born June 12, 1960, in Toledo, Ohio, Doug was found dead from natural causes near his home in Colorado Springs, Colo. on March 9, 2009. In memory of Doug, a "Celebration of Life" will held at the Springfield's Rugby Club pitch on Saturday, April 4, 2009. Preceding the celebration, a memorial service will be held at the Christ Episcopal Church, 601 E Walnut St., Springfield, MO 65806, (417) 866-5133. Doug, a loving father, is survived by his three children, Nick (20), Lauren (17), and Joe (13), as well as his parents, Ronnie and Shirley; his siblings, Jeff, Craig, Brenda, Rick, and Michelle. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 20, 2009, in Colorado Springs, Colo. According to Doug's wishes, he will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up for Doug's children at all US Bank locations under the name of "Memorial Fund for Douglas Velliquette". Doug was a spiritual man. He came to know God and lived his life as a believer in Christ. His words and actions touched many lives changing many of us who knew him in ways Doug never realized. An artful and extremely creative man, Doug has left behind many of his drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, and inventions as artifacts to his life. His passion for physical art transcended into music. Doug had a fervent desire and enthusiasm for music. He loved not only to listen to all types, but he equally loved to discuss the underlying meanings of the lyrics. Only a few months before his passing he was quoted as saying that music is how God communicates with us. "Man there's going to be some awesome music in heaven!" he said. His ardent passion for artwork and music were only exceeded by his love for his children. Although estranged from their daily lives, he lived and worked for the betterment of his three kids. All he did, all he saved, and all he learned was not for selfish reasons, but for his children. Doug was the most selfless man we knew. We thought of you with love, respect, and admiration today but this is nothing new. We thought of you yesterday and the day before that too. We think of you in silence and often speak your name; all we have now are memories, your picture in a frame, and the art work you left behind. It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn't go alone, a part of us went with you but more importantly, a part of you has stayed within in our hearts! Doug "Whitey" Velliquette, we LOVE you and are happy you are with God. Save us all a place near you. And we hear the music, too! You will never be forgotten!