Our very dear father, Douglas Churnin, passed away this evening November 1, 2012 surrounded by his beloved wife of 69 years, Flora, his four children--Sharon, Jon, Nancy and Marc, his adopted son, Jim Smith, and his oldest grandson, Adam Nash. Son-in-law Carl Nash and grandson, Daniel Nash, were there to comfort and support us. Those of us lucky enough to have known Doug would certainly agree that he was an incredibly selfless and giving man. Without hesitation, he responded to any request for help and support with a sincere "no problem." Doug adored Flora from the day he met her; she was 14 and he was 17. Their parents were neighbors in the Bronx. His mother (provoked by her mother's bragging about how smart her young daughter was) asked if Flora could help her son pass Spanish and Math. Doug was (and never stopped being) smitten with his brilliant tutor. Three years later they married and eventually raised a family of four children, 17 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Flora, in turn, was a tirelessly devoted wife. From the time Doug's health began to seriously deteriorate at the beginning of this year, Flora stayed by his side, never leaving his hospital room, sleeping on a chair in the corner--just in case he needed her. She was his advocate, his caregiver and his raison d'être. Douglas was a committed romantic. His favorite poem Sonnets from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, epitomized his feelings for his bride: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of Being and ideal Grace. I love thee to the level of everyday's Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight. I love thee freely, as men strive for Right; I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints,—I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life!—and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death. Our father's passing is a great heartache for all of us; even a well anticipated loss is shocking when it becomes a reality. As difficult as is for us, it is devastating for our mother. In lieu of cut flowers (mom is allergic), please consider sending her a note with any special memories or anecdotes you might have about our father. Alternatively, private messages can be sent directly to Flora Churnin, 565 Carrick Court, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 or florachurnin@gmail.com Mom's birthday is in a few weeks, November 21st; it will certainly be a painful milestone. She is a insatiable reader. She loves non-fiction books that are inspiring, especially biographies about resilient people who overcome great odds. (She loved: A Hope in the Unseen: An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League by Ron Suskind. As a intractable introvert, she found solace in Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain). If you have read something wonderful and absorbing please send along the title. The distraction will be a blessing.