It is with great sadness that we learn that a great town treasure has passed. Mr Albert Doolittle has passed away. At age 93, Mr Doolittle has taught many of us some of life lessons. His commitment and dedication to the town was very inspiring and he will be missed by many.
if anyone has any great stories to share about Albert- Please share!
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"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light."
Albert Schweitzer
The passing of Albert is indeed a sad day for Derry. Albert put his heart and soul into Derry and we are a better town because of him.
Though I only knew Albert for a brief time, I count myself lucky and my life that much richer for having known him. I don’t have the wealth of Albert stories that many others have but I will relate a brief one that comes to mind.
In August, the Conservation Commission surprised Albert with a celebration of his 93rd birthday at his family homestead here in Derry. I will not soon forget that day. Albert was a simple man and his birthday celebration reflected who he was. No grandiose extravaganzas. No speeches. Just a wonderful man with his wife of 67 years sitting by his side (she was in on the surprise of course) being honored by a group of people that had nothing but respect and admiration and love for this pillar of our community. As was his way, he was humble and happy, sharing stories from his past and present much to everyone’s delight.
I regret that there was not more time for me to get to know Albert better. What I did get to know of him was fascinating and always sincere. Albert represented a passion for what he did and a spirit of volunteerism that is fast becoming a memory in our modern world and it saddens me to think that our town will not see his like again.
It speaks volumes to Albert’s commitment that despite failing health, he remained active in conservation, regularly attending, and actively participating in meetings and continuing to go on sight walks. I will miss him both as a colleague and a community leader as well as someone I had begun to consider a friend.
I've known Albert through the DCC for almost 12 years and one lasting impression I have of Albert is roughly 5 years ago, on a very cold January day, the DCC went out to clean out the various duck boxes in the conservation areas around town. There was Albert in his late 80's, using a set of cross country skies that looked as old as he was, plugging along thru a couple feet of snow, because it was a job that had to be done.
I worked on several projects with Albert and as he aged his body slowed but he was always sharp. Albert's breath of knowledge will always astound me, this gentleman was comfortable discussing topics as varying as gardening, astronomy, or detailed engineering methods.
I'll always remember Albert a kind and intelligent person of the highest integrity.
Those of us who had an opportunity to walk a little while with Albert were blessed indeed. His love of nature, the stars, and his sweet sense of joy in all beings was an inspiration to us all. Albert's spirit will live on in our hearts.
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