Dr. Rollin George Douma

Dr. Rollin George Douma, a long-time faculty member at WMU, died Saturday, March 12, 2011 after living with esophageal cancer for over eight months. Born in Evanston, Illinois in 1940, Rollin was raised in East Grand Rapids with his sister and parents, George and Pryna Douma. His sister Rosemary and her husband Harold Cornelius, reside in Grand Rapids, where the Doumas enjoyed many family Thanksgiving dinners with nieces and nephews. Dr. Rollin Douma was a 40 year resident of Kalamazoo where he joined WMU in 1970 after earning his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees at the University of Michigan. Rollin was a professor of English who held a variety of administrative posts at the University. Most recently, he served as associate vice president for Academic Affairs from 2003 until his retirement in 2006. Previous positions included interim dean of the College of Education; dean of the Graduate College from 1994 to 1997; interim dean of the Graduate College from 1992 to 1994; and associate dean of the College from 1979 to 1992. Active on numerous University committees and task forces, Dr. Douma served as editor of the University catalogues for over twenty years. Rollin was very happily married to Sheppy Douma, his best friend and soul mate for 45 1/2 years. They shared along with their unusual names many common interests including an enthusiasm for sports. While raising their two children, Jaan and Molly, they frequently played soccer, tennis and skied together as a family. Beginning in 1973 they spent summers on the lake at Port Sheldon, Michigan where they witnessed a multitude of sunsets and finally a few years ago saw the elusive green flash together. Rollin brought to all aspects of his life diligence, enthusiasm and a quest for excellence. Always with an eye for contemporary architecture, he was very satisfied to help in the design of a new home constructed on the site of the family's original cottage. At age 60 he organized the Rolympics at Port Sheldon with ten events for all participants including hurdling, which was added to commemorate that Rollin was the 1958 all state hurdler from East Grand Rapids High School. Recently his son in law, BJ Brewer, noted that Rollin's record times are still very fast for low and high hurdles. Overcoming many hurdles was a part of Rollin's life as he survived metastatic melanoma for 20 years. Rollin and Sheppy took on the philosophy of carpe diem in 1991 and did live each day to its fullest. Travel naturally was part of living life to the full. His favorite destination in recent years was Bozeman, Montana to ski, hike, fish and savor the mountains with his daughter Molly and her husband BJ Brewer. In addition, Sheppy and Rollin loved cycling in memorable places in both the US and Europe. Rollin's son and daughter in law, Dr. Jaan Douma and Chris Douma, and their children formed an important part of his life in Kalamazoo. The last five years were very special to Rollin in his role as "Poppa" to his three grandchildren, Jansen, Tenley and Harper. Living on Songbird Lane, with its view of the lake and woods, allowed Rollin to observe the many birds living in Parkview Hills. An avid reader, Rollin was content sitting in the bird room with his latest novel in hand; but he also loved the outdoor life and took great pleasure in his fishing trips with friends to Northern Michigan--his enthusiasm even led him to tie his own flies. He took excellent care of his wife--cooking many a fine meal for his family and friends. He always made clear the joie de vivre he felt for 70 years of life, taking art classes for the first time in the last year of his life. Rollin handled his cancer diagnosis with introspection and wisdom and shared this perspective with his family and friends in a series of chapters he wrote on how he was coming to terms with the disease. A gifted and prolific writer, his words helped us all to cope and learn. Rollin will be cremated with no immediate service. To celebrate his full life, as he would have wished, however, there will be a memorial in Port Sheldon in July 1, 2011. Memorial contributions can be made to Rose Arbor Hospice, 5473 Croyden, Kalamazoo, MI 49009-1091 where Rollin was given tender and loving care for 6 weeks. ******DR. DOUMA'S DVD TRIBUTE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2011**********

Dr. Rollin George Douma

September 15, 1940 - March 12, 2011