Doug Hawtin

93 Years Young (2009)

I first met Doug Hawtin when Peter Smith partnered us for one of his Monday supervised sessions at the old club in Dalkeith. One of his early pieces of advice to me was 'if you can't count to 13, you shouldn't be playing bridge' !! That was roughly 10 years ago, and we had both just completed Peter's Beginner's course. Being an accountant Doug was and absolute whiz with figures and I soon learned to count to 13. Since then, we have both moved on to new partners and Doug still plays regularly 3-4 days per week, in particular with Dom Musitano who has been a great friend to him.

Doug was born on 7 June 1916 at a small private hospital in Subiaco. He attended Subiaco Primary School, then went onto Perth Boys' High School. He finished his secondary education in 1932 at a time when jobs were not easy to get. However, he obtained employment with a firm of accountants and by the time he had turned 21, qualified to become a Certified Practising Accountant. In fact, he has recently been awarded certificate showing 70 years of membership in that profession. He subsequently left to join the army and served for 4 years.

He married Norma whilst on leave and has 2 daughters, one of whom lives in Perth, and he is the very proud grandfather to 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. After a long and happy marriage his wife Norma, became ill and Doug was her carer for many years until it was necessary for her to be admitted to a nursing home.

It was around this time that Doug decided to take up the game of bridge and the rest, as they say, is history. Until then, he had been a keen golfer for many years but decided to give this up and joined his local lawn bowls club. Unfortunately, fate stepped in and following a motor vehicle accident, he had to stop playing, but still maintains a social connection with the bowls club.

On the occasion of Doug's 90th birthday, a small celebration was held at the old bridge club.

Bridge has now become a significant part of Doug's life and he values the friendships he has made with club members over the years.

 Finally, on a personal note, I always have a chuckle to myself when I bid 2 clubs because it reminds me of the time when Doug left me in it!!

We wish you many more "Happy Birthdays' Doug

 Rhona Barton

Published in December 2009 Edition of Trumps Plus