Remembering Doug Grant

Media release

Monday 22 August 2011 

Remembering Doug Grant

Doug Grant Parihaka

The White Ribbon Campaign and the Families Commission have received with great sadness, the news of the death in Afghanistan of SAS soldier Doug Grant.

Doug (Duggy) was a member of the Patriots Defence Forces Motorcycle Club (Patriots) whose members are drawn from former and current members of the armed services. Doug was a road captain in the White Ribbon Ride to end violence against women in 2010.

White Ribbon Campaign Manager, Rob McCann would like to extend our respect and condolences to his family, comrades and fellow Patriots. “We acknowledge the time, energy and commitment Duggy put into supporting the White Ribbon kaupapa. He was a man of great mana, and will be sorely missed”.

“Men throughout New Zealand have been inspired by Doug and the other White Ribbon riders to stand up against violence toward women. This ongoing work will always be a part of his legacy,” says Mr McCann.

As a mark of respect while attending a White Ribbon Hui this weekend in Bream Bay, the Patriots took time out to assemble at the Whangerei Returned Services Association and pay their respects while the last post was played.

Doug Grant Te Rauparaha Park Porirua

“It’s shattering when you lose someone like Duggy,” says Patriot and ride spokesperson Shane Henry. “We wish him peace and will celebrate his life and contribution both overseas and at home.

“Like the other Patriots, he believed his mission as a peace keeper didn’t stop when he was in civvies. He was passionate about ending violence against women and children, and his physical absence on the White Ribbon Ride this November will be a huge loss, but he will always be in our memories.

“When Duggy was on the White Ribbon Ride, he’d give away his bed each night so one of the other boys could get a good night’s sleep. Turned out he preferred a one-man-tent and sleeping on the ground! Duggy was like that, tough and gentle, all at the same time.

“We hope the boys remember those qualities. A real bloke who was not afraid to stand up against family violence – who served his country, both in and out of the uniform,” says Mr Henry.

Notes:              The White Ribbon Ride is part of the White Ribbon Campaign organised by the Families Commission to end men’s violence against women. The ride is led by the Patriots and the Super Maori Fullas who were attending a White Ribbon Hui this weekend to prepare for this year’s campaign. Further details can be found at www.whiteribbon.org.nz