Daniel Douma

1946 - 2010

Writers Store Co-Founder Dies

Daniel Douma, co-founder of The Writers Store and screenwriting software innovator, died June 1, 2010 at the age of 63 after a short but valiant battle with cancer. His companion of 32 years, Gabriele Meiringer, was at his side.

Douma, who retired to Florence, Oregon in 2004, co-founded The Writers Store with Ms. Meiringer in Los Angeles in 1982. A revolutionary retail concept at the time, the store dedicated both inventory and services to writers and filmmakers, providing computers, software, books and related equipment and tools for the screenwriter, author, and filmmaker.

The company, which has gained a powerful presence online, continues to offer classes, software, books and other film learning tools at its Westwood store, now owned and operated by his son Jesse Douma.

Born Oct. 6, 1946 in Patterson, New Jersey and raised in Bernardsville, NJ, Douma (son of Daniel and Gladys Bosma Douma,) was a singer/songwriter, initially as member of The Big Wha-Koo. He released a solo album "Night Eyes" under the management of Mick Fleetwood, where he met Ms. Meiringer. He subsequently toured as opening act with Fleetwood Mac on their Tusk Tour. Among the artists who recorded Douma's songs were Christine McVie, Juice Newton and The Hollies. Music, art and politics were Dan's passions, but Bob Dylan was his inspiration, said Ms. Meiringer.

Daniel Douma is survived by his partner Gabriele; his two sons, Jesse and Lucas, from his marriage to the former Lillian Davis; three grandchildren; two sisters, Jean Douma (Bedminster, NJ) and Marilyn Pepe (Cody, Wyoming), and a brother, Lewis Douma (Millburn, NJ.)

The family requests that any donation in Douma's name be made to Planned Parenthood, The Florence Area (Oregon) Humane Society, The Humane Farming Association or any Democratic Representative of your choice.

Memorial services are planned for Los Angeles and New York City in the fall. Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy