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Douglas D. Ketcham
Douglas D. Ketcham
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Douglas Ketcham Obituary
Douglas D. Ketcham climbed the corporate ladder. Literally.
A few years ago, Mr. Ketcham was summoned into the office of a high- ranking supervisor at Cantor Fitzgerald.
He saw a ladder in the middle of the room and started climbing, figuring he had been invited in to change a light bulb. "The boss said, 'Doug, what in the hell are you doing?' " recalled his mother, Raenelle.
Turns out the ladder was there for someone else. He was being given a bonus.
But that was Mr. Ketcham for you: humble. "He was never too high to do anything," said his girlfriend, Evelyn J. Abeles. "He liked the finer things in life, but he was also very down to earth."
Mr. Ketcham was remarkably close to his mother. He would call her, even at 2 a.m., if he had just spotted a celebrity, and even told her about his love life.
She had an uncanny knack for sensing, long distance, when he was feeling down. "He told me stuff," Mrs. Ketcham said from her home near Orlando, Fla. "I'd say, 'Son, remember, I'm your mother. I'm not old enough to know that.' "
In her son's briefcase, Mrs. Ketcham found an envelope on which he had scrawled an itinerary for a visit to New York that she had planned but postponed. "I was going to be taken everywhere," Mrs. Ketcham said. "I was going to be the queen of New York."
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Janos Erdelyi
September 11, 2024
Doug! I think about you every now and then and especially on this date. You were always full of smiles and just plain old good attitude in High School. We weren't in the most classes together or the closest of friends, but even now at 50 years old your impact is felt.
Lucky Hoppe
September 11, 2020
It's been 19 years. I'll never forget. Even though we lost touch after college, I'll never forget your faith, and the way you served as a Young Life leader for kids in Charlottesville who needed to hear that Jesus loved them. Doug, you were always kind, humble, and made people feel important. I'll see you in heaven, brother. Until then, praying for your family.
Jeff
September 11, 2020
Thinking of Doug and his family today and always.
Lucas Family
July 4, 2019
We send our sincere condolences to your family. Daily may God give the strength to cope. Doug is still dearly missed and will always be remembered. May the time finally come when these acts of violence are ended for all time.
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Cooper Borst tracing Doug's name at the WTC memorial plaza, June 2015
Christopher Borst
September 14, 2018
Borst family at the WTC memorial plaza, June 2015
Christopher Borst
September 14, 2018
Christopher Borst
September 14, 2018
I remember Doug several times each year, but focus that remembrance for a few minutes at this site each 9/11. Doug is a person and personality that I will never forget -- I can recall what it felt like to be in his presence now just as thought we were back in the dorm rooms ~25 years ago. It is hard to believe we've not had him in our lives for 17 years. We've all changed much during that time; had families, careers, and thousands of life experiences. I'm confident that Doug has seen them all.
My family visited the 9/11 memorial plaza for the first time in 2015. We live in New York, but I had never had the strength to visit that location in the time since losing Doug. My family gave me that strength. Lisa, Riley (12 then, Addison (9 then), and Cooper (6 then), made the trip with me that summer. My children did not know Doug. And my children have rarely, if ever, seen me overcome by emotion and tears. On that sunny day in 2015, they learned about me, about Doug, and about that dark day in September. Cooper's little fingers traced Doug's engraved name. I remember Doug's ever-steady friendship, his earnest manner and kind smile, and his ability to power-nap sitting straight up on a couch or chair. I will never forget him, and though my family never knew him, neither will they.
Kim Bussard
September 14, 2017
I went to give blood and attend the 9/11 memorial display at MIS this past Monday, and given a badge to wear... But not with my name..instead it was badge of Douglas Ketchum.. For rememberance. I thought about so many people killed, hurt, or traumatized by 9/11 and how that extends to each and everyones family, friends, coworkers.. But now I was also focusing on a young mans life.. Days later I look him up online... I read a few stories. I think of his parents and sister... His girl friend.. His dear friends.. With overdue sympathy... And I ponder. Not certain what else to do with these thoughts.. Keep this badge so I don't forget what I don't want to forget...in the name of caring... pray for continued peace for all above.. Pray for goodness to continue out of a life gone to soon.. So i will tuck the badge away into my bible. And occassionaly I will come across his badge.. And think Mayb someday GOD will make known to us all the pondering... LOVE and peace to his family..
Steven Dyer
July 21, 2017
I remember Doug. I lived down the street in Midlothian from him and his family. I believe he had a brother. But when a good friend of mind told me he was in one of the towers way back after it happened it really hit home. As long as I live I will not forget him.
Ann Krauss
September 11, 2016
To Doug's family and to Doug,
I just met Doug yesterday afternoon at church. Our Priest had the flag with all the names of the deceased on every stripe of the flag displayed on a table in front of the alter. He asked everyone in the congregation to come up and pick a name and keep that person in our prayers during the mass.
I picked Douglas D. Ketcham and will include him in my prayers the rest of my life. 9/11/2016
Amy Augeri
September 10, 2014
There aren't any words even 13 years later.
Donna Dollings
September 10, 2014
Today I taught the word altruistic to my high schoolers, and then I told them about Doug. He is a wonderful example of how to be and I want them to benefit from his example of concern and care for others. Requiescas in pace, carissime puer.
Jeff
September 11, 2013
Thoughts and prayers to Doug's family and friends. Stay strong and thanks for keeping this page open.
Amy Augeri
September 11, 2013
Your legacy continues. I will never forget your friendship and hope my children can find friends as wonderful as you.
Amy Augeri
September 11, 2012
It can't be 11 years now. Your legacy will touch generations I know. You are never far from my thoughts nor is your family.
Jeff
September 7, 2012
I think of Doug this time every year. I remember him from karate classes as a kid and from high school. My thoughts and prayers go out to Doug's family and friends today and always.
Melissa Dively- Wilhorn
September 12, 2011
Doug,
You were just an all around great person. You were intelligent,kind, and dedicated. I was sorry to hear that you were taken so early in life. May God Bless those you left behind. May you rest in his arms.
Judson Bell
September 11, 2011
Every year when the Remembrance stories air on TV, I shed tears of pain and sorrow for the civil servants, first responders, and then I take a moment to remember a fellow classmate. While we were never close friends or hung out after school or on the weekends, we were classmates from kindergarten through graduation of high school. Prayers lifted today to your family and friends for comfort and a peace that only our Lord and Savior can provide.
Amy Augeri
September 11, 2011
It's hard to believe it's been ten years since your death. It seems like only yesterday when we met. The impact you have left is forever. I remember a sweet, kind hearted child and an even sweeter, kinder teenager that my mother and I adored. Thank you to your parents for instilling those values in you because they are what I try and remember today. You are missed and I hope you are watching over your family and they can still feel your love for them.
You are always in our hearts.
P King
September 10, 2011
I only knew him for a short time, but he was a really nice guy.
nicole schachnovsky
September 1, 2011
In memory of you time on earth. Godless you!
nicole schachnovsky
September 1, 2011
Doug we where very close. Walking into work that day I saw a plane had hit the world trade center. I knew you left early every morning to get to work and get things done. They said it went straight into canterfitsgerald. I knew you where gone. My second worry was by brother that was a EMT stationed at the world trade center. In 30 seconds two people close to me might be dead. Thankfully I found my brother towards the end if the day. He and I are still saddened by this day. I hope you are happy in heaven. We will meet again
John Riley
September 11, 2010
Doug, you will never be forgotten. Thanks for being such an amazing friend and person to everyone around you. To the Ketchams, we love you always.
Ronald Ketcham
September 11, 2009
It has now been eight years since this attack and I still feel pain as I hear family members read the names of their loss love ones on this day. These feelings will never fade or be forgotten. My thoughts are with your family today.
John & Sandra Robins
September 2, 2008
Just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you. Please get in touch with me when you get a chance.
Betsy Moss
April 17, 2007
As I watched the horrific VA Tech tragedy unfolding on TV yesterday, I could not help but think of another tragedy that took the life of a very special student that I had in my business class. I will always remember Doug's intense passion for learning, especially when we studied anything relating to finance. His keen sense of humor and quickness kept me on my toes. Now, as I prepare to send my daughter off to college, I hope that I have instilled in her some of the qualities that I so admired in Doug. God bless!
P Tabbernor
November 24, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 7, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Paula Ketcham
September 23, 2003
To the Ketcham Family,
We are touched by your loss and would like to offer you our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless the Ketcham Family from Indiana and Illinois
Suellen Hill
September 11, 2003
I think of Doug all the time and it took my breath away to see his picture on this site. We were Young Life leaders together at UVA. Doug had such a quick wit if you weren't paying attention you might not even realize he'd made a joke. He had a way of poking fun at someone that often people didn't even realize how sly he was being. Doug helped me make decisions about my major and encouraged me in my faith. He was generous with his time, his car, letting us regularly invade his dorm room in Monroe Hill for meetings, many of which were early morning meetings we'd have to wake him up for! He had incredible patience and humor with the middle schoolers we vounteered with. I will never forget his smile and there are jokes that remind me of him all the time. I'm convinced that he is still laughing at and with us. Doug was very caring and sensitive and he is greatly missed. His deep love for his family was evident in how frequently he spoke so highly of all of you. I hope that everyone who knew Doug is comforted by remembering what a special young man he was and what an amazing impact he had on so many lives.
Bradley Ketcham
September 11, 2003
To the Ketcham Family:
I just want to send my sincere sympathy to your family on this two year anniversary of the attacks. I was watching the children read the names of the victims, and I was not aware that a Ketcham was lost on that day. It saddens my heart. We are family, and I share in your grief. The Ketcham family here in New Jersey prays for Douglas and his family. God bless you all and may God bless The United States of America.
Rob Johnson
March 7, 2003
Dear Mrs. Ketcham, Mr. Ketcham, and Denise,
I just wanted to let you know how often I think of Doug and each of you. Doug was such a great friend and a tremendous gift to this world, and for those who knew him, he will never be forgotten.
I wanted to take some time to offer my thoughts to you, and to thank you for the time that I was able to spend at your house all those years. You were always so warm and welcoming.
The thought of having lost Doug will always be painful, but when I think of him now, the first reactions that comes to me are a laugh and a smile. Doug had and will always have the ability to elicit a laugh and a smile. I remember the way Doug would deliver the punch-line to a joke with an expressionless face and tone, pause three seconds for dramatic effect, and then burst into laughter. I can’t tell you how often I see a movie (like “Caddyshack” or “Naked Gun”) or hear a song that reminds of something that Doug said or did.
During middle school and high school, I remember laughing whenever I was at your house. I remember laughing when he, John and I played pool in your game room. I remember laughing when we played cards. I remember laughing when we played golf. I remember laughing when times were a little tense or tough and Doug would heal with his sense of humor. I remember laughing the last time I saw him, at the Riley's wedding reception in April. And I remember laughing the last time I spoke with him, in late August or early September, as he was helping my sister with her recent move to New York.
In life, there was of course much more to Doug than his sense of humor - his warmth and concern for others, his faith in God - and I certainly remember that, too. But his enthusiasm for life was so clear and so infectious that whenever I think about Doug, I laugh and I smile.
Warmest Regards,
Amy Augeri
January 28, 2003
Mrs. Ketcham,
It has taken me this long to be able to acknowledge what has happened. It didn't matter what was going on in life, Doug made it a point to always be there. He taught me to always see the good in life and I've tried very hard to live by the little things he taught me. I will be forever grateful for a shy little boy on the bus named Doug who became one of my dearest friends growing up.
Cheryl Zimkouski
October 30, 2002
Dennis and spouse,
I can't express the words and the sorrow that I feel for both of you over the loss of your son. It has been a little over a year now and I still cry over the tragedy from that day. I hope time will help to heal some of your pain. I worked with Dennis at Dupont and remember him as a great person. I am sure you both raised your son to be the same. God bless you both and try to focus on all the good times and great memories of the years that Douglas was here and thank God that you had those great memories to look back on. Take care and God Bless.
Virginia Clark
October 15, 2002
Dear Mrs. Ketchem,
I have read your son's story. His name appears on the Mercy Band I wear. Bless you for raising a fine man. My heart goes out to you for your loss. I am a Mother too. Virginia Clark, Springfield, Virginia
Jim and Deb Massie
September 13, 2002
Bobbie & Dennis
It was only recently we learned of your loss. Our hearts are filled with love for you. God has another angel and will share him with many here on earth. You will always be in our hearts and prayers. We would love to hear from you and offer a beach home for you to visit and renew old friendships. If there is anything we can do, we are here.
Wendy Howe
September 13, 2002
I am a cellist. I wore Douglas' name during a performance of the Mozart Requiem in Richmond, CA, as part of the Rolling Requiem tribute. May music help us all to heal.
Kerri Fernandez
September 13, 2002
Mr. & Mrs. Ketcham,
My famileies thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always have fond memories of Doug playing tag football in the backyard when we were kids living on Old Buckingham road.
God Bless you -
Kerri
Jackie Banahan
September 11, 2002
God bless you and keep your family strong in his power
Angie Campbell
May 2, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the ones that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in his loving peace forever more.
Deborah Skews-Stone
March 26, 2002
To the Loved-ones of Douglas Ketcham: I cannot begin to understand your loss. I did not know Douglas, but he is with me every day as I wear his name on my wrist. I pray for his family and loved-ones. I pray God's love and strength be yours in this time of sorrow. I will continue to pray for all of you as long as this bracelet holds out. I am the mother of four, three of whom are boys and I'm very close to them. I know that only my relationship with the Lord is closer. I know that He can heal all wounds. I pray for this for you until we all meet in heaven. Yours in Christ Debi Skews-Stone
Rahul Keshap
March 11, 2002
Doug and I met and were friends at UVa. Best wishes and prayers for his friends and family. I miss him, as I know we all do.
February 11, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN.DOUGLAS D.KETCHAM.WHEN I SAW HIS FACE I CRIED...MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01.MAY GOD GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Dean Hester
January 29, 2002
Bobbie and Dennis,
Our hearts go out to you and Denise. Please except out condolences for the loss of Doug. All America feels your pain. Many homeowners here in Briarwood Hearth wanted me to tell you how sad they feel for your loss.
Sincerely,
Dean, Cindy, & Sarah
Teresa Jahn
December 27, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Douglas. It sounds like he was a wonderful person which is a reflection of his heart. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Kristin Resnansky
November 30, 2001
Doug-
You were so supportive to me at UVA. I'll never forget our long nights working on Corporate Finance and stressing about interviewing. In the midst of it all, we shared lots of laughs. My heart goes out to all of your loved ones.
Dianne Purdy
November 4, 2001
My Prayers continue for your family and loved ones. It has now been almost 2 months since the tragedy but my heart still aches for your great loss. If only I had the words to comfort you.
Amy Barnhart
October 19, 2001
Doug- you will be missed, and never forgotten, by everyone who knew you.
BARBARA HATHAWAY
October 11, 2001
We will always have happy memories of the good times we all shared as neighbors .We will never forget you and we will see you again one day
where there will be no tragedies and
sorrows.We all love you Doug. Love,
Priscilla,Pam,Paula,James,Barbara
and Jimmy
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