Sophie Huff, February – This month, I chose to write about someone who was very special to me. His name was Darrin, but almost everyone knew him as Doodle.
On January 15th, 2025, my family and I received the most unexpected call of our lives—one we never thought we’d get so soon. We lost our Doodlebug. Doodle held a special place in my heart. Even though he was my cousin, he felt more like an uncle to me. His goofy and outgoing personality never went unnoticed. He had a way of lighting up any room he walked into, making everyone feel welcomed and loved. He did not shoot archery with me, but he was very encouraging and always asked about my archery and how I was doing. He would always make bow and arrow motions and even called me Merida (from Brave).
Doodle was a gentle and generous man. He was a past Master at McNeil Lodge 586 and a current Master at Miles Lodge 341. During his time there, he helped a girl get a scholarship—an accomplishment he was so proud of. He had even planned on doing the same for one of my teammates and later, for me. “Darrin was one of those people you couldn’t help but love…”
A year or two ago, Doodle gave me a bow to donate to a kid who needed one. We never found anyone to give it to, so it had been sitting around. Originally, I shot with my old pink camo bow, but I eventually switched to the one he had given me. Maybe it’s selfish to say, but I’m glad we never found anyone to take it, because now I get to carry a piece of him with me. Every time I step on that line, I know he’s looking down, encouraging me, rooting for me, and saying, “Get it, Sophie-dawg!!”
The day of his visitation was incredibly emotional. I had never seen a room so small filled with so many people—all there to honor and remember Doodle. It was a testament to the profound impact he had on everyone who knew him. The room overflowed with friends, family, and even acquaintances who had been touched by his kindness and generosity. It was a somber yet beautiful gathering, filled with shared memories, tears, and laughter as we all celebrated the life of such an amazing person.
Trying to sum up Doodle in words doesn’t do him justice. He was too good for this world. I felt that people needed to know about him—to know how special he was. If you ever had the chance to meet him or even just talk to him once, he would have appreciated you so much. He had this incredible ability to make everyone feel important, no matter who they were or where they came from.
Doodle’s impact on my life and the lives of so many others is immeasurable. I want to carry forward the kindness and generosity he showed to the world. I want to use his memory as a reminder to be a better person every day, to live life to the fullest, and to take things one day at a time. Most of all, I want to make an impact on people’s lives—just like he did.
His kindness, generosity, and infectious spirit are qualities I strive to embody every day. Losing him has been incredibly tough, but I find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the memories we share and the lessons he taught us. He showed me the importance of giving back, being there for others, and always finding joy in the little things.
Doodle may be gone, but his spirit will forever remain in our hearts.
Live Like Doodle.
