Evan Finley Duglin

 

Evan Finley Duglin passed away in Tampa on Sunday May 28th with his family at his side. He was born on July 21st, 1934, in NY, NY. He was a force in this world, strong-willed but fair. His distinction began with a classic New York intonation, and you could hear him from a mile away. Seemingly motivated by an underdog childhood, most of us only knew him to be the odds-on favorite. He had 4 vocations in life, that he would describe as his only four hobbies: entrepreneur, husband, father and grandfather. Born in the teeth of the depression, he taught us that everything has value. He never threw away a paperclip, he recycled it, and he never stepped over a penny, as it could bring good fortune – equal parts thriftiness and superstition. If you knew him, you knew his philosophy on death as his favorite topics were the hard ones, the controversial ones: make it a celebration of a life well lived, life is for the living so don’t waste time wallowing, and don’t get hung up on the worldly possessions as I’ve yet to see a hearse with luggage racks.

He was a committed philanthropist, supporting a wide range of organizations from anonymously endowing scholarships through Temple Schaarai Zedek to send kids to Camp Coleman to providing meals to elderly in need, to Metropolitan Ministries, City of Hope and St. Jude. He travelled the world, he lived to laugh, was aways planning his next meal, was curious about everything and relished in asking the most provocative questions. He trafficked in dark humor at times, but once you understand it you always wanted more of it. He left an indelible mark on the table linen industry having created the first permanent press tablecloth and then was an early entrant to the table linen rental business 40 years ago. He had a tireless work ethic, and his pursuit of business improvement was unrelenting. He adored his wife Connie and modelled true love of spouse and children in the most remarkable way. He was a man of another generation, was one of kind, had top decile chutzpah. We raise a glass to you Dad, Papa, with love, forever.

Evan is survived by his three sons Laurence Duglin (Connie), Jeff Duglin (Jenni), Craig Duglin (Kathy), his two daughters Nanette Stemm, Elise Murphy, and 8 cherished grandchildren, Jack, Jordan, Ella, Charlie, Haydn, Josh, Bailey and Liam.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Congregation Schaarai Zedek. 

Private services will be held in Tampa.