Since the news of his passing, many of our club members have been sharing their memories and thoughts of this extraordinary man. Here's what they have had to say about our former Chairman.

"A proper legend of the club. Always had time. I can hear him now and still smell those cigars!! RIP"

"Top bloke, true gent. Pleasure to have known him. GBHS"

"One week he would be on the touchline watching the 1st 15 the next weekend he would watch the, 4ths had time for everyone no matter what their ability, inspirational man, RIP Doug"

"Simply the gentleman of gentlemen. Fond memories .. Doug was a lovely friend and he helped me write an assignment a while back .. I still use his approach even now. You will be very much missed Mr Perks. Love & thoughts to Joyce and your family. Such a sad loss"

"Very, very sad, but he he achieved loads and gained the respect of all that knew him, as you can see with the comments.
My tribute/ memories:
Yes Doug was a true gentleman, all-round sportsman and a stallwart/ambassador of Old Cryptians RFC.
A tremendous outside half with a wicked dummy.
Did you know that Old C's used to have a cricket team and Doug could bat AND bowl.
He once clean bowled Alan Border, yes, the Alan Border, captain of Australia, who was playing for a village side, whilst visiting Gloucester. It's true I've seen the log book (many times - thanks Doug).
He coached the youngsters with success in the Gloucester under XV's, bringing out the best in his squad, producing some talened players. And the Colts (U17's)?
A great tourist, who was once appointed a bodyguard, (due to his age), on a Vet's trip to Enniscorthy. Not required. The bodyguard was seen, on the return journey, half asleep, on the deck of the ship, whilst Doug towered above him with G & T in hand, giving him his notice.
Doug was the originator of the response to Old Cryptian's Rugby Club - "God Bless their Souls!" Well same to you Doug. Thanks for all you did for Old Cryptian's RFC, the memories and just being YOU. R.I.P.
All our love to Joyce and the family"

"RIP Doug. As well as his accolades as a player which pre date my time, I remember him as being a massive advocate for, and driving force behind, junior rugby at OCRFC. Always a friendly face on Saturday mornings welcoming players while puffing on a Hamlet. GBHS"

"One of the best, a club legend and a gentleman"

"RIP Doug. As many have already said, he really was a true legend. He always took time to talk to you, offer support, encouragement, and positivity. And always the first to welcome you on a Saturday, stood at the club front doors, puffing on a cigar. The club has certainly felt different in recent years without him being around so much. He had a huge influence on so many of us and our careers at the club. Rest easy Doug. GBHS"

"RIP Doug. An absolute legend of the club and a role model to us all. GBHS"

"Words are hard to describe a man like Doug …. But so many of you have nailed it … my heart wrenched when I heard … so many people owe him much .. Doug’s reply was a wink and a smile and a puff on a cigar xx
Will miss you Doug xx Til we meet again my friend GBHS"

"Unfortunately getting old means loosing people who have been influential in our lives. Ian James and now Doug were 2 men that I grew up with from an early age and who taught me a lot about life.
We were privileged to have known you"

"Made me and my family feel very welcomed when I joined the club at the age of 13. Cared for the juniors as much as the seniors. A true club man. GBHS"

"Doug was the guy who would put his arm round you if you’d had a bad game. His encouragement always meant so much to me. RIP Doug, you are missed"

"RIP Doug, a true gentleman, a legend for the club. and I have the honour, like many others, to say I played alongside him."

"A true rugby man. I left Cryptians some 25years ago to play elsewhere, on my trips back to the club Doug always made time to greet me and indulge in the odd beer. Always interested in the person and not just the player, a standard bearer for Old Cryptians. God Bless his Soul."