Mr. Douwe Cornelius Drayer

He is survived by his life partner, mother of his children, children and their spouses, grandchildren in the United States as well as family in Holland including three sisters, one brother, their spouses, children, and grandchildren. He was a devoted life partner, Opa, father, husband, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, grand uncle, and friend.

From his cheerful smile to his outgoing charisma and top-notch fashion sense for the color Dutch orange, he touched the lives of so many in a positive light. He loved life and lived life to the fullest.

Upon arrival to San Francisco over 58 years ago, his love for the city never wavered. And while he loved the city and called it home, he was a proud Dutchman at heart and always a 'Quintessential European Gentleman'.

His love for the open ocean may have started when he worked as a steward on a ship traveling around the world. He used that experience to secure a manager position at the Concordia Club and worked there for 19 years. He spoke highly of both of these life experiences and how they shaped him.

Douwe was quite the avid cyclist and didn't let his compromised lungs deter him from completing numerous brevets, centuries, and double centuries. He enjoyed many organized rides in the United States and abroad. He was proud of doing the Death ride, Mt. Hamilton, Geneva to Nice, Mont Ventoux, and qualified for Paris Brest Paris twice. He loved a good challenge all whilst jovially taking in the experience.

He had many fond memories of cycling and was proud to achieve his mileage goals year after year. His cycling trips varied from around the city to across the Golden Gate Bridge to different parts of Marin County with his partner and many cycling friends. Cycling from SF to Rodeo Beach and Hawk Hill as well as Ocean Beach were their favorite rides to do together regularly. His enthusiasm for cycling was contiguous and an inspiration to all.

Besides cycling together, he and his partner enjoyed going to the SF Ballet, SF Symphony, and Opera. Their garden was full of life with plants and flowers which drew visits from hummingbirds, birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. They traveled together and experienced all that life had to offer including many visits to see his family and friends living in Holland.

He also had strong ties to Mendocino, where growing up his daughter and son called home and where his daughter and grandsons currently reside. Almost weekly he drove after work at the Concordia Club from San Francisco to Mendocino to be with his children and he made the same drive to visit his grandsons as much as possible. He loved them all dearly.

Many considered him as a bonus family member, from his cycling friends to his family in San Francisco - he was always there for the important moments. He loved family time, play dates with his granddaughters, and getting together for sit down meals which included his iconic hors d'oeuvres - Old Amsterdam cheese, smoked salmon, and wine.

He was truly an amazing human being and he will be missed by all.

As of September 1, 2023, Douwe’s written wishes have been honored.

Please honor his legacy by finding beauty in your life and even as time goes by, continue to smile and talk about all the great memories you have had with him because he is forever in our hearts.