The EMD/ALS Biomarker Research Fund

My father, Marsh Douthat, was an extraordinary man. He was courageous and dignified throughout his life and not even the terrible disease ALS could change that. It was his perseverance and grace while enduring such adversity that I recall each day. To truly understand my Dad, perhaps it is best to look at some of his passions in life: the stock market, golf, and his family and friends.

After I graduated from college, I was offered the opportunity to work for my Dad. When I began, he had already been diagnosed with ALS, so I had some knowledge of the challenges we would face as a result of his body’s disease. However, this chance to get a glimpse into his professional life was an unbelievable gift for which I will always be thankful. Each day I was struck by the brilliance and unmatched expertise I witnessed as it related to the stock market, value investing, and all things Benjamin Graham. Despite his obviously impressive knowledge, his thirst for information and intellectual curiosity were steadfast. I will never forget his curious nature when it came to finance, and it showed me early in my professional life that the best never rest on their laurels.

One of the tragedies of my father’s ALS was that it robbed him of one of his greatest joys: being on the golf course. Dad was a good golfer, but it was never about the score for him. He thrived in the natural setting and in the quiet relaxation that comes from a round of golf played with good friends. I was lucky enough to share many of those experiences with my Dad and he would often use our time on the course as a teaching moment about lessens somewhat loosely related to golf. For one, he taught me about integrity while on the golf course and why it is essential for a man to have it at all times. For instance, some golfers will cut corners in order to post a better score, but my Dad never maligned the rules of the game. Rather, he cherished them as an opportunity to measure his true ability, and a way to gauge his progress.

Finally, my Dad’s greatest passion in life was for those he loved. His love for his wife and high school sweetheart, Cynthia, was unmistakable and his marriage was the top priority in his life. He was a loving and proud father to each of his kids. He took great joy in his grandchildren who loved making “Grand” smile. In addition, he was also blessed with a number of wonderful and devoted friendships built through shared activities like church, a love of good food and wine, and golf. I am certain that all of those who were touched by my father will remember his love and friendship warmly and miss him always.

Personally, I learned so much from my Dad especially as he faced insurmountable hardships and his body progressively deteriorated due to the disease. It is a testament to his character that he continued to pursue those things that made him unique and special in spite of his physical limitations. I will always carry these memories of who he was close to my heart.

- Ned

Photos - Marsh Douthat
Ned Douthat

Remembering Marsh


Listen to Cynthia

Listen to Catherine

Listen to Ned

Listen to Cynthia & Elizabeth

My father, Marsh Douthat, was an extraordinary man.  He was courageous and dignified throughout his life and not even the terrible disease ALS could change that.  It was his perseverance and grace while enduring such adversity that I recall each day.  To truly understand my Dad, perhaps it is best to look at some of his passions in life: the stock market, golf, and his family and friends.

After I graduated from college, I was offered the opportunity to work for my Dad.  When I began, he had already been diagnosed with ALS, so I had some knowledge of the challenges we would face as a result of his body’s disease.  However, this chance to get a glimpse into his professional life was an unbelievable gift for which I will always be thankful.  Each day I was struck by the brilliance and unmatched expertise I witnessed as it related to the stock market, value investing, and all things Benjamin Graham.  Despite his obviously impressive knowledge, his thirst for information and intellectual curiosity were steadfast.  I will never forget his curious nature when it came to finance, and it showed me early in my professional life that the best never rest on their laurels.

One of the tragedies of my father’s ALS was that it robbed him of one of his greatest joys: being on the golf course.  Dad was a good golfer, but it was never about the score for him.  He thrived in the natural setting and in the quiet relaxation that comes from a round of golf played with good friends.  I was lucky enough to share many of those experiences with my Dad and he would often use our time on the course as a teaching moment about lessens somewhat loosely related to golf.  For one, he taught me about integrity while on the golf course and why it is essential for a man to have it at all times.  For instance, some golfers will cut corners in order to post a better score, but my Dad never maligned the rules of the game.  Rather, he cherished them as an opportunity to measure his true ability, and a way to gauge his progress.

Finally, my Dad’s greatest passion in life was for those he loved.  His love for his wife and high school sweetheart, Cynthia, was unmistakable and his marriage was the top priority in his life.  He was a loving and proud father to each of his kids.  He took great joy in his grandchildren who loved making “Grand” smile.  In addition, he was also blessed with a number of wonderful and devoted friendships built through shared activities like church, a love of good food and wine, and golf.  I am certain that all of those who were touched by my father will remember his love and friendship warmly and miss him always.

Personally, I learned so much from my Dad especially as he faced insurmountable hardships and his body progressively deteriorated due to the disease.  It is a testament to his character that he continued to pursue those things that made him unique and special in spite of his physical limitations.  I will always carry these memories of who he was close to my heart.