- Date Of Birth: December 29, 1956
- Date Of Death: April 24, 2016
- State: Idaho
Doak Michael Britzmann gave his all to enjoy the gifts that life had to offer him. As a young man preparing for his life, Doak accepted the reality of his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis Even as the reality of his limitations became clear, Doak marveled at the presence of love which was bestowed upon him by family and friends. With his death, a great presence is gone and the person who touched each of us through his incredible grit and subtle humor is etched in our hearts and minds. Doak was born to John “Burt” and Joan Britzmann on December 29, 1956 in Iowa City, Iowa. A quarterback at the University of Iowa in the 1950s Burt named Doak after 1948 Heisman Trophy winner Doak Walker. He wore this iconic, signature name like a badge of honor and was determined to prove himself-which he did often in early childhood and on his own pugilistic terms creating some inspiring and legendary stories in his circle of friends. He gained the respect of his peers with the support of his three brothers-a true bond of strength through physical and spiritual toughness. Doak was raised in Moscow along with his three brothers and two sisters. As a large family, there was always a companion to play with at our home on Moore Street. Swim team and the Lake Coeur d’ Alene cabin filled the summers with fun with friends. Doak specialized in back stroke and loved waterskiing and tubing at the lake. Winter would bring snow skiing to every weekend; this sometimes required attending Sunday school in ski pants before zipping up to Moscow Mountain. The outdoors was a family playground with his father sharing his love of hunting and fishing with his boys. In high school Doak lettered in football and wrestling, graduating in 1975 from Moscow High School with academic honors.
