Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz passed away on Monday night in Newport Beach, California, at the age of 93. “Doc” surfed well into his 90s, was an advocate for peace and forged many of the ideals engrained in our rich surf culture. A respected elder among our community whom touched so many lives and well be remembered as a true legend of our sport. Matt Warshaw has penned a touching tribute over at his Encyclopedia Of Surfing which is well worth your time.
On Instagram Kelly Slater paid tribute to the surfing icon:
“Blessings to you, Dorian #DocPaskowitz. You’ve been a beacon of truth, light, knowledge, and determination for all of your surfing brothers. Despite numerous reports of Doc’s passing over the last week, he quietly said his #LastGoodbye this evening. I was lucky enough to spend time with him a few days ago and get a couple of big hugs and this final photo. He was passionate about diet and exercise but his biggest wish was to see peace in Gaza between Israel and Palestine and always believed that those who could surf together, could live together peacefully. He told me that if they would ‘pave the streets of Palestine in gold’ there would be peace between the people. He personally walked donated surfboards over the Israeli border to give to his Palestinian surfing brethren as a sign of respect and acknowledgment. Maybe one day his true dream will be realized. I’ll miss this crazy, old man who helped raise my little brother and teach me about the ways of the world. Condolences and love to his wife and 9 children.” #Surfing4Peace #SurfersHealing #PaskowitzFamily
