( -2001) Editor SOARING; Author
Eaton Trophy (with Lianna Lamont) 1980; Exceptional Service Award 1975; Silver #670 1962; Gold #480 1969
Doug and Lianna worked individually and together and as a team in the publication of Soaring magazine - the official publication of the Soaring Society of America. Doug was Editor and Lianna was Production Editor. Under Doug's leadership along with Lianna as his loyal assistant and partner, circulation increased from 13,400 to 18,000.
Doug and Lianna Lamont served the soaring community by editing and producing Soaring magazine from 1970 through 1983 - each providing efforts and accomplishments in their particular fields of expertise. They were inducted into the Soaring hall of Fame as individuals but, since they worked so closely together, their soaring lives are presented in one biography.
Doug had been an English teacher and was a superb writer. He began contributing articles to Soaring as early as 1954. In addition, the fact that he was an active pilot, enabled him to write excellent reports of several National Soaring Competitions.
He had grown up in the Lindbergh era, built models and even a full size hang glider. He remembers the special magic of watching the gliding activity at Palos Verdes and the stories of William Hawley Bowlus' record breaking flights towards San Pedro.
To quote Lloyd Licher, past SSA Executive Director: "Doug led an exemplary life and enhanced the lives of all those fortunate enough to know him. He was capable, conscientious and certainly one of the nicest persons I ever met. I miss him."
It has often been said that behind every good man is a good woman. This statement is definitely true of Lianna Lamont.
She supported her husband, Doug, in many ways during the time he was editor of Soaring magazine. She started in April of 1971 as Editorial Assistant seven issues after her husband, Doug, became editor. Over the years, she served in many other positions such as Production Editor (starting 1974), Art Director, Advertising Production Manager. At times she also managed the soaring calendar and the classified ads.
The editorial service of this couple was the longest in the history of the magazine and included uncounted hundreds of evenings and weekends editing copy, proofreading galleys, writing letters, etc.
Together they received SSA's highest award, the Eaton Trophy, in 1980. Doug received an exceptional Service Award in 1975 and he earned his Silver Badge #670 in 1962 and Gold #480 in 1969.
