Doug Smith: rocker, leader, community superstar

Who are you?

I am Doug Smith, man about town, rock and soul bass player and General Manager of the East End Food Co-op. Taurus, 44 years of age, sarcastic sense of humour, single (ladies?) and proud papa to a cool jack-Chi/Basenji puppy.

What do you do for fun?

Music. I live for music and I love people and find a great joy in living. It is better than not living from what I can tell. Please advise if this is untrue or you know of a portal I can visit the afterlife from…as long as I can come back. I like to mentor and groom people and impart the knowledge I have learned in life. I feel my own quest for knowledge should not go to waste. This knowledge is never forced…it is imparted gently and with much love. I play bass guitar in a local soul/rock & roll combo called the Beladeans. I am not responsible for your hips moving too much at our shows.

What is your favorite community, and why?

My favorite community is East Vancouver. I live and work in East Van and love the grassroots people and the tough as nails work ethic present in my community. The diverse cross-section of personailities makes it entertaining daily. The slice of life from the East Van “pie” is always tangy, tart, sweet and fuity…unless it is savoury…then it is a whole other pie,tasty as well, but perhaps more of a meaty free range taste treat!

What is your superpower?

My superpower is my ability to transform into Bassasauras Rex [tm].  I drop the bottom end on any dance party and take no prisoners while doing so.  I like to offer everyone free pony rides, but sometimes they just have to settle for me – and my dry wit and tasty bon mots…it aint so bad to be me…

How would you use this superpower to build community?

Everyone should be able to laugh at themselves and at life and everyone needs to get down with their bad selves. If we all shook our asses when we were in too deep or felt like crap – the world would be a funkier place!

My three favourite things about Doug Smith are…

1. Leadership. Doug is a big lad with a commanding presence and also possesses some dynamite active listening skills. His down to Earth nature and genuine passion for community-building and social justice makes him the kinda guy who can rally people to his cause.

2. The East End Food Co-op. Speaking of “causes” – Doug is the Manager of the East End Food Co-op. Not only does the EEFC distribute the best produce in town, but, under Doug’s leadership, also actively gives back to the neighbourhood as well as communities beyond The Drive.

3. His Rock ‘n’ Roll Soul. ‘Nuff said. Doug brings the funk wherever he goes. And recent findings show that the world needs more funk.