Midnight Obituary for The Midnight Poet - Dwight R. Droz (1912-2009)

Dwight's last book we published here at Scandia Patch Press was The Art Of The Midnight Poet (2007). It showcased over forty years of his artwork, including the poem "Arizona Bound" (text by Dwight Droz, art by Annie Campbell). Ten books published over fifteen years, while still farming the land: Dwight was a modern Renaissance man of the common life, a poet of the everyday.

I met Dwight and Pauline in 1994 in the kitchen of their ancient farmhouse, was introduced to them by my good friend Don Taylor. A year later we started Scandia Patch Press with the production of One For The Weather, One For The Crow (1995). My wife Jan did the cover for that book (she also did the cover for The Midnight Poet), and my daughter Colleen worked on interior layout. The great four volume opus, Culture On The Cuff, was begun the very year POD (Print On Demand) started a revolution in small press publishing. At that time, Jerry George joined our team as graphic cover designer and photo restoration tech person. Don Taylor handled all the studio recording, on Sony mini disks, of Dwight's lively readings of all four volumes of Culture On The Cuff. Within another year, my brother Lance Kragen joined the team to assist in production of the audio CDs of Culture On The Cuff. Finally, Colleen's husband, Eric von Foerster, took over as webmaster of scandiapatchpress.com

My own career as a writer so often paralleled Dwight's, and the intersection of our lives was an encouragement and inspiration to me. As managing editor of all Dwight's works, I gained much insight into the art of editing and publishing. It was a great pleasure to assist in the recording of the life and tales of such an honorable man--farmer, story teller, artist, husband and father, poet.

Clearly, Pauline was Dwight's inspiration and strength, as she continues to be an inspiration to all who know and love her. Every midnight poet needs the solid earth to keep them whole, and for many that is the one love of their life, their beloved.

One could only come away a better person from Dwight's and Pauline's farmhouse kitchen philosophy, kindly warmth, and godly counsel.

Thus is the tale of Dwight and Pauline Droz, from southern Idaho Depression years to Scandia Patch farm and famous Western Washington pumpkin patch to Scandia Patch Press.

Dwight R. Droz's legacy is a family of fine folk, perennial hospitality, and a whopping tale well told.

Mr. Droz leaves behind his wife, Pauline, son Dennis Droz and daughter Deanna Thome and their families; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren; and his dear sister, Dora Droz, of Topanga Canyon, California.

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-- K. D. Kragen, Managing Editor, Scandia Patch Press

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OUTSIDE LINKS

Kitsap Sun Article: Pumpkin Patch Farmer, Writer Left Imprint on Community

Kitsap Sun Obituary: Dwight Robert Humbert Droz, 96

Back   07.13.2009.