May this be a place of sharing stories, memories, photos and support. May we cry and laugh our broken hearts through this tragic, senseless loss. You may want to just read the memories of others, or add your own. You may one day need to use this story to help another loved one or more likely you already know... see moreMay this be a place of sharing stories, memories, photos and support. May we cry and laugh our broken hearts through this tragic, senseless loss. You may want to just read the memories of others, or add your own. You may one day need to use this story to help another loved one or more likely you already know a loved one who needs this right now. You may yourself need the support being talked about in here. May the sharing lighten the burden and let us not be silent.
OBITUARY
“Reality is just a crutch for people who can't handle drugs.” ― Robin Williams"Mostly it is loss that teaches us about the worth of things."-unknown"One the days where no one but you mentions their name, I am so, so sorry. Say their name bravely. Know that they are real, they were still here, and they are still yours" — Unknown
I met Daniel when we were interviewing for our magnet high school in Augusta. All the other 14 year old kids were dressed up and Daniel strided down the hall in his JNCO's and kurt contain tshirt and I remember thinking, I'm gonna be friends with this... moreI met Daniel when we were interviewing for our magnet high school in Augusta. All the other 14 year old kids were dressed up and Daniel strided down the hall in his JNCO's and kurt contain tshirt and I remember thinking, I'm gonna be friends with this guy. It was the 5 year anniversary of Cobains death that day, so I mentioned it to him and he shot me one of his looks and we stayed friends all throughout high school. I would come get him out of class so he could my guinea pig for venipuncture or taking blood pressure or whatever we were learning. His arm wads so small we had to use the child cuff on him so I called him baby cuff which I don't think he appreciated but allowed it to amuse me. My heart is broken by this news and would give anything to have another conversation with him. He was so smart, much smarter than me. I will miss you so much friend. less
Our hearts are breaking with all who knew and loved Daniel, and we send love, peace, and wishes for healing.
We have so many fond memories of Daniel during his time in Fredonia--gaming in the basement, backyard gatherings at Jon and Priscilla's, long... moreOur hearts are breaking with all who knew and loved Daniel, and we send love, peace, and wishes for healing.
We have so many fond memories of Daniel during his time in Fredonia--gaming in the basement, backyard gatherings at Jon and Priscilla's, long talks about books, painting in the woodlot. Daniel was a student in one of my all-time favorite classes at SUNY Fredonia, "Sustainability and America" (Fall 2008). What I remember most was how he always chose really interesting topics, such as tidal power & geothermal energy, to write about. He also encouraged his peers to engage issues from unusual perspectives, and led efforts to encourage more public transportation on campus.
The last time I saw Daniel, we talked about Kurt Vonnegut's writings and all his favorite bookstores in NYC. I hope we can all freeze our favorite memories of and moments with Daniel in Tralfamadorian amber and revisit them for comfort. Daniel, you are sorely missed.
There is a picture I tried to find, but it's possible I couldn't find it because it exists only in my mind. It is of Daniel ahead of us on a chairlift floating into the heavy mist that hid the top of the mountain. I'll never forget the first time I met... moreThere is a picture I tried to find, but it's possible I couldn't find it because it exists only in my mind. It is of Daniel ahead of us on a chairlift floating into the heavy mist that hid the top of the mountain. I'll never forget the first time I met Daniel when he was the cutest little boy with the cutest little southern accent. He and Eric were coming back from summer camp, and Priscilla thought they might have fun riding home in my Jeep. I think they were really thinking, "Who is this weird lady? Get me out of here," but Daniel jumped right into a conversation and kept us entertained with a series of elaborate brain-teaser riddles. I'll also never forget when he moved to Seattle and was thinking of taking my old rattle trap Volkswagen off my hands. He hadn't driven a stick shift before, so much to my surprise I found myself giving stick-shift driving lessons. I was thinking, "I never had kids; I never thought I would be doing this." It might not seem like much, but it meant a lot to me. Mostly I remember what a funny, smart, and sweet human being Daniel was. He will be missed in this world and leaves behind grief for those who loved him, but I know he is now beyond all suffering. less
Daniel convinced me to see Sleep No More this past summer. He gave me options and he knew the plays worth seeing and though I was retire my he patiently guided me to give this show a chance. We spent just the entry piece together and he was ‘taken’... moreDaniel convinced me to see Sleep No More this past summer. He gave me options and he knew the plays worth seeing and though I was retire my he patiently guided me to give this show a chance. We spent just the entry piece together and he was ‘taken’ on his own tour of the performance outside of the rest of the crowd. This show works like that, but even with its quirkiness, he create a singular experience within it that was his own. He spent time in the corners seeking out actors and making connections to the story that were purely his own. His passion for the performance, the acting, the space was on full display. I am so grateful for this experience along side him this past summer. I miss his mind and his observations and smarts. I read much better books because of him. Much bigger books too. I am grateful for what he shared with me. less