by Jami Taylor
new “fan” of dan
9:42 pm in Uncategorized by Jami Taylor
I hardly knew Dan, only having met him twice at the market. But his demeanor left an instant impression on me. I felt like he was a genuine person, very kind and certainly passionate about his work. I just heard the news today and was struck with such sadness for our community’s loss of this very special person. It is easy to see that he was a very inspirational person to everyone that knew him well, I wish I could have gotten to know him better. I hope that somehow his ‘legacy’ of Flatlander Chocolate continues through someone that worked closely with him; not only because he made fabulous and interesting chocolate, but also because I think his mission was so important and inspirational.
I’m so sorry for the loss his family and close friends are experiencing. Would it be odd for a near stranger to participate in his memorial ride?
I think more people on bikes, is more people on bikes.
I didn’t know Dan either. I have lived across the street from his family for the last eight years, and the only one of us who knew him is our 15-year-old daughter. She and her young friends took an instant liking to Dan, and even “initiated” him in to their club “The Caution Clan” because they used caution tape as a means of initiation. He went along with the plan. And he subsequently invited some of the girls over to visit his kittens. Our daughter has some wonderful memories of Dan, and I wish I could say the same. I guess one lesson in all of this is to step back, meet your neighbors, spend time with them and with those you love. Dan;s memorial service in Greenmeadow park was a beautiful tribute to a young man who meant so much to so many. I will cherish this memory of someone I did not know, and learn much from the people who did know and love him. And I will make sure to get to know my neighbors from now on.
Dear Carole,
Your words are a tribute to Dan, because you have inspired me to continue to reach out to others, to take the time to know those in my community, and, yes, the folks who live right next door (here, mine are grad students, and they all have their ‘stories’… i too was not lucky enough to meet Dan, but I have dear friends who agree that he ‘had’ a pulse on how to live to the fullest! You’ve encouraged me to attend his memorial service in Urbana. Bless you!
Merianne