I always have good intentions to Blog and keep you all updated but like everything else this past year; it is hard. The words below are not mine but from Dan’s wonderful mother. I asked her a while back if she or anyone in the family wanted to add to the Blog and today I am more than Happy to share her words and a photo of them with you all.
Thanks Sharon. XOX
It’s hard to believe that it has been one year. It feels just like yesterday that Dan was telling me to use Callebaut chocolate for my Peanut Dainties. I miss hearing his voice the most. The hole in my heart may never heal but I take comfort in knowing that Audrey is part of Dan. When Audrey says things I find myself thinking of Dan. We would have shared those moments and laughed together. Sometimes I have to hold back tears when I see Audrey because she doesn’t have her Dad only the memories. Family was very important to Dan which makes this road hard to travel without him.
For 40 years we had Dan for Christmas. From giving advice about my Christmas baking to the size of the tree, Only Dan could touch these subjects with his quick wit and humor.
Last Christmas it was difficult for all of us to watch him as he knew he was losing. There was so much more that he wanted to do and seeing Audrey grow up was one of them. There was also so much more that we all wanted to say but couldn’t.
Dan’s blog was a way for all of us to stay connected with him through his love of life whether he was traveling with family or friends or his journey after his diagnosis.
I take great comfort in reading over his blog this past year which Carly put into a book for me. It was his last greatest gift to us all.
Dan's Life 
I am Renee’s aunt and only met Dan a couple of times. It was easy to see what a nice husband, father, son, brother, friend, uncle and business man he was. I read his blog every time he posted something on it. He was so hopeful at the beginning and as time passed you could read between the lines that he knew he was fighting a losing battle. With his words and feelings he helped boost everyone’s spirit and one could tell he was so determined to win. I don’t think there was one person who didn’t want him to win this battle. As a mother and grandmother I can try to understand the pain in your heart but one good thing is that little Audrey and Dan’s wife, Renee. They can help remind you of some wonderful memories of your son, Dan.
Dan came into our lives like a freight train running through the prairies in the middle of a snowy winters night. That light just kept getting bigger and brighter and suddenly it passed us and darkness was all around as the Dan express shown it’s light and touched us all. Zach has a new friend in his life who lives close to us. Aiden lost his grandfather a year ago and a special bench was put up on his honor (much like Steve and Sharon did for Dan at Heritage Park). This bench is located behind us on top of the CTV hill (Olympic media condos). Zach has a very big whole in his heart when it comes to Dan. He had a hard time going to Ren’s because of his feeling of loss and his love for Dan. He talks to us often about him and sheds a few tears. I asked Zach to add a few words and he quoted from his friends grandfather’s bench. “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever!”
Who can say more.
Thanks Sharon,
I am thinking of him every day, (and all of the immediate family who are so affected)
I only had the privilege of knowing Dan for a short time, but even in that short time, it was evident that he was a wonderful man, husband, father, son, and friend. He has been present in my mind often, as have all of you who love him – and who he loved. Please know I am wrapping you all up in my heart this holiday season.
In sympathy and love,
Patti Morris
We have been thinking of you all during this sad anniversary. Sending lots of love and remembering one awesome guy… Xoxo
Thanks Sharon for helping us to say hello and goodbye to Dan in your special articulate way one year on.