Yesterday, we celebrated the life of our dear friend, Dan Daniels.
Mr. Daniels (or Dan the Man, like my daughter used to lovingly call him) passed away on May 14, 2013 and lived a life full of just the right things: love, family, education, virtue, contentment, pursuit of his many passions (research, advocacy, gardening, creative re-use of supplies, etc.) and so much more.
In his life journey, Dan had several professions. He completed a Masters Degree and received a fellowship to work on his PhD program in education at the University of California, Berkley; was a professor at Cal State Hayward, Antioch College West and University Without Walls. He was also a co-director, with his wife Moling, of the Antioch College West Camarillo/Ventura program. After his retirement, he continued his full life, becoming an organic gardener designing raised beds for vegetables, flowers and fruits (he even made the cutest, most adorable, vegetable bed for Sabrina when she was a tiny little girl. Oh, how she loved her very own vegetable bed. I am certain Mr. Daniels' influence in good food/vegetables has something to do in her now becoming a vegetarian). Mr. Daniels was a family historian, story teller, alternative health advocate, and a fabulous dancer (all up until a month before his passing away). He was a husband, a father, an uncle, a grandfather, a dear friend to so many people...the list of life accomplishments goes on. He loved good food, desserts (chocolate See's candy) and pancakes! He was a great teacher to myself and my family.
During all the years that we were blessed with his friendship (his wife Moling was my daughter's first and second grade teacher and ever since then, a dear friendship began), he never ceased to amaze us all. In my family, we shared many moments of laughter and joy with Mr. Daniels. When our dear grandma Bea was with us, she also enjoyed the Daniels' company and she would often invite them to join us in family gatherings. They became like a second family to all of us. I am certain that Dan is now chatting up a storm with grandma up in heaven (along with my father and my father in law). I am sure they are all talking about good food; and with my dad, they are sharing notes about poetry and philosophical ideas.
Mr. Daniels was funny. He loved to laugh with an infections laughter that would just want to make you want to join him in the happy moment. We feel so lucky and blessed to have had so many great memories to treasure. We learned so much from him! He taught us a great deal about treatment alternatives for my mother, who suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis. He reminded us all of the value of unconditional love towards everyone that crosses our path in life. Towards our earth, plants, animals. He was a teacher of life and values.
I remember how he loved to discuss history, philosophy, poetry, books... He was an avid reader and owned many, many books that he often shared with me (he always knew just what books to share, at the right time). I am oh so very grateful that we were able to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve with both him and his wife last year at my mother in law's house in November and at our house in December. I am so grateful for all the times we were able to meet up for pancakes and coffee on weekends (one of his favorite meals) at either Mimi's Cafe or a local breakfast place he also loved much, called OD's Kitchen.
I could go on and on about his life of greatest accomplishments (in fact, I could probably write a book about it), and certainly about all the amazing memories he has left behind for me and my family (and everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him). One thing that I am quite certain is that Dan was one of those great men who leaves an unforgettable imprint of wisdom and love in your heart and mind. He will be immensely missed and always celebrated in our home.
*Karen, a life-long friend of the Daniels, created this video with many pictures of the joyous life of "Dan the Man". Go to this link if you wish to watch this delightful video, and if you do, you will notice one common denominator. At any age, his expressive eyes (and smile) always reflected the goodness that he had inside that he never ceased to share with the world and those around him.
