I don’t know what to say. Big Dan has passed away. I never met him. That is irrelevant. I felt like I knew him. He was a good friend. I’m so sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, his family, his community, his church, all the people who knew him and loved him. He had been suffering so greatly these past months – cancer (which he has fought for years), then he got pneumonia … And now he has passed away.
Dear dear Daniel Champion. Yes, that was his name. Danny, the Champion of the world. Rest, my friend, rest.
I read his blog after your posts about him and reading his comments on your blog.
I am completely in awe of his courage.
I am saddened by his death but I found a quote that I added to my Commonplace book that gives me some hope for those we have lost…
“God conceals from men the happiness of death that they may endure life.”
What sad news, Sheila. I am at a loss for words.
I just want to send my prayers and my love to Dan’s family. What an example he is for those who got to know him, personally or through his blog. Such a brave human being.
DeAnna: lovely quote, beautiful.
I am so sad…
Oh, no.
Nothing else to add. What an inspiration he was and is.
Prayers for his family.
“Good night, sweet prince
and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
He was an awesome person and we are all the better for having known him. I am so very very sad today.
I like that you introduced me to his his blog and that he kept it up right along. I’ve said a prayer for his family and friends.
I’m so sorry. Thank you for introducing Dan to your readers.
Crushed. So sad, most of all for his family. We’ll all miss him.
Crap.
Sadly, this isn’t the first “Internet friend” I’ve lost. It’s weird how you can get so attached to people you’ve never met. But just because you only know them as ones and zeros doesn’t make them any less real. Barbara Bel Geddes’ death had no effect on me; this one did.
[bows head] Sincerest condolences to his loved ones (and that includes you, Sheila)
Although I never met the man himself, thank you for introducing me, and everyone else, to Big Dan, Sheila.. and a thank you to Dan for allowing us to read about his life.
Amazing, how a person you’ve never met, will never meet can impact you. I read his blog via yours, (thank you!),and his courage and wit were inspirational. To be able to share such personal, private details about his life, with the rest of us, was such a selfless act that provided many with hope.
Farewell, Dan. You will be missed.
wow. I just started reading his site not too long ago.
That really really sucks.
Cancer is a bastard jerk.
I don’t know if I want to cry for the loss or smile that I was lucky enough to have shared in his courage.
Bye, Big D. Champion of the world indeed. You will be missed.
Dan showed more courage than I might ever will in my own lifetime.
It saddens me to know he’s gone, although, I’m glad he’s not suffering anymore.
Whenever I hear of someone passing from Cancer, It reminds me of when I was a kid, sitting by my Father’s bed. I’m sure that’s kind if what everyone does when they think of someone passing from an illness. They think of who they remember as it relates to them.
Ah. Dernit. I’m rambling again. Sorry, folks.
Seeya Dan. You were great for detailed and often timely comments.
-Ruben alias he who would be known as ‘Wutzizname’