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When I first got together with Daniel, he had only recently started at the local American Red Cross in Eugene. It was February
1996, the year of the horrible flooding. I remember one night how he didn't come home until 2 AM, and the phone rang so much
that he went back to work at 4 AM.
He had been on the news alot during the flooding disaster, and at one point we had to go in to get a tire fixed on our
car. The man helping us was someone who knew him by his Sufi name, Ishaq, and as the person who performed his marriage.
He didn't know his given name was Daniel. He was happy to see us and told Ishaq, "Oh, I've been seeing your twin brother
on the news!"
- Anna, September 19,2006
I use to work with Daniel from 1997 to 2002 as a DSHR State recruiter; I spoke to you several times during call downs but
it was long ago.
I am heart sick to hear of Daniel's passing. He is such a sweet, gentle twinkley spirit.
I loved his calming way, his belief in making the world a better place and working hard to do that. He inspired me and
everyone else who was paying attention, by just walking his walk and he seemed to do it so effortlessly. He had such a love
for you, his family, his music and the summer solstice. I feel so very privileged to have been in his presence. It is a
terrible loss for this world. I am sad for all of the people who hadn't met him yet and sad for the all the people who must
be heartbroken and grieving with us. Daniel came along side me and encouraged me through some very hard days. Most of the
time I bet he didn't even know how his presence effected people.
My youngest son is named Daniel (also a sweet, gentle spirit) We call him Dan'l Buddy. Every time I saw your Daniel
I wanted to give him a hug and call him Dan'l Buddy too. It just fits him. I never knew a person who didn't call him friend.
His life was a true gift to the world, his journey a blessing to everyone who witnessed it, his footsteps, something I aspire
to evolve enough to walk in.
I know the good memories you shared with him must be painful but in time they will make you smile. My heart is with you
Anna. I am so sorry.
Daniel really accomplished this -
To laugh much; to win respect of intelligent persons and the affections of children; to earn the approbation of honest
critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give one's self; to
leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition.; to have played
and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived --
this is to have succeeded."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
Jennie Sprouse
Peace be will you.
Carolyn Shawgo (Eugene, OR )
Ishaq organized the Red Cross entry in the Eugene Celebration for several years. Here are a couple of pictures from the 2005
parade.
I will miss Daniel's presence and hard work at the Red Cross, which is where he taught and encouraged me to participate in
serving the community, as he had done for many years. Blessings to his friends and family - to Anna and his children - to
his fellow Red Cross workers. His spirit lives on...
Becky Maier (Elmira, OR )
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George and I are volunteers at the RC, living in Roseburg who worked
closely with Daniel. We want you to know that we will always
remember Daniel's kind spirit and thoughtfulness. He had a very
tough job with the Red Cross which he preformed with amazing
zeal. We are so happy to know that his life was balanced with
knowing you and having a strong spiritual foundation. We know that
his spirit is happy to be free of earthly burdens. Please accept our
prayers, sympathy and comfort.
May God bless you and his family,
Virginia & George Roth
Daniel had this nurses uniform, and showed me these pictures of he and Hank Waschow wearing the dresses as part of a benefit
they used to do in Marin as a bowling tournement. He also loved to talk about how he juggled "baby heads" - the
CPR baby models that somehow had gotten detached from the rest of the body!
Daniel your quiet spirit and friendly manner will be greatly missed. You encouraged me to continue on with the Red Cross
and do things for others that I had never contemplated doing. We will miss your expertise in handling emergency situations.
All my prayers to your family and friends.
Linda Ahern (Springfield, OR )
Daniel...Like many others your passing was a great shock to me. I will greatly miss your friendship and our regular conversations...our
shared passion for serving the community with the Red Cross and music always left us with something to talk about. Peace be
with you in your next life.
Corey Nygaard (Carmel, CA )
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I got the sad news about Daniel's passing away on the second day (8/1/06 ) after I got back to Hong Kong. Being an intern
in the Disaster Services Office of the Oregon Pacific Chapter, American Red Cross, Daniel was one of my supervisors, and played
an important role in leading minto the field. Though I was so frustrated at the very end of my internship, I had a really
good time working with Daniel. Daniel was willing and patient to teach, giving me opportunities to explore the Red Cross.
Along with his experience and knowledge for Disaster Services, Daniel's passing away is definitely a great loss to the
Oregon Pacific Chapter. However, I feel grateful that Daniel is now free, having a new life somewhere in the world. To me,
our friendship is a really short, 6-month one, but I am glad to have him as my friend in his last few months of life journey.
I wish Daniel's family and his significant other good health, and live bravely. Daniel will always be in our hearts with
unforgettable memories.
Hety Wong
at Hong Kong
Daniel your peaceful and gentle ways are an insperation to all. The things you have taught me and watching you work with
those we serve shall continue for years.
Lauren Zimmerman (Rockford, IL )
Daniel, Although I didn't know you well, you presence and helpfulness were so greatly appreciated. You were always there
when I called you from Mississippi (on your time off, too......if you ever really had any time off). I had watched you on
tv one night (regarding your spiritual community), just after joining the Red Cross; I remember thinking, how does he have
so much time to serve in this capacity, after all he does serving the community/country with the Red Cross! I could see without
knowing you well, what a beautiful spirit you are. You are missed by so many.
I grieve for knowing that on the earth plane, I will only see reminders of you and not see you physically. My blessings,
love and gratitude are sent to you, your family and loved ones. I know you are an added spark in the Light, and you definitely
shine on this earth plane for us all.
Alice Sparks (Roseburg-Eugene, OR )
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Here are a couple of pictures from when Daniel was in Alaska to visit the villages after a major flooding disaster. He
loved to tell how the plane would have this tiny runway to land on, and how the mosquitoes were as big as birds!
I miss you Daniel. Your passing created an unexpected void in my life. I hope that somehow I'll catch up with you some
day.
Richard Leutzinger (Eugene)
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