Wednesday, March 20, 2019
My condolences to Mel and family for the loss of Dana. Dana was a guy full of life and a determination to live it to the fullest extent possible. That was evident from the first day I met him as a teenager. He loved the outdoors and we shared many stories of what he was out hunting for next in the woods. I was very proud when he joined the more elite forces of the Army and served our country well. His nephews Jon and Nathan were fascinated by him and Jon wore his beret with pride when Uncle Dana came to visit. Dana left him an old beat up one that was worn for months by Jon and it went on many boyish imaginary "missions" in the woods. He was able to bring much happiness to Nate and Deidra and the grandchildren with the summer excursions to St George's Lake and I was so pleased with that. I couldn't always be there for them but he was. St George's Lake was a very important piece of my families history and I was so glad the grand children could experience it too. When I decided to join the Air Force and I went "down range" a few times, Dana helped me to transition back in my head to civilian life. We shared that military bond. I didn't go through nearly as much as he did but I didn't have to explain anything. He just knew. I am deeply saddened by his loss but life has been made much richer for his being in the world. My prayers are with his family.
