My dear DU friends, sad news. My son-in-law has died.

[northofdenali]

Danny was just 45 and leaves behind his wonderful wife, my husband's daughter, Kristy, and three beautiful children. Dale is 18 months, Stevie (named after my spouse, and as feminine as it gets) is 3, and Spring just turned 5.

Danny had a very hard life; his parents died when he was a teenager, and he was on his own for a long time. We brought Kristy, Danny and Spring home to Fairbanks about 4 years ago. He was a great cook, worked at area restaurants in the winter, and was a "carnie" - and a GOOD one - in the summer months. He was an Army veteran, a terrific father, a great husband, and a good man. We will miss him terribly.

I know my fellow DU'ers wonder when I'm not posting smartass comments and other diatribes; right now, it's family time and getting arrangements made. It appears that there may have been some medical errors after a traffic accident - he was not at fault - and his autopsy was completed in Anchorage only yesterday. Now arrangements must be made to bring him home to Fairbanks once again.

Although he was, in Alaskan terms, a Cheechako (newcomer) he took to this land like he was born to it. He dearly loved his wife and kids, his dogs, winter, interacting with everyone from drunks in the restaurants downtown to hecklers at the State Fair.

We'll miss him. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

[NightTrain]

1. I never know what to say at a time like this.

So, I'll just give you these:

[Maestro]

4. Positive thoughts coming your way

and to your extended family...

[northofdenali]

24. Maestro, I know how deep your support can be,

and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[northofdenali]

13. Night Train, thank you

We can use all the hugs we can get right now.

[malatesta1137]

2. My sympathies.

Hang in there, please. I'll say a prayer.

[northofdenali]

14. Any and all prayers are welcome.

Please include the kids. It's so hard for them to understand.

[northofdenali]

22. mala, add a prayer for the grandkids.

That's going to be the hardest part. We'll hang in, Alaskans are kinda tough anyway - but children aren't.

Thank you, sweetie.

[malatesta1137]

44. done

the grandkids were prayed for. you can count on it.

[sundog]

3. Thoughts are with you...

take care tonight... Wish you well.

[northofdenali]

15. sundog, thank you for your kind thoughts.

They are much appreciated.

[Maccagirl]

5. I am so sorry about your loss

Please be strong for your daughter and their three children. Hugs and prayers are coming your way.

[northofdenali]

17. Maccagirl, thank you. We'll try to keep up the good karma.

DU always has an overflow of that. Thanks for your hugs and prayers.

[JohnLocke]

6. I'm so sorry.

This is horrible. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

"May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." -- Numbers 6:24-26

[northofdenali]

18. JL, you always find the right verse. I'll copy this one

and be sure it's read at the memorial. Thank you.

[JohnLocke]

20. Thanks.

[MuseRider]

7. Wishing you

peace and peace to your family. I am so very sorry.

[northofdenali]

19. MuseRider, thank you for your kindness and good thoughts.

And hugs are always welcome. Peace!

[acmavm]

8. So young, so sad. May he rest in eternal peace.

I am sorry. It sounds like he was a wonderful person.

[northofdenali]

21. He was a great guy. Imagine the most fun "carnie" you ever met!

He'd have you spendin' those quarters on the non-breakable balloons and laughing about it!

Some of the restaurants he worked in also counted on him to be a bouncer. Funny, he never had to hurt a single patron. He talked them into a cab, a drunk wagon, a local hotel room..........

Danny wasn't educated, but he was awfully smart about people.

acmavm, thank you for your thoughts.

[faithnotgreed]

9. prayers for everyone are sent. he sounds a good man

[northofdenali]

25. faith, thank you for your prayers.

Danny had a very hard life, but once he came "home" to the Far North, he seemed to find his direction, mostly in his wife and children. He could have been a bad guy - but he was too good for that!

[Gothic Sponge]

10. I'm so sorry!

[northofdenali]

26. GS, thank you for your thoughts.

My friends on DU are, right now, giving me the strength I need to help the family get through this.

[TroubleMan]

11. Sorry to hear that.....he was way too young

nt.

[northofdenali]

28. Trouble, he was too young. But sometimes, the good die young.

Maybe there's a meaning to all this. I don't know what it is, and will probably never figure it out. But he did make an impact on everyone who met him, from a Wiccan High Priestess to the local Pastor of the Bible Baptist Church.

That, in and of itself, is a legacy of sorts.

My grandbabies will know their daddy as a good, good man.

[Az_lefty]

12. Prayers your way....

Alaska rocks.....

[Az_lefty]

16. Prayers to Kristy and the beautiiful children

not near enough replys to this thread.

in my experience....Alaska Rocks..

[northofdenali]

30. My DU friends are always there, in numbers and in spirit!

Thank you, tb - I appreciate your kind thoughts. Come visit!!

Kristy and my grandbabies will hear of your compassion. Thank you.

[VolcanoJen]

23. All of my thoughts are with you.

I also never know what to say during such difficult times. All of my thoughts are with you, Kristy, and the children.

Such a sad story. Please take care of yourself, and his family.

[northofdenali]

31. Jen, you are always here for anyone who needs you.

Thank you for your thoughts, and for caring.

[rocktop15]

27. so so sorry

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Stay positive and remember, he is in a much better place.

[northofdenali]

33. Amen, friend. He had a tough life, and made the very best of it.

His children are bright, beautiful and loving. There's no better legacy than that.

Thank you for the kind thoughts.

[LibDemAlways]

29. Heartfelt condolences to your family...

Your grandchildren will take great comfort that you are there for them. I join the DU family in sending many good wishes your way.

[northofdenali]

35. LibDem!!

Thank you so much. DU IS FAMILY. I can't think of what my mind would be like without all my friends/family/buddies here. You all

I'm on a couple of other forums, and will print out all the good wishes for Kristy to keep in her "Danny" notebook. She is an apprentice Wiccan, and I think that will help her through the hardest part. If not, at the very least she has plenty of family and friends here to give support.

[VoteDemocratic2004]

32. My deepest sympathies

My heart goes out to you.

I have a friend that has led a hard life and I am very worried about him right now. I can't get in touch with him and he has a problem with alcohol along with money problems.

My heart goes out to you.

[northofdenali]

37. As a "newer" DU'er, I really appreciate your support and caring.

Post about your friend - you might find some amazing advice on this board!

VoteDem'04, you're a sweetie for the hug and caring.

[VoteDemocratic2004]

40. I haven't heard from him in a few days

He has cut himself off from the world.

He use to be homeless at one time and I am afraid that he will become homeless again.

I know that he is behind on his rent for this month and hasn't paid it. His phone was disconnected last month and his Internet and electricity went off a few days ago.

I am very worried about him because he has a cat that is going to be put into a shelter or let out on the streets and I can no longer get in touch with him.

He lives hundreds of miles away so I can't drive by his house and find out if he is ok.

I am very worried about him. He needs to get help from a Cherokee organization in his area so that he doesn't become homeless.

[northofdenali]

46. Run, don't walk, to the nearest available help organization.

Sometimes proactive, even if it pisses your friend off, is the way to go.

Call them! The Cherokee are very compassionate, amazing people with a very excellent spiritual base. Even if he's "tough" - they can be tougher! I dealt with a lot of Cherokee in Alabama and North Carolina - use whatever you have to use to get it right. Call some organization close to where he was!

Love encompasses all races, all political spectra, all friendships, all family connections.

Do what is needed, and ignore, completely, the "privacy" crap!!!

This from someone who hates baseball and is listening to a game because my SO likes them. And worried about a memorial service!!

[VoteDemocratic2004]

51. I have paid some of his bills

I need outside help for him because he cut all contact off with the outside world and the only contact that he will have is when the sheriffs dept. pulls up and evicts him.

I feel sorry for him he needs help very bad.

[Swede]

34. You and yours will have my thoughts and prayers.

Hang in there.

[northofdenali]

39. Swede, we'll hang in one way or another.

Your thoughts and prayers are very much welcome. If anyone knows of a good Army Vet's prayer for the memorial, I'd appreciate the text.

Swede, your caring touches our hearts. Thank you.

[flamingyouth]

36. I am so sorry, northofdenali

Please accept my condolences. Whath a horrible, crushing loss for all of you. I'm keeping you, your daughter and all of your family in my prayers.

[northofdenali]

38. flamingyouth, I appreciate you so much.

You're one of the DU posters that I always read - because of your caring. Thank you so much for your compassion and prayers.

[jukes]

41. there are no words of comfort

adequate to the situation. you have the sympathy of this entire community.

you have my personal sympathy for your tragedy.

[northofdenali]

47. jukes, thank you.. It's not an easy time right now.

But the support and compassion of my friends on DU makes a difference. Thank you, friend!

[proud patriot]

42. I wish your family the best

in this difficult time

[northofdenali]

50. PP, thanks so much. We're hangin' in there, trying to get it all

organized. It's tough - we have everyone from the state Medical Examiner's office to the local hospital, the State and Borough Police....

Oh well, just another day for a Democrat!

Love you all - your support is what keeps me going.

[NMDemDist2]

43. how tragic

and it takes a special person to take to Alaska

I'm so sorry for your loss

[Maat]

45. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

God bless those precious children of his! God bless your daughter!

[northofdenali]

52. Alaska requires special people - and Danny was one of them.

He took to this land like a duck to water - and had been raised in California and Idaho. He was a "born Sourdough" and fell in love with this cold Interior, the sled dogs, the cold, the people, within his first few months here.

Thank you, AZDem - your good thoughts will help us through this tough time.

[TOhioLiberal]

48. I am sorry to hear of your loss...

...your son-in-law sounds like he was a good man. Stay strong.

[northofdenali]

54. Strong, trekkerlass, isn't an option. It's an absolute.

My precious daughter-in-law is a Sam's Club $7.50/hour employee - part time, of course, because they don't employ anyone full time....

With 3 kids, it's going to be tough. But she's got me & her dad, her grandfather, an aunt and uncle nearby, so we WILL get through this, somehow.

Your compassion warms my heart. Thank you!

[Zomby Woof]

49. My heart is with you friend

And your family. Stay strong, and let us hold your heart for awhile.

ZW

[northofdenali]

55. ZW, you already know I love you!

My heart, and my Steve's heart, and Kristy, Dale, Stevie and Spring's hearts, are in your loving hands.

Thank you, my dear friend.

[slutticus]

53. I don't pray very often...

...but you and your family have got mine tonight.

I'm sorry for your loss.

[northofdenali]

56. Girl, you're not only gorgeous outside, you're wonderful

inside too. Thank you so much for your thoughts.

[rppper]

57. god bless N.O.D........my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

best wishes from daytona beach...i hope you find strenth and comfort in all of our responses.

rpl & family

[northofdenali]

71. rp, the strenght I get from DU is, as always, wonderful.

Thanks so much for caring.

[northofdenali]

72. To all of you wonderful, caring friends -

thanks from the bottom of my heart for your thoughts, prayers and condolences. I love each and every one of you, and with the strength we gain because of your support, the family will work through this tragedy.

[northofdenali]

78. You all lend me so much strength and hope.

Went for a short motorcycle ride today, teary and thinking of my son-in-law and how much he would have loved the weather.

DU'ers are the best family ever. Thank you all so much for the caring and comfort. Kristy is maintaining - barely - and has so much to deal with (the paperwork alone is unbelievable); with no car, now, she has to rely on us or our wonderful network of friends. This kid (yeah, I know, I'm 50 now, so anyone under 40 is a kid) walks when she can't ride, rides her bike when she can, and calls when she can't.

Strong young woman, for which I'm very grateful. When she breaks, and she will - no one can avoid that part of grief - we'll be here for her. So will her circle of friends, and support from family.

And so will DU. She can't afford a computer, but reads here when she can.

I appreciate you all so very, very much.

[ilovenicepeople]

58. My heart senses your loss of a good person

Rest in Peace Danny,I wish all of you my prayers in this difficult time.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

59. Words are not adequate at a time like this

Your description of your son-in-law profoundly moved and touched me –he sounds like a wonderful person who provided all those who knew him with a lot of warmth, love, kindness and cherished memories. He seems to have lived life to the fullest and made something of every day of his life and that’s something that you, your daughter and granddaughters and all those who knew him can be very proud of.

You and your family have my deepest and most profound thoughts, prayers, condolences and sympathies. My heart especially goes out to your daughter and your grandchildren. I will keep them especially in my thoughts and prayers

If there’s anything I can do, even being in another country, please let me know. Or if you just want to talk about it please feel free to do so. We are all here for you and your family at this time

[PDittie]

60. So sorry, n.o.d.

Please take some of my strength to help you and your family for awhile.

[Mikimouse]

61. I am so sorry to hear this...

May his spirit be at peace. The sparkle of newly fallen snow reflecting the twinkle in his eye, and the heat of the summer sun over the Chena reflecting the warmth of his soul. Hugs to you and family! Nick

[GoddessOfGuinness]

62. I'm so sorry...

My thoughts and prayers are with you...

[Ellen Forradalom]

63. We are all diminished when we lose a good person

I am so sorry for your loss.

[ikojo]

64. My condolences to you and his wife and kids.

It is so hard at times like this.

Please continue telling the stories of his life so his kids know something of their father.

[UrbScotty]

65. Oh no, sweetheart

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

[Eurobabe]

66. so sorry to hear

you and your family are in my thoughts. will be hard for the children no doubt...stay strong.

[CO Liberal]

67. My Sympathies to You and Your Entire Family

More proof that "the good die young" - Danny was 45, Ronald Reagan was 94...

[ScreamingMeemie]

68. north, my heart is in pieces for you, Kristy and their little ones...

I cannot imagine the pain you are all going through. May the memories of a wonderful life lived help you get through. Take care of yourself.
You have all my thoughts today.

Laura

[mvd]

69. Very sorry about this

[Mandate My Ass]

70. My deepest condolences

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. From your lovely tribute to him it seems as though he overcame great odds and was deeply loving and loved.

I wish peace and healing to you and the family. Take care.

[GOPisEvil]

73. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

[Mara Steele]

74. I'm so very sorry, northofdenali.

My thoughts are with you today.

I am so sorry for your loss...

[Cybergata]

75. My thoughts are with you

I know only too well how painful this is for your grandchildren. Hug them a few extra times for me.

[SoCalDem]

76. Hang in there.. It's such a shame when someone so young dies..

I saw this thread and thought I had posted to it.. It was the one in the meeting room ..

I know that there are a million things to do, and nothing "makes it better"..but you have my sympathies, as do your daughter & kids..

Thank goodness your daughter has you ..close by to help her through this horrible time..

[playahata1]

77. Condolences and.....

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

79. :hugs:

Denali, I am so sad to hear this. I'm sending some positive vibes your way.

[Lastgasp]

80. My heart aches for you

Look after yourself.

[Interrobang]

81. I'm sorry for your loss...

I hope your family can help each other get through to the place where the good memories outweigh the pain...

[Lindsey]

82. I am so very sorry...

my thoughts are with you and your whole family.

[fortyfeetunder]

83. My deepest sympathies

NOD
My condolences to you and your family, especially the three lovely children left behind.

If you have the video, "The Lion King", might want to keep that on hand for the kids...there is a scene where the little lion looks at his reflection in a pond and realizes he looks like his late father; that he still was a part of his father, and that was one thing got him through his grief. It helped me years ago, so I hope it can help.

[Catshrink]

84. I'm so sorry for your loss..

My thoughts are with you.

[trigz]

85. My deepest condolances for your bereavement (nt)

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

86. I'm very sorry for your loss

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

[Skittles]

87. I am sorry, sweetie

so very sorry.

[MissMillie]

88. My sympathies and prayers to you.

And also to the rest of your family.