Monday, December 2, 2013
Dear Mrs. Wood and Family,
I was saddened and shocked last night when I arrived home from a trip to see my sister in Dallas to learn that Dan had passed away. Bob Dunington had emailed me the briefest of messages but I found this site on-line.
I extend my deepest empathy and well wishes to you and your family in your inestimable loss. Although it has bee a very long time since I last saw and spoke to Dan, I have good memories of him.
I was born and raised in Castor but moved away when I was 14. But I did return many times over the years, most recently last May. I knew Dan and Vern Williamson and Ross Miller and so many more. We shared common interests, including a love of the outdoors and of wildlife and nature. I had not seen Dan for many years, but I always appreciated his quiet ways and his friendliness and quiet sense of humor.
My brother Dennis was best friends with Jack Dabbs, and my mother was best friends with Dan's mom. I remember his dad very well, including a day I spent with him when he worked for the creamery delivering milk in his van. I remember Jack teasing Dan about an episode where Dan accidentally discharged a 410 shotgun, I believe it was, creating a rather unusual air conditioning opening in the side of the Wood home in southwest Castor.
I share Dan's interest in wildlife, birds and photography although I am very much a learner still in bird identification and in photographic skills. But I share that love of them which Dan so clearly demonstrated in his life. I wish I had been able to spend more time getting to know him better in our adult lives.
I live in Terrace, BC and practice criminal defence law in this area. The homes you have had in Fleet, Donalda and other Alberta communities kept you and Dan close to the land which I expect you both loved. I remember that Dan being involved in inventorying burrowing owl nest sites in Alberta, although I don't remember where I read about that.
Again, my heartfelt condolences to all of you. I trust you find peace in your particular beliefs and faith and that the memories of your life with Dan will be an on-going source of comfort and strength each day.
Sincerely,
Ken Anderson
