Sweet Dreams, Sucka...

Hey Dan.... I hear you laugh all the time, I sometimes feel you close. I am with Bill on the whole it wouldn't be so bad if life for me ended today,tomorrow,or well lets be real.I don't party the way we used to. With the dueling coaches and all. The potpie frozen dinner nights.the red light district..oops! Ginni bringing us our vitamins,and coffee and bagels. We had it all pretty good. Now in days i am a mom,a wife(who would have thunk that one),a daughter,a teachers assistant,and well theres not allot of going out good times happening. I remember back to a couple of times thinking damn,we survived that? I have a feeling you are having a blast and I take comfort with you being up there. I just wish you could tell me all about in that wonderful animated way that only you know how to do. I raise my glass to you,I sniffle back a tear or two. Ok! like a gazillion.Here's to you mo'fo. All my love, Kimmy

My Saucy Sucka! I finally got to see Sitka and it was beautiful, just like you said it was. I remember this day just like it was yesterday...Gayla was in town and we were hanging out in the front yard playing dress up. And Lisa was there..."Go! My little n%$#a!" and "I loves me some Metallica!" I felt sorry for that little dog, having to put up with her big ol' mouth! Ha. More later...

I'm lovin' you...
The Other White Caacba

08/28/2007

Hey there buddy,

What a beautiful ceremony. Heather took some great pictures and I'm so thankful for that as I would've never been able to see the "beauty" of it all. I miss you so much, and am still thinking about you everyday. I can't help it. You know this whole ordeal has me thinking about death and to be quite honest, I never really think about it that much. I mean I believe in God, (you know I'm not that much of a born again Jesus fanatic), but I do believe in "LOVE" and I do believe in everything that's "GOOD" in the world. Truth, friendships, partner, my kitties...I don't think I fear death, as I've lost you and my Mom. I like to think that I'm secure with my spirituality. I just know that I love you so much and miss you. I miss hearing your voice; I can still hear it....your laugh. One of my favorite sayings is "The heaven of each is but what each desires...". Well Dan I certainly desire to see you again, to hold you, to talk, to always be around you... "That" is my heaven my friend. If you run across my Mom up there, let her know that I'm okay and that I miss her too. I'll talk to you soon eh?

Your Friend,
Bill

Sunday August 26th, 2007

Hey there buddy,

Well today is the day of your Memorial, and although I was unable to fly out I wanted to remind you that my thoughts are with you today and everyday for that matter. Heather is there and we've been communicating regularly which is just awesome. I just love her already! She says it's beautiful in Sitka and I recall you telling me that once. I love you so much Dan and am thinking about you always! I will NEVER forget you!

Your Friend,
Bill

August 26, 2007 - Sitka, Alaska

John Brown's Beach Trail

John Brown's Beach

Gene spreading Dan's ashes...

Beautiful Sitka sunset...

Love you more than life itself...there, I may have found the words.

This is what happens when the Sharpie meets the paper...and boredom!

Oooooh! Ain't we something. Ha! Ha! Love those checkered pants, Sucka! I so miss you schooling me on all kinds of music. Loves me some Crosby, Stills & Nash AND Young ('cuz A Man Needs a Maid!)!! You haven't taken me to the dark side completely...I'm still unsure about Dylan (remember the Talking Bear Mountain Picnic Massacre Blues! Too much...). Thank you, Sucka, for sharing that intimate part of you, with me. I still have the vinyl you gave me...Sticky Fingers with the zipper intact and Up In Smoke with the mongo rolling paper! I cannot put into words how much I love you, so I won't even try at this moment. But, those wonderful parts of you became parts of me and like the heartache I feel because you're gone, will never go away. And that, I can be thankful for. Love you, Sucka.

Clicka

We little knew that morning that God would call your name,

In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone,

For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,

And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

--Author Unknown

My Dearest Sucka,

My dreaded day has come. I am going to Sitka on Saturday to meet with your family. On Sunday they will have a traditional ceremony on the beach for you. Caacba, I could never be ready for you to go away, but this hit me like a "two-ton heavy thing." Ha. I have to use the humor, Sucka, or I'll implode or something. Sussan is going too. Man, we are both having a hard time with this.

I can't pick up the phone and dial you up. I can't call you and hear your voice on the machine. Sucks to be me.

I will love and miss you forever, Sucka. I'll see you on Sunday.

Clicka

Sucka, I took this picture of the Sleeping Lady at one of our favorite stops along the Tony Knowles! coastal trail. Remember flashing the train? Ha! Ha! Clicka

Hey Dan,

Can you believe this picture that Angela found in an old shoe box? This was back in 1990 when we lived on Monroe Street in NE Minneapolis. You were only about 24 years old! Ha! I can't believe how long ago that was or yet seems. Angela was going out with Erin Ryan and we all lived together. We were "true sista's" back then girl! Ha! That's when I actually had hair. Too funny! Was that before Joey-Oey or after? I can't remember...So much of the time between then and now seems like a haze. I "do" remember having one hell of a time though, even with Erin!!! Film at 11:00! Crazy, crazy, crazy!

Your Friend,
Bill

Sucka,
I thought I would post a pic of you and Gini together. The good 'ol days...this one was taken at Potter's Marsh, the bird viewing deck. I miss the both of you so much. I hope you and Gini are taking care of each other. Loves to both of you.
Clicka

Sucka,
Do you remember this picture that Nana took of us hanging out in the banyan tree (note the sign - do not climb on the tree. ha.)? I haven't been able to get a hold of Nana or Jacqui Bear. I don't have the numbers anymore. I know they would like to say goodbye too. I hope all is well and you're getting used to your new stompin' grounds! Hot child in the city! Love you, Caacba.
Clicka

I will not die an unlived life. I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire. I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise. I choose to risk my significance; to live so that which comes to me as seed goes to the next as blossom and that which comes to me as blossom, goes on as fruit.

Dawna Markova

A great night out...

Stairway To Heaven / Led Zeppelin

There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold
And she's buying a stairway to heaven.
When she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed
With a word she can get what she came for.
Ooh, ooh, and she's buying a stairway to heaven.

There's a sign on the wall but she wants to be sure
'Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings.
In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings,
Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven.
Ooh, it makes me wonder,
Ooh, it makes me wonder.

There's a feeling I get when I look to the west,
And my spirit is crying for leaving.
In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees,
And the voices of those who standing looking.
Ooh, it makes me wonder,
Ooh, it really makes me wonder.

And it's whispered that soon if we all call the tune
Then the piper will lead us to reason.
And a new day will dawn for those who stand long
And the forests will echo with laughter.

If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now,
It's just a spring clean for the May queen.
Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run

There's still time to change the road you're on.
And it makes me wonder.

Your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know,
The piper's calling you to join him,
Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow, and did you know
Your stairway lies on the whispering wind.

And as we wind on down the road
Our shadows taller than our soul.
There walks a lady we all know
Who shines white light and wants to show
How everything still turns to gold.
And if you listen very hard
The tune will come to you at last.
When all are one and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll.

And she's buying a stairway to heaven.

Hey Buddy,

I talked to Freddy and he's hanging in there, not to worry. I told him I would do some research on the computer to find him a good price to your Memorial on the 26th but your sister probably found the cheapest. He wants to bring your dog along too and I'm like....ok. Ha! Anyways, I think rather than send flowers I might send a plant instead as it will live longer. Then maybe Jess can take it home and tend to it. Your Memorial is also being held on Shane's 34th birthday which is a little odd, but that's just the way it panned out. You know? Heather said it was just fine for me to keep in touch with you thru this web site and that made me feel better as I didn't want to be hogging it all up for myself or anything! Ha! "Sister just wants it all honey!!!" HA! This helps me Dan; to correspond with you this way. It keeps my memories fresh and healthy. I wish you would've shared with me your failing health but I understand why you wouldn't have; because I certainly would've worried myself sick about you. Now it's just a matter of acceptance, and that will come easier with time. I've no one to talk about Death Metal now and that really stinks! Shane listens to all that "girly" stuff and it seems the rest of the world are top 40 queens. Ha! But I won't allow my fondness for it to fade and will continue to go to shows from time to time. Remember how you were going to come up here and go with me to Cannibal Corpse and let George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher just tear your freaking face off! Ha! You just cracked me up when I read that letter. Still makes me laugh. You were certainly were one of a kind Dan. They don't make 'em like you too much anymore. I'll talk to you soon my friend...

Love,
Bill

“He was my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and Sunday rest, My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song; I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.” WH Auden

Susan Brandt

The light isn't as bright as it used to be.. my smile rarely shows. I can't believe how many tears fall. I miss you Dan. You are light, love, laughter, and forever in my heart you will remain. Love you always. Kimmy

Goodbye to you my trusted friend
We've known each other since we were nine or ten
Together we've climbed hills and trees
Learned of love and ABCs
Skinned our hearts and skinned our knees
Goodbye my friend it's hard to die
But all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
Pretty girls are everywhere
Think of me and i'll be there
We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun
But the hills that we've climbed were just seasons out of time
Goodbye Papa,please pray for me
I was the black sheep of the family
You tried to teach me right from wrong
Too much wine and too much song
Wonder how i got along
Goodbye papa it's hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
Little children everywhere
When you see them, I'll be there
We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun
But the wine and the song like the seasons have all gona
We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun
But the wine and the song like the seasons have all gone
You gave me love and helped me find the sun
And everytime that i was down
You would always come around
And get my feet back on the ground
Good-bye Michelle it's hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
now that the spring is in the air
With the flowers everywhere
I wish that we could both be there
We had joy, we had fun we had seasons in the sun
But the stars we could reach were just starfish in the beach
But the wine and the song like the seasons have all gone
All our lived we had fun we had seasons in the sun
But the hills that we've climbed were just seasons out of time

I'm truly sorry to hear the news about Dan. I know how much he means to you and how much he will be missed. I didn't have to know him personally to recognize (and admire) the joy he brought to your life. It's obvious in the way your face lights up and the way you laugh when you recall the experiences you shared. The memories will always be with you….and soon enough, you'll again be laughing out loud when you think of Dan.

Keep the faith.

Michael Nelson

Hi Dan,

It's me Bill again; on the way to work this morning I was listening to that new Lamb of God cd that I had burned for you called "Sacrament" and I thought of you. I wanted to thank you for getting me in touch with Heather because talking to her somoehow brings me closer to you in spirit. I will call and talk to Freddy later today as he called lastnight but I had stepped out. You can't just up and take off without saying anything to anyone. But...., YOU DID, and you told me you loved me so what am I complaining about? Ha! I hope you don't mind me checking in from time to time, as this time I know you're listening. Slayer is playing the Excel Energy Center with Marilyn Manson soon with all the original line up. Dave Lombardo came out of retirement I guess and they have a new album out but I've yet to hear it. I may go check out Velvet Revolver with Alice in Chains on the 29th, but can't help feeling wierd about the Alice in Chains deal. I mean come on! Without Lane Staley, it's just not the same. You know what I mean! Ha! That's like seeing Nirvana without Cobain! ridiculous if you ask me. Well, gotta get to work...., I'll talk to you soon yeah?

Your Friend Forever,
Bill

August 14, 2007 6:07 AM

Dan's Chicken Soup

Goodbye Uncle Dan
Allison

Dear Dan,

I'm at a loss for words as I'm still hurting..., still trying to ignore this ache in my heart; this void that's left, this emptyness that only "you" filled, that only "you " had a right to claim. For 20 years we became a part of eachother, yet were always so far apart. I looked up to you, loved everything about you, even wanted to "be" you but knew I never could. We had so much in common, speaking almost a language that only "we" knew. Laughing at the dumbest shit. I know life goes on, time heals all wounds, but Dan this is very hard. I will miss you immensly, so much that you can never really know. You'll always be in my heart and we will be together soon enough to listen to some death metal and talk about Hollywood. Forever your friend...

Bill Strong / Minnesota

Headed to Gibsonton!

To those I loved and those who love me


When I am gone, release me, let me go, I
Have so many things to see and do. You
Mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears. Be
Happy that we had these years. Grieve
For a while for if grieve you must, Then
Let your grief be comforted by trust. It’s
Only for a while that we must part, So
Bless the memories within your heart. I
Won’t be far away for life goes on. So if
You need me, call and I well come.
Though you can’t see me or touch me , I’ll be
Near and if you listen with your heart ,
You’ll hear all of my love around, soft
And clear. And when you must come
This way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile
And say, “WELCOME HOME”

DAN, TO A FUNNY GREAT OUTGOING SPIRITED GUY!! YOU WILL BE MISSED
MUAH!!!
GARFIELD

You're my best friend.

"You're my best friend" Queen

you make me live
whatever this world can give to me
It's you, you're all I see
you make me live now honey

you make me live
You're the best friend
that I ever had
I've been with you such a long time
You're my sunshine
And I want you to know
That my feelings are true
I really love you
You're my best friend

you make me live
I've been wandering round
But I still come back to you
In rain or shine
You've stood by me guy
I'm happy, happy at home
You're my best friend.
You're the first one
When things turn out bad
You know I'll never be lonely
You're my only one
And I love
The things that you do
You're my best friend

you make me live.
I'm happy, happy at home
You're my best friend
You're my best friend
you make me live
You, you're my best friend.

Love,

Sussan Brandt

Daniel Glen Bartolaba

Daniel Glen Bartolaba

March 6, 1966 to August 5, 2007

"I will love you forever, Sucka..."