It was some 18-20 years ago when I was first introduced to the Drydens. It was through my wife Kristin who had begun a job with Nancy at the InfantLearningProgram (a program to help disabled children and their parents learn to cope with the problems related to the particular disability) a program that Nancy had run years before. It was an (ugh) company Xmas party. Kristy drug me over to a table to sit, at the end of the table was this somewhat shaggy silver haired man with the brightest eyes and a slightly crooked smile just brimming with life deep, I wondered how he kept all that energy contained, in discussion with several others. Even though he was engaged at the far end of the table in talk I immediately felt fully a part of the group and recognized by this stranger and knew instantly this was a friend without ever a word being spoken between us. As with all things Dan I was fully engaged in the discussion and giving my opinion before I knew what had happened. A unique experience to say the least, well for me anyway, I'm usually a bit quiet when meeting people.
As the years passed the friendship deepened. It became a monthly dinner that rotated around, all of us sharing what new project we all were involved in at the moment, what we were learning and doing. Always sharing the love and good times. It is sad, for the people who caused his demise will never know what harm they have done to themselves. Dan was the motivator, an organizer, a leader of the community in every sense of the word. Never seeking adulation or reward only doing that which needed to be done, that which would make the world around him just that much better. This is a time when we need all the unification we can find, here was someone who could have made great inroads to that unity. But maybe while "sitting in that next room" , as someone said here, he will bring some of that to Rio Dolce and lake Isabel and knowing Dan to the rest of the world if there is any way possible. He easily exemplified what Maslow was trying to describe as the 'self-actualized person'. One of those rare people who really do leave this world just a little bit better than he found it.
His light will continue to shine, and does, directly through Nancy, Brian & Jessica , Daniel & Renee, not to mention any children they may have. Additionally his heritage will go forth with all of us that have known and cherished him if even for a moment in time. There are so many possible stories that I could tell yet the "YeeHaw!!!" that Brian heard on the way to Guat city is classic Dan at his best. We are waiting patiently for your return and hope all goes easily.
David & Kristy
I REMEMBER DAN :
FIRST MEETING HIM IN 1960 AT HVCC
SITTING IN THE CAFETERIA BETWEEN CLASSES
DOING ENGINEERING HOMEWORK WITH HIM
COMPLIMENTING MY MOTHER ON HER COOKING
SIPPING A HIS GORMET COFFEE
RIDING HIS FIRST HARLEY
FIXING THINGS THE ROGHT WAY
PAYING ATTENTION TO DETAIL
BEING LATE
PACKING FOR HIS MOTORCYCLE TRIP TO NEW MEXICO
HIS ARRIVAL AT MY PLACE IN SANTA MONICA
IN HIS CABIN IN TOPANGA CANYON
RACING HIM ACROSS THE MOJAVE DESERT AT 100 MPH
MOTORCYCLE RIDING UP LAGUNA CANYON TWISTIES IN THE MOONLITE
DRIVING ME TO MY FIRST ARMY ASSIGNMENT
WORKING AT G.E. DRAFTING DEPT.
BUILDING A STORAGE CABIN WITH HIM IN AK.
CAMPING IN KENAI
PARTYING WITH CANADIAN INDIANS
LIGHTING THE FIREPLACE
RIDING THE GRANDSON OF MAN OF WAR
SKIING A STEEP SLOPE AT MAD RIVER GLEN
DISCUSSING PHILOSOPHY
LOOKING FOR A BOAT IN ENGLAND
TALKING ABOUT HIS FIRST OUT OF BODY EXPIRIENCE WITH GRAND MAUD
RAFTING THE RAPIDS AFTER A RAIN
TRAIL RIDING IN NY
SPEAKING SPAINISH IN MEXICO
CO-PILOTING MY PLANE
WALKING UP THE HILLY STREETS OF SAN MIGUEL
HAVING A BRIGHT RETIREMENT PLAN
THINKING HE WOULD LIVE FOREVER
ED ALLYN
