Kathryn's Tribute to Dan

A number of people have requested the transcript of the tribute that Kathryn (Dan's sister) gave at the funeral, so we decided this would be the best place to post this.

Tribute to Dan

Like all things in life, there is the bitter and the sweet, such is Dan’s passing. For all those who know and love him, our lives are sweeter, better, and uplifted by his influence. In the book The Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck defines love as: “The will to extend oneself for the purpose of nurturing another’s spiritual growth.” Dan loved WELL!

Danny took all of his purposes or roles very seriously. It was important to him to honorably fulfill his role as son, brother, husband, father and his callings to serve in the church.

As the oldest brother, Dan was very protective. As a young girl, I remember finding great comfort and safety in Dan’s presence. Each h of us sisters would often race for his bed after a bad dream. Dan was also protective about who we dated. He would relentlessly grill our dates (and then relay to us that none of our dates were good enough for his sisters…and more recently, his daughter).

As siblings, we have all lived out of state at one time or another. Dan didn’t let distance get in the way of being close. I could always depend on, and look forward to, a call from Dan on Sunday evenings.

Dan was such a tease! He reveled in getting a rise out of others.

Danny and I Shared a love of debate It didn’t matter much the subject. It was the thrill of creating a strong argument. One of us would make a statement and the other would jump in with the opposing view. Dan’s amazing, quick mind and thinking were inspiring. I will truly miss wrestling one another with words.

Dan lived in the present. He made the most of each day. His life was an example of the old adage, “work hard, play hard.” When working on a project, he worked HARD and was a motivating force to finish so there would be time left to play.

With his deep desire to fulfill his responsibility as the oldest brother and lead by example, he served somewhat as a compass for each of us siblings. Talking things over with Dan always helped me to see my direction more clearly. Dan’s concern for each of us partnered with his solid foundation rooted in truth, led him to give advice carefully and well.

I believe that reading Dan’s mission letters that bore witness of a deepening love for the Savior and the people he served, inspired all four of his younger siblings to serve missions. Dan’s standing before the Lord was his life’s focus. As his younger sister, it was always easy for me to believe in an older brother, our Savior, who knew me and loved me perfectly. Although Dan was imperfect, from his little sister’s view, his love was constant, his intentions pure, his heart loyal, and his desires for others were filled with charity. My testimony of the Savior and His restored gospel was seeded in Dan’s example and the many tender conversations we had.

I have no words to describe the relationship between my brothers, Dan and Paul. To be described as ‘one soul’ may be too close, ‘the best of friends’ is too far apart. They finished each other’s sentences, knew what the other was thinking without words, had the same warped sense of humor, and were strong where the other was weak.

I have loved watching Dan as a father. Tickling, teasing, wrestling, teaching, testifying, serving, comforting, working, hugging, laughing and loving! I believe there are four things Dan would want his children to know. First, to honor and cherish their mother. Second, to live in the safety and peace the gospel provides. Third, to find the joy in each and every day. And fourth,to know and trust in his undying love, and that their family will be together forever.

Last of all, as Dan’s sisters and brother, we are most grateful for the woman Dan married. Amy is a true helpmate. She is the great woman behind this great man. She is the gentle force that in many ways has made Dan who he has become. Their love for one another is abundant and eternal. Dan and Amy built their love, relationship, and family upon the rock, our Savior Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the promise of eternal families.

[D&C 132:46] I testify to the truthfulness of this promise. Dan and Amy’s family was ‘bound’ on earth by priesthood authority and is and will be ‘bound’ in the eternities. This is not goodbye. This separation is increased motivation for each of us to live in a manner pleasing to our Heavenly Father that we might be reunited with Danny on the other side.

- Kathryn Howells Hart