Daniel C. Ahlquist

AHLQUIST, Daniel C. Daniel C. Ahlquist, loving and beloved son, brother, husband and father, was set free on Sunday (July 27, 2008), after a long illness. He was born September 9, 1949 to Cliff and Frances Ahlquist and was raised in Middletown. Dan was Salutatorian of the first class to graduate from Xavier High School in 1967. He was also a National Merit Scholar. After attending the University of Connecticut, Dan received a BA from Charter Oak College of Connecticut and a Master of Science, summa cum laude, from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He earned a post-graduate certification in Finance at University of Hartford, Barney School of Business. Dan was employed by Bank of America as Senior Vice President, Regional Manager, Private Wealth Management. He began his career in banking at Hartford National Bank and had 32 years of service throughout successive mergers. Always striving to provide the very best services to his clients, Dan earned the professional credentials of Certified Valuation Analyst from the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts and Certified Trust and Financial Advisor from the Institute of Certified Bankers. He enjoyed teaching, and over the years taught courses for the American Banking Association and the New England Banking Institute at the University of Hartford and Central Connecticut State University. He was especially proud to have been invited, in 1994, by the United States Agency for International Development Privatization Projects, to teach a course on capitalism at the University of Wroclaw in Poland. Dan had a joy of learning as well as teaching, and right up to the end of his life he was interested in science, mathematics, the world and its history. He loved good food, good conversation, his garden, dear friends, and a good vodka tonic. His taste in music ran from Bach and Pachelbel to Johnny Winters and BB King. The arts were meant to be a part of daily life in his opinion, and he enjoyed them in all their ranges, from classical to contemporary. Dan felt very fortunate to have travelled throughout the United States and to have toured several European countries, especially the places his Swedish ancestors came from. Dan was predeceased by his father in 1989. He leaves to mourn his passing his cherished Ma and four siblings and their spouses, Patricia Ahlquist of Old Saybrook, Patrick and Joan Ahlquist of Cromwell, Francis and Jane Ahlquist of West Hartford, Susan and Robert Miller of Hebron. All that their love could do was done. He will be missed by his brother-in-law James (Irene) Donovan of Erie, CO, and sisters-in-law Mary Donovan of Boulder, CO and Susan (Robert) Truitt of Midland, TX. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Thomas (Carole) Donovan of New Windsor, NY. Dan had 14 nieces and nephews and eight grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was proud of them and wished them well in all their endeavors. Thank you to the friends who stayed close and helped Dan weather all of the storms of the past year. You gave comfort and laughter which were deeply appreciated. Dan was married for 32 years to the love of his life, Martha, with whom he raised the light of his life, their Number One Best Son Daniel. Right now our hearts are broken but we know that time, and wonderful memories, will mend them. Martha and family thank David Roy, MD, of Plainville for his care and his kindness; Robert Siegel, MD and his coworkers for guiding us on this journey; and the Farmington Valley VNA for their compassion and assistance. We are grateful to John Straub, MD and the staffs of Jefferson Radiology and the Interventional Radiology department of Hartford Hospital for providing Dan with expert care, delivered with respect and dignity. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. (Dir. Rte. 9 South to exit 12, right at end of ramp, funeral home is 1/2 mile on right) Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may visit with the family at Biega Funeral Home on Thursday from 12 Noon-1 p.m. prior to the service. Dan's family suggests that memorial donations in his name be made to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center, Hartford Hospital Fund Development Department, 80 Seymour St., Hartford CT 06102.