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Daniel Van Laere
Daniel Van Laere
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Daniel Van Laere Obituary
From the family of Daniel Van Laere
Remembering Dan
Dan was a wonderful and unique person. He could see things for what they were, and knew exactly how to take control of a situation without offending others.
He had a fine balance of qualities that were his greatest assets throughout his life. Dan was sincere, honest, kind and compassionate: all traits that drew people to him. He earned trust and loyalty from friends thru the actions he displayed. Dan was always there to lend support to his family, neighbors, business associates and friends--he always made time to help, contributing his full attention.
Dan had two credos that he repeated often, both delivered with his own brand of humor.
"No good deed goes unpunished," which only goes to prove that he gave of himself to others without expectations.
"Peace at any price," this, Dan actually said, was his Father’s line but Dan adopted it. Dan always chose his words and actions carefully because he was very much concerned with the feelings of others.
Dan believed in helping those in need, whether it was a neighbor in need of first aid, a friend in need of comfort, or a lost dog looking for its way home. If the cause was real, then, Dan would give his all to do what was right: he was pure of heart.
Dan left a lasting impression on his business associates as being a fun, compassionate person who added a little life and enjoyment to the office. Dan treated others as they themselves would like to be treated. He believed that with respect and encouragement, everyone could succeed.
From the fiancee of Daniel Van Laere
Glen Rock, and Beyond
When Daniel Van Laere was a kid in Glen Rock, N.J., his hero was a neighbor who was a volunteer firefighter. "We grew up seeing Bobby Barton running off to fires all the time," said Mr. Van Laere's brother, Paul, "and I guess it just captured Dan's imagination. He loved the whole aspect of it ‹ the trucks, the equipment, the potential of fighting fires and helping people."
At 18, Daniel Van Laere became a Glen Rock firefighter. Soon he was teaching rescue courses at the Bergen County Fire Academy.
But Mr. Van Laere did not go to the trade center on Sept. 11 as part of the rescue effort. He was simply putting in another day at the office. Mr. Van Laere, 46, was a risk analyst and underwriter at Aon Insurance, inspecting big buildings and resorts and writing reports on their fire safety.
His work took him all over the globe, from Texas to the Caribbean to Belgium. For a while, he had a 31-foot boat he kept at the Jersey Shore, and he and a former girlfriend and their golden Labrador lived on it in the summertime, ranging up to Rhode Island and down to Cape May.
But he never moved out of Glen Rock, where he bought a house and lived with his fiancée, and his family still remembers him as a local hero.
On the wall of his mother's house hangs a photo of a raging fire in a lumber yard. The picture shows Mr. Van Laere in the basket of a 60-foot boom atop a truck, feeding water down onto the flames.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Quentin Scott Dressler
April 5, 2025
He was an incredibly competent fire fighter . Competent in all aspects of fire fighting and rescue. He was dedicated to humanity Scott Dressler
Abbe and George A
September 11, 2021
It is very hard to believe that 20 years have passed; it feels like yesterday that we were calling Dan’s cell phone, praying and hoping he would call us back and tell us he was okay. We still think and talk about Dan often and cherish our memories of him. He brought a joy to our lives that will never be replaced. We wish that he could have lived and enjoyed the past 20 years. His was a truly devastating loss.
Anna Carol Lampe
September 10, 2021
Jacquie was a college friend of mine. We were very close for a while and she even invited me to GlenRock over the Christmas holidays in 1970. I met her wonderful family and friends. Although I only saw her a few times after we left Indiana University, a day hasn't passed that I haven't thought about the pain she must feel every day of her life. I hope she knows I love you and think about her every day.
MJ K
September 6, 2021
Thinking of you on this day and everyday. As this tragic 20 th anniversary approaches you are never far from the hearts of those who knew you and even some who didn’t know you at all. Like in the beautiful comment below mine. You will be Forever loved and missed.
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Bruce Ridnour
September 5, 2021
As the 20th anniversary of Daniel's death approaches, I felt a need to honor his life and his memory in a different way. I did not know Daniel. I am 72 years old and live in Omaha, Nebraska. I decided that I would scroll down the list of 9/11 victims and stop on a single name entirely at random. I stopped at Daniel Van Laere. And so.....I began to read about his life. And what a life. A life of love, family and accomplishment...and "peace at any price." By doing this, I now feel that I know someone very special who was lost to the world on 9/11...but who will never be forgotten. I shall not forget. My thoughts and prayers are with Daniel's family. I will always remember Daniel and his life and I promise to share what I know about him with others throughout my own journey through this life. Bruce in Omaha.
Scott Dressler
September 11, 2017
I served with Danny on the Glen Rock Fire Department . There was not any skill required as a firefighter that Danny was not 100% proficient in executing, but also in teaching those skills. As an officer in the department: I knew if there was a task to perform, regardless of the difficulty or danger Danny would lead the effort and it WOULD be accomplished.
Danny had an incredibly sharp mind with an extraordinary recall ability and remarkable sense of humor. We shared a loved of all animals, but especially dogs.
I will miss Danny and his dog Kelly everyday for the rest of my life. My life was enriched by his presence: My life has been diminished by his departure. May God Bless you, my friend in Heaven.
Michelle Monarque
September 11, 2017
Dan, It's hard to believe it has been 16 years today. I still think of you every day my dear friend. We had many great times and much laughter. I keep your picture in a frame always reminding me of the truly amazing man you were. I will never forget you my friend. God bless your family and those who loved you. Michelle
Abbe and George A
September 12, 2016
We watched Dan's name being read during the 9/11 memorial and we were overwhelmed with sadness. He was a wonderful person, gone too soon. We think about all the life Dan would have lived over the past 15 years. If only he had had the chance. A lot has happened and changed over 15 years, but we still miss Dan as much as we did then.
Robin Whitmore
September 11, 2016
Thinking of Danny on this day.
Best to you -
Marlene Iodice-Thornley
September 12, 2015
To Rita & the Van Laere Family,
I was shocked to see Dan's name and picture at the 911 Memorial. Will always remember Dan as a bright, energetic, kind person in GR High School. His light will never go out, as long as he is remembered. I am just so sorry Rita for your loss. He will always be a bright star in my heart.
Lee Batzel
September 11, 2015
I think of Dan often and knew him as both a colleague and friend. Dan and I were supposed to be together that awful day in Milwaukee. The trip got cancelled and Dan went to work instead. I'm sure, that whatever happened that day, Dan was trying to help others. Anyone who knew him knows Dan wouldn't have tried to leave without helping. R.I.P.
October 4, 2013
After visiting last Tuesday Ground Zero, I met your name, Daniel, I touched your name, took a picture and honoured you and all who died. Rest in peace. Marc Van Laere, Belgium
Carol Collins
September 11, 2013
Danny, I think of you often. Rest in peace.
barry wattenberg
September 11, 2013
One of the most giving and beautiful people the world has ever known.evidenced by the irony of his service as g.r. volunteer firefighter....dan, we miss you, r.i.p.
K.
July 10, 2013
Not a day goes by that Dan doesn't enter my thoughts. Much time has gone by but still my fondest memories are of times palling around together at work, the shore, sharing laughs and boating knowledge. Things changed in our lives over time and we lost contact but never the friendship. On that day, I witnessed both planes violate the Towers from my midtown office. The first one took out a score of friends and colleagues, some of whom I was conferencing with by phone at the time. When the second plane hit, a greater sense of loss came over me but I didn't understand it until several days later when the names of the lost or missing came out. Dan enriched my life by just being a friend when it mattered most. I wish we could share some time and laughs together but maybe again someday.
Abbe A
September 12, 2011
It is hard to believe that ten years have passed. The memories are still so fresh in my mind. George and I have been thinking about Dan a lot. We still talk about him. He brought something special to our lives that will never be replaced. Friends like that are so rare. We plan to visit the memorial to pay tribute to Dan and the others so tragically lost.
Joanne Eudy
September 11, 2011
Ten years today you were taken from this life. As a business associate and friend, please know that I'm thinking of you...and your very special sense of humor. Joanne
Gary Schopka
August 14, 2011
Dan was an inspiration to me and in part because of him, I chose a career in risk management and loss control. Although years have passed since we lost Dan, I think of him often. God bless him and his family.
Abbe A.
September 12, 2009
George and I are thinking of Dan. We keep him alive through our happy memories. We will never understand why something so tragic happened to someone so special.
Gavin Mackay
September 10, 2009
I sit here on the eve of the 8th Anniversary of 9-11 not believing so much time has passed. The day of the tragic events was the day I returned from my honeymoon, and as I switched on the television the first words I uttered to my wife was " That's Dan's office!"
Not so long before we had spent a wonderful weekend in Edinburgh before Dan in his inimitable style put us through the wringer as part of a corporate EH&S audit!
There is not a day/week/year has passed, where I do not think about him, but I have the luxury through the pain of smiling - and even laughing out loud at the times we spent travelling together. Work? Nah, it was always a vacation!
To Dan's family and friends, know there are many thoughts prayers and love coming from Scotland to you.
God Bless Dan.
Joanne Eudy
October 9, 2008
I was just thinking of friends from my past and thought of Dan so I googled him. I can't begin to express my deep sadness in knowing that Dan was one of those wonderful individuals who perished in 9/11. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
E. Betzy Park
September 15, 2008
I met your sister Jacquie Van Laere September 11, 2008, at Liberty State Park in Jersey City NJ wherein we were having a presss conference. She exemplifies the natural qualities that I am sure you had as well.
Pls go to www.nj911memorial.org for our info.
Abbe A
September 11, 2008
We still think of Dan often and miss him. The sadness and feelings of loss are just as strong as they were 7 years ago. He was a very special person, who brought sunshine to the world. Life will never be the same without him.
Pamela Wahlberg
September 11, 2008
Thinking of the wonderful Dan today and always. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dan's family and friends. Fondly,
Pamm
me at braga street bandung
cindie mercridia
January 26, 2008
To Daniel's Family
Im very sorry for your lost of Daniel. Im Cindie from Indonesia.My mom Nenna is a good friend of Paul, Daniel's brother. We lost contact for years till we knew about Daniel on the internet. How can I contact Daniel's family especially Oom Paul 'n his mother?Please contact me by email.Thanks a lot..
Gavin Mackay
November 25, 2007
I first met Dan professionally at a confrerence in Atlanta GA, and we became friends from minute one.
Later, my wife and I had the pleasure of touring Dan and Jack around Edinburgh when they visited the UK on business.
A great man, with a great sense of humour - and such a leader professionally.
All this time later, and Elaine and I still remember him almost on a weekly basis.
Still so sadly missed and always in our thoughts and prayers - with a tear and a smile.
Abbe A.
September 25, 2007
Dan was the brother I never had. When Dan died, a piece of my heart died, too. Dan worked with my husband, George, in the World Trade Center and they had been close friends for 20 years. Not a day goes by that George and I don't think about Dan. We often hear a funny joke and say how Dan would have a great laugh if he heard it; Dan would sometimes laugh so hard that his face would turn red, his bright blue eyes would tear, and his whole body would shake. Dan loved to make people laugh and often played jokes on his friends and co-workers. He would send funny e-mails and leave voice mail messages using silly voices. No one could make us laugh the way Dan could.
Dan lived his life the way he wanted to live it. He did what he enjoyed. One of the things he enjoyed was his boat. He loved spending the summers at the marina near the New Jersey shore.
It's rare in life to have a friend who would be there for you no matter what, no matter when. Dan was that kind of friend and George and I were lucky to have known him. We miss our friend, Dan, every day. We will never forget him.
Mary Jo Schlageter
June 27, 2007
For the Van Laere family:
I knew Danny since seventh grade in
high school in Glen Rock. I shall
always miss him in my heart.
Mary Jo Schlageter
Pelican Island, N.J.
P Tabbernor
April 9, 2007
In memory....
Linda J.
September 11, 2006
I miss you, I miss you, I miss you. You will always be in my heart.
David Green
April 30, 2006
I will never forget you, my friend. I remember you fondly from GRHS. You will be in my heart forever.
Pamela Wahlberg
September 12, 2005
I only found out yesterday (9/11/05) while watching the memorial on TV that Dan had passed away. I heard his sister say his name and was stunned. I then saw his picture and name on the screen and could hardly believe it. Dan was truly one of the nicest and funniest people I have ever met. I had the good fortune to spend many weekends at he shore with Dan/Ken/Linda on the boat. I remember him saying "kids, so we're taking the family car tonight" and said he was sure I would "break into a shimmy" while singing. You couldn't help but be happy when Dan was around. I am so deeply saddened. I am sure the angels in heaven are hysterial with laughter having Dan as one of them. Ken/Linda if you are reading this I am sending sending sincere condolences. I just had no idea. I am very sad but thinking of Dan is comforting. Sending thoughts and prayers to all of his family and friends. Love, Pamm
Ernie Page
March 17, 2005
Dear Dan,
I remember you as the guy that made Cheryl happy.
I think we acted more like rivals than we should have.
I regret not knowing you better.
The more I read about this man that I went to school with for at least four years, the more I regret the loss of a friend I didn't get to know.
May peace find all those souls.
Jim Carney
April 16, 2004
To the Van Laere Family:
I heard of you great loss last year but this is the first time I have seen a way to express my feelings.
I knew Dan as a student while I was a teacher at GRHS. As years passed and I needed a substitute teacher for days that I was out "sick' I would call on Dan to sub for me. Many times the students were sad to see me return, for they had enjoyed Dan so much.
When ever I spoke with Danny he always talked about boating at Greenwood Lake. A wonderful guy with plenty of feelings.
Very VERY sorry for your loss.
Jim Carney
Osprey, FL
Jenny wixom
March 20, 2004
Nothing I could ever say could take away the pain Daniel's family and friends will always feel over his loss, but I want them all to know that on the one year anniversary of the attacks, members of my school handed out names of the victims. I was given Daniel's. . . since then I have learned that he had a fiance, a sister and a golden retriever. It is kind of hard putting the whole 9-11 thing into perspective for someone from a little town in Idaho. . . but I have put a face and a personality to this name. . . my little brother's name is Daniel. I wanted you to know that even though I only wore his name for one day. . . he has remained in my heart since then and I think about him and his family often. I have never met and you and probably never will, but know that I pray for all of you. I would like to offer you a quote form a spanish prayer. . . "God is not a killer, waiting for an ambush, God is a gardener waiting for the rose to be it's fullest, it's most beautiful before being picked."
Catherine Hayes
September 11, 2003
Dear Uncle Dan,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. We love you and will always remember you. You were a hero this morning two years ago. I know that you are with God in heaven. You are missed by so many people. May God bless you and keep you always.
Love,
Your niece Catherine
Margaret Baez
September 4, 2003
Hi Dan - just wanted to let you know that I think of you often and wonder how you are.
My thoughts and prayers are with you always and with the loved ones you left behind. May god grant them some peace and tranquility.
Rest In Peace .
Bryan Jackson
September 3, 2003
As I watched the horrific pictures of September 11th on television, I couldn't help but think that there had to be someone I knew who was caught in those buildings.
Having grown up in Glen Rock, and having watched the Trade Center being built during my college days in Manhattan, I began thinking about who could possibly be there that I knew.
At first, it seemed as though there was no one, but then an old high school friend called to tell me that there were several victims from Glen Rock -- and he recalled that I had hung out with the Val Laere kids when I was growing up. He told me Danny was among those missing.
I started searching the Internet and found information put up by Aon, Danny's employer. His picture stared out from the screen -- and I found myself sadly staring back as I thought of the grief his family must be feeling.
I had not seen Danny in many. many years, but I instantly recalled images of the days we played together -- he as the tag along little brother to Paul and myself.
I remembered playing ping pong in their basement, and tag in their yard. And I remembered looking at their house from my bedroom window, trying to see if they were around so we could play. They were fun days, and they will always bring back wonderful memories.
Incredibly, I know someone else who was in the tower that day at Aon. He is my cousin's neighbor in Chicago and was at Aon for a business meeting. He was fortunate enough to get out of the building. I only wish Danny had met with the same luck.
Sleep well, little brother. You will always be in my heart and thoughts... despite the many years.
David Barillo
March 18, 2003
We miss you every day. George Orwell once said 'people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf'. On the eve of war in Iraq, my friends in green stand ready to punish bad people on your behalf. This ones' for you, my friend.
Dave
Liliana Emmolo
January 11, 2003
UNCLE DAN I LOVE U!!!! CHERYL MISSES U SOOOO MUCH! MY FAMILY MISSES YOUR HUMOR AT CHRISTMAS!!!LUV YA!
Bryan J. Egan, Sr.
September 24, 2002
Rita and Family,
Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you often.
May Peace and calm be with you all.
God Bless!
Bryan
Elizabeth Collins
September 12, 2002
My father always spoke of you fondly, Dan. "You only young once, but you can be immature forever", is a line he has always attributed to you. It's always gotten plenty of laughs, from me and the people I have shared your line with.
I'm so sorry.
Adam B.
September 12, 2002
I'm a freshman at Wake Forest University in NC. Tonight (Sept 11, 2002) we had a candle light vigil in honor of those who lost their lives and their families. Every student upon entering was given the name of a victim of the attacks (at random). I recieved Daniel M. Van Laere. I wanted to match a face to the name, and learn about this person. After reading the given info on this website, it certainly seems like he was a great guy. To his family and friends, I am deeply sorry about your loss, and may god be with you.
John Barillo
September 11, 2002
I grew up with Danny. He was one of my brother's best friends. He and I were Groomsmen in my brothers wedding.
Even though I had not seen Danny in a number of years, I have been affected deeply by his passing.
To those who didn't know Danny, there is so much I could tell you, anecdotes, examples of his character, but it still would not truly convey what a special guy he was.
Danny was real. He was honest. He had an incredible sense of humor. He was generous. He helped people without a second's hesitation. I have many memories of him hearing the fire siren, dropping eveything he was doing and driving to the firestation. Not only did he help people, but he was low key about it. He wasn't doing it for glory, he just did it because it had to be done.
He loved his dogs, his boat, and his family.
But my brightest memory of Danny was that he was funny as hell.
We grieve because we have lost a special friend and a strong, positive force for our world.
Voltaire said every man is guilty of all of the good he could have done. Danny wasn't guilty. He did a lot.
In a world of the living dead, he was a live one.
Janet Christie DuBois
September 10, 2002
My sincere sympathy to Dan's family and friends. I remember Dan well from Glen Rock High School, especialy his great sense of humor. May God grant you peace, comfort, and strength.
Janet Christie DuBois
Robert, Nancy, Dustin and Laura Sutton
September 8, 2002
In memory of Daniel Van Laere
We did not know Daniel, but my husband is the brother of Cam Sutton who works for Aon. I came across this on the internet and wanted to express our deepest sympathy. I have thought of all the lives lost that day and especially of the ones from my brother-in-laws office and it still hurts deeply. Our deepest deepest sympathy to the family.
Nancy Sutton
Tom Rodriguez
August 26, 2002
Hello Big Dan: I will always remember the pick me up that you always gave our department at RBH. We had some good laughs during the long days. Although it's been over ten years I feel that it was just last week. Rest in Peace buddy, Tom
Margaret Baez
August 14, 2002
Hi Dan - wish I could be speaking with you rather than writing. Want you to know you have not been forgotten. You and your family are always in my prayers. I pray your family is doing well and that you are Resting in Peace. So much to say dear Dan - no words to express them with. God Bless Us All
May 16, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL HERO..DANIEL VAN LAERE AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY..FIANCEE AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS AND THE BIBLICAL DANIEL GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Margaret Baez
April 27, 2002
Dan Van Laere - just learned you did not survive. I had been advised you were away on a business trip on 9/11. How sad, how very very sad. Rest in Peace dear friend and co-worker. Rest in Peace.
My condolences to the Van Laere Family.
Mary Anne Fielding
April 7, 2002
I officially met Dan during an interview for RBH insurance co. That was about 10 years ago. I don't know if you could even call that an interview. Dan was soo easy going that he made me feel so calm and even began his joking with me during this interview. That was around 1991. From that moment, Dan and I became fast friends. We spent time in the office talking about friends and family and laughing. Just laughing. Dan always made me laugh. We would go out to lunch (when Dan was not flying off to some other state or country on business) and laugh more. Dan fast became one of my closest friends. When I chose to leave RBH it became difficult to see Dan due to his work schedule. We would make plans, but he would have to cancel due to having to extend his stay wherever he was at on business or was scheduled to fly off somewhere unexpectedly. But Dan and I always stayed in touch. Even if months went by. Dan was always the same. Dan was always the same fun loving easy going and caring guy. As if no time had past. Dan called me about two weeks before the attacks on the towers and I never got around to calling him back. My last memory of him is his voice message to me. He had just gotten back from a business trip. I miss Dan every single day and want him to come back to us so we could pick up where we left off just like we used to. But I know he won't be coming back. I will wait until I can see him agin in heaven. I pray for his fiancee and his family that they are well and that God will guide them through their sadness. God bless you all.
Jo Ann Barbaro
March 11, 2002
Remembering my dear friend Dan is easy - he was too special to ever forget. Over the years, we would have lunch every now and then and catch up, talk about our families, dogs, etc. He absolutely adored his Duffy. In July, when my dog needed to have surgery, I left Dan a frantic voice mail, asking him what he thought.(He was traveling on business again). He took the time to call while away, calmed my fears, and explained everything to me. He had such a calming effect. I know he has a big, loving family. There isn't a day or night when I don't think of my Aon friends, especially my friend, Dan. Dan and his family will always be in my prayers.
Eileen Collins
March 11, 2002
You were a friend of my Father, who worked next door at 1 Liberty. It is so chilling to know that every single person from New York or New Jersey knows someone who is now gone. May God guide your loved ones gently through their grief, and know that this whole world grieves with them.
Susan Aasen
March 11, 2002
As a friend of Dan, I knew him as many did and have no doubt he died as a hero. I knew he was a funny, calm gentleman....so accomodating.
This is not really a funny story, but tells so much about Dan. About a month before he died, I recieved a phone call while shopping. His schedule was delayed(he said very calmly) as he had a blowout in a rental car on the expressway coming from O'Hare airport, and that he had almost been killed and there were State Troopers all over delaying him. He had crossed 4 lanes of traffic and as i recall, the car flipped on its side. He was going to return to the airport to get another rental car and would be late. All of this spoken as if he took a stroll in the park! So calm...he was unbelievable. I kept saying,"You almost died, you almost died!!!!!" He said that was good, but would be a bit late. Thats all.
My sorrow is for your family, and for myself...he taught me many lessons in life. He died a hero, I know it.
Susan Aasen
daniel van laere
February 19, 2002
Just want to send my condolences to the family of the man with the same name as i have
Lee Resnick
February 18, 2002
To the Van Laere Family:
Our family sends its deepest condolences to your family.
The Resnick Family
Glen Rock, NJ
Michael Cartier
January 24, 2002
Daniel
I spoke to your Sisters, Rita and Jackie. I can't help but wonder if you saw or knew my Brother James. I am sure you do now...You have a great family who really loves you. God Bless you.
Mike Cartier
Anonymous
January 21, 2002
I only knew Dan because I was one of his clients. He was truly a nice guy and a class act.
My condolences to his friends and family.
Christopher Leidenfrost
January 9, 2002
Every time I visit my grandparents and pass the house and the memorial, I whisper a small prayer for all of you...
My deepest sympathy and love,
Chris
Christine Brown
January 6, 2002
This Sunday Morning my two sons went with their father to a near-by town and stopped by their uncles Chevron gas station. While they were there Dan's sister stopped in for gas. She told my family about her great loss and this wonderful website which pays tribute to her brother. Nicholas (9) could hardly wait to close the door before telling me about this girl who lost her brother in the WTC tragedy. He helped him identify with the entire situation. Yes its real!! and Yes, real people have and are still suffering. He seemed to feel connected suddenly. Charles said when he saw the picture of Daniel on this website "She was definitely his sister!!)Charles'reply when asked if the young lady became emotional when telling them of her brother was with hesitation she tried to hold it back but I could tell she was hurting. She was strong though. Dear sister...please stay strong!! And smile at his familiarity each time you see yourself in the mirror!! Thanks for letting my family share your sorrow. I pray that soon life gets easier to bear for all who loved Dan so dearly.
Stephanie Tipping
January 5, 2002
Van Laere Family and Paul,
My name is Stephanie Tipping, I met Paul while passing the Olympic torch in memory of our brothers Daniel and John. I have thought of you and your family often during the holiday and I hope you are finding peace. Daniel sounds like a kind and thoughtful man I hope he and John meet in heaven.
Paul, I'm sorry I did not send a copy of the pictures to you but I will.
I wish you peace,
Stephanie (Firefighter John Tipping's little sister)
Catherine Hayes
December 11, 2001
One of my favorite memories of Uncle Dan was when I was in NJ for my cousin's wedding. I missed a couple of days of college classes and needed to fax a paper to my teacher. I was really concerned about turning in the paper on time. Uncle Dan went out of his way to take me to his office so that I could fax the paper. He was genuinely concerned about helping me. Since I have lived in Atlanta all of my life, I only had the chance to visit with my uncle during family vacations. I always enjoyed when he brought his golden retriever over to my grandma's house. Several times he let me walk the dog and feed him doggy treats. I know that Uncle Dan is in heaven now and looking down at our family. I feel very blessed to have been able to visit with him this past June. We miss him very much.
Teresa Jahn
December 7, 2001
Our hearts cry for the loss of such a wonderful person as that which Daniel sounds like he was. May you find peace as that which he wished for everyone.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Jeanne Hutchison-Basho
November 25, 2001
Rita.....I know how much you hurt inside, I see your pain, everytime we work together. Please know my thoughts are with you and your family....Daniel will always be a part of your life..his legacy will live on ..in you....forever. May God comfort you now and always...Love, Jeanne
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The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
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Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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