Daniel Wert

I just found yesterday about Dan's passing and was stunned. I worked with him at Bollinger's Books and he was brilliant. He had an amazing mind and was a very generous person:with his time, his humor, his friendship and his kindness. He was a good guy. I am so sorry for his family's loss

The sadness I felt when I learned of Dan's passing has been replaced by the joy of some amazing memories. I was one of the musicians who had the pleasure of playing with Dan at Vanderbilt in a variety of bands. He was, hands down, the most energetic drummer I have ever known. We got together a few years after college a few times and made some joyful noise. If anyone would like any recordings of Dan drumming, I have them and would be happy to share. Every time I listen (and I have...

Reading the quotation about the purpose of education from Danny's senior address reminded me of a day when a few of us were sitting around in 8th or 9th grade, speaking ill of someone not present. Dozens of petty insults flew, but Danny was silent. Finally, someone asked what he thought about the guy we were savaging, and his immediate response was "I like him." It brought all of us up short. Dan never had an unkind word to say about anyone, that I can recall, and I marvel at how...

I lived near Danny and would walk over to Danny's to play as a kid. We would dress up in German war uniforms and run around his back yard playing war. Danny was a genuine person, he never changed, and was a good friend. I am sorry he had to go through that fight with cancer, I give my thoughts and prayers to his mom and dad.

So many wonderful memories of Danny, not only from four years of high school at Casady, but from earlier summers spent at Kamp Paddle Trails, as well. I remember Danny leading crazy, clever campfire songs and skits that made everyone laugh and join the fun; patiently helping us learn to sail; being a wise and steady friend and a gentleman always. I am fortunate to have known this outstanding soul.

I remember the first time I met Dan Wert: playing drums for Chapter XI (not "Chapter 7") at the Exit/In in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1986. We were both freshmen at Vanderbilt, both Southerners, both folks people would label "the best and brightest." I joined Chapter XI as its bassist the next year, lived across the dorm hall from Dan the following year while he took a year off from live music, and lived it up with him our senior year as "The Index" played proms and frat houses. Later, as we...

I haven't seen Danny since graduation in 1985 that I can recall, but reading his obituary immediately brought to mind my most vivid memory of him: A group of us were sitting around a classroom in middle school or high school, complaining about someone that we presently didn't like and wanted to marginalize for whatever juvenile reason. Danny hadn't said anything, and when we solicited his opinion, his immediate response was "I like him." It brought me up short then, and did again today. I...

Dan was one of the log list of characters that worked at the District Attorney's Office. I would be passing through on the weekend late at night and stop to pick something up from my office. Dan would be there with loud rock music blarring from his office typing on a post conviction. Great people always seem to leave too soon. He will be missed.

Dan was such a unique person who litterally marched to the beat of his own drum. I never knew him not to have the broad smile on his face or quick witted remark.