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John Dant Obituary
John Thomas Dant of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away on December 17, 2016 at age 71, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Decatur, Illinois, John grew up in Owosso, Michigan, and came to Arizona in 1965 to attend Arizona State University ('67) and work as a camp counselor at Orme Ranch, where he began his long love of horses and Southwest culture. John became a high school English teacher, first at Scottsdale High School (1967-1983), then at Saguaro High (1983-1997), where he inspired generations of students to love literature and travel through his memorable lessons and numerous student trips to Europe. At Saguaro, he met the "crazy lady down the hall" who became his devoted companion and fellow traveler later in life. John enjoyed teaching, reading, acting (especially as Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof), drinking good wine with friends, throwing the Kong for his dogs, spending time with family, cooking, volunteering, and exploring the world. He is survived by his long-time loving companion, Linda Kearns; his golden retriever, Jenny; his brother Mike Dant of Green Valley; his nieces Sara Dant of Ogden, Utah, and Jill Dant Schlessinger of Chandler; one grand-niece and two grand-nephews; and countless students and friends he impacted through the years. A trusted and loving companion, an inspirational teacher, a devoted son and brother, a magical uncle, a not-so-great golfer, a generous friend, an ardent traveler and reader, and loving dad of golden retrievers, John will be loved and missed by many who knew him over the years. No one on the planet gave better hugs. While there will be no formal services, family and friends will convene for a celebration of his life at Duke's Sports Bar at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Diabetes Association, specifically to Type 1 Diabetes research. "And as the embers die away, we wish that we might ever stay. But since we cannot have our way, we'll meet again some other day."
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Memories and Condolences
for John Dant
Linda Kearns
December 15, 2023
Jenny Dant, that super affectionate and adored golden, died on April 10th at twelve and a hat. She was your most challenging of your four goldens, but for me she was such an amazing companion who constantly reminded me of our mutual love of dogs. I miss her commanding the best places on the sofa a bed.
I held her until she was gone. Her ashes are.in a woobox next to her paw print in the Prescott home where she loved to greet the deer and javelinas. She marks the physical ending to a treasured life we all shared. I miss her.
Linda Kearns
December 23, 2021
Jenny Dant, the overly needy and affectionate golden I inherited from John, is now eleven and thrives. She's partial to any male human who tells her she's a good dog. We miss our dear friend and buddy but he would be so proud of the incredibly lovely pet she has become.....even has manners and obeys commands.
Linda Kearns
December 15, 2020
This December 17th will mark four years since several of us who loved John shared our love and good byes with him before letting him go. He was a gift to so many and a special gift to us who knew him intimately. His dog Jenny's now been with me and has adjusted to her life with me and another dog, Jackson. We treasure wonderful memories of sharing and trust but will always miss his voice and his hugs. What a gift
January 25, 2019
To all of you who have added comments in memory of John, thank you. It is now 2019- over two years since he died. The memories of our trips, lunches, wie, campin, etc. never fade. I have moved from his house to my parents' place as they both died last year. With me I have brought all the treakures we collected o our travels and during our life of sharing. The ost treasured perhaps is his golden Jenny who is adjusting well to my constant adoration and spoiling. My golden-corgi mix, Jackson, is accepting this. Not a day goes by that I don't remember the gifts of love, trust, and sharing we experienced for 15 years. A truly wonderful man.
John Baker
March 20, 2018
There was a man named John who teaches English in Scottsdale on Jeopardy tonight. For a moment I thought it was my very favorite teacher, John Dant. I Googled John Dant and sadly came across this page. Mr. Dant was my inspiration as well as the best teacher in high school. He turned me on to literature and eventually, I became an English teacher. I've been teaching English for twenty years (I started late) but eventually earned my M.A. in English and I owe it to Mr. Dant. We had a teacher's strike at Scottsdale High, but Mr. Dant held class on the library lawn, and most of us showed up because we loved Mr. Dant. Rest in peace my friend.
John in 1966 as a camp counselor at Orme
John Isgrigg
October 14, 2017
John was my roommate our Junior year at Albion College in Michigan. He suggested I become a camp counselor at Orme where I enjoyed three great summers with him. He introduced me to Jazz, Classical music and good Mexican food. He taught me how showmanship and a projection of self-confidence can be valuable tools. He encouraged me to buy good clothes like the Harris Tweed sport coat he borrowed numerous times.
April 7, 2017
Mr. Dant was one of a handful of teachers from my life that had a lasting impression on me. I wish I had gotten the chance to tell him. I'm sure he will truly be missed by many.
Jon Bonnell
Saguaro, Class of 1986
Susan (Hassig) Wissink
February 8, 2017
I just learned of Mr. Dant's passing and am heartbroken. Of all of the teachers I had over many years of school, he was my absolute favorite. I attribute my love of literature and Shakespeare to him, and I will always remember spending an entire year in English reading books from Beowolf to modern literature to understand what it means to be human. Please know how many lives he touched and accept my sincere condolences.
An ice hotel in Quebec; no doubt not as pretty as the purity of Heaven
John & Janie (hignlh school classmates) Little
January 1, 2017
Just J&J
John & Janie (hignlh school classmates) Little
January 1, 2017
Janie & John Little (Seldom in a tie).This one is for you John
John & Janie (hignlh school classmates) Little
January 1, 2017
Gary Oshust
December 29, 2016
Remember playing basketball ball when we were kids. You had the hoop so yours was the house to hang at. And skating at Adam Park you in your hockey skates I believe. Man that was over a half century ago. Live on in memories my friend.
December 27, 2016
Sorry for your loss may you draw comfort from Gods word at Hosea 13:14. L Ohio
December 27, 2016
Sorry for your loss may you draw comfort from Gods word at Hosea 13:14. L Ohio
Mary Hansen
December 26, 2016
I taught with John Dant at Scottsdale High School back in the early 1970's. I respected him and the other English teachers (John and I were the young ones then). He definitely was a good teacher!
December 26, 2016
The man who taught me to love literature and lean toward an examined life. Also the inspiration for me going to Greece to see the many historical sites.
So grateful to have him as my English teacher.
December 24, 2016
Linda Kearns and the Dant family pay tribute to John for what he taught students, friends, and family about trust and sharing. It defined his relationships with those he so enjoyed being around. We also pay tribute to all of you who have sent lovely and loving notes of condolence and support. Thank you.
Linda
December 24, 2016
To the Dant Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
December 23, 2016
Goodbye to the man who introduced me to jazz at the tender and impressionable age of 20. You will always be a cool cat in my book. Rest in peace, JD.
Rachel (Hughson) Raskin
December 23, 2016
Mr. Dant was challenging and well-spoken, had a warm side that took you by surprise, and truly loved his students. In return, he was loved and admired by all who had the luck to be in his class. Something magical happened when a student put down their guards and let him in...and I will never forget what it felt like when he was on your side. Much love to Mrs Kearns...what a dynamic duo you made! May his memory be a blessing to all who loved him.
December 23, 2016
My heart goes out to you and your family during this time. May God give you comfort and strength. We can be comforted from God's word at 1 Thes. 4:14, we are promised and given that hope of seeing our loved ones once again. May you be strengthen by God.
Aaron Heinsman
December 22, 2016
We were so blessed to have caring and dedicated teachers at Saguaro and John was one of the best. Not only did he find a way to nourish our budding intellects while allowing us the freedom to fail, he bestowed his grace (and that of his brother) on some lucky few who were shepherded around the UK by them. I was one of those fortunate ones who grew under his tutelage and am now possessed of some amazing memories of my first European adventure. Were it not for that, I likely would have never lived there later. It's so fitting that he was able to find the smart, sharp companionship with Linda...another of those superior educators we Sabercats were blessed to know. Onward in the journey, good sir. --Aaron Heinsman '89
Lynette Johns
December 22, 2016
Mr. Dant had a lasting impact on me as his student. He expected his students to be great writers, and taught us to love literature. I owe my success in college to this wonderful teacher who truly made this world a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Saguaro High School
Class of 1987
December 22, 2016
I was honored to be one of Mr. Dant's "daughter" (Tzeidel) to his Tevye in Fiddler that magical year... he was a wonderful teacher and wonderful man.
Stefanie Whitten Liberatore
December 22, 2016
Loved Mr Dant's class. An amazing teacher for sure. Love and prayers to his family and friends!
Krista Edlund Gallagher
December 22, 2016
Dear Dant Family -
I am so crushed to hear of John's passing. He inspired all of us as students and remained a friend and inspiration for life. He lived a life to be proud of... or, "of which to be proud"! Krista Edlund Gallagher SHS '89
December 22, 2016
One of the best - and probably the most passionate - teacher I ever had. Gave me my first D, and then taught me to write. Forever indebted. --Alexa Wiedel Smittle
December 22, 2016
Sad news... Truly one of my favorite high school teachers! So enjoyed running into him again well after graduation and working with him at B&N - great fun! He will be missed.
Lisa (Pantier) Beals - Saguaro alumni '91
Teresa Garrison
December 22, 2016
RIP Mr. Dant. You truly inspired me. I still have my Grapes of Wrath book full of notes. Thank you!
December 22, 2016
John was a great friend and fellow teacher. We had many a great time together. He will be greatly missed. Joanne Park
Terrye Underwood
December 22, 2016
My sincere condolences to Mr. Dant's loved ones. He was absolutely my favorite teacher at Saguaro. It wasn't easy to focus this distracted teenaged brain but he made class captivating, challenging and fun. I'll always remember his passion for literature, great sense of humor and the mischievous glint in his eye. I loved how proud he was of the college pennants that lined his classroom, sent to him by former students.
He gave us all so much. Thank you Mr. Dant!
December 22, 2016
I am deeply sorry for your family's loss. May your hearts find comfort in God's beautiful promises for the future. John 6:40
Lisa Sanfratello
December 21, 2016
John Dant was an inspirational teacher he made learning fun and interesting. I remember him being a very animated and passionate teacher. I did not know him out of my school environment but I will always remember him as a positive influence in my life. Thank you Mr. Dant! Rest in peace
Maile Weigele-Wolfe
December 21, 2016
Mr. Dant was an amazing teacher! Sad to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.
Elizabeth Millikin - Tridico
December 21, 2016
He was my favorite teacher at Saguaro.
Thank you for the inspiration. The world has lost a great teacher and a beautiful soul.
Wishing his family peace as the celebrate the life of this wonderful person.
December 21, 2016
Rip mr. Dant one of my favorite teachers of all time and truly an inspiration
Shana Pennington-Baird
December 21, 2016
John, Mr. Dant, was my favorite teacher of all time. I was in Fiddler on the Roof with him. I am so grateful to have known him. Thank you for sharing him.
Judith Merritt
December 21, 2016
John was truly an inspiration for living life to its fullest! He will be greatly missed by myself and many others whose paths he crossed. May you always have a book and a glass of wine in heaven!!
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