Daniel Bland

Bland, Daniel
Daniel Francis Bland left us at 8:45 a.m. EDT on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio after a nine month battle with cancer. Dan loved to travel (often with brother, Matt, and sometimes with his stuffed gorilla, Kevin), to read, to walk, and to eat – possibly in that order. He had an incredible memory for places and, like our father, having been anywhere once, he could tell you in minute detail how to get there. There is probably not a sidewalk slab in Grandview that he has not trod upon and seldom did he walk anywhere without encountering a friend. Dan graduated from Louisiana State University. He continued his education at the University of Indiana and, finally, at his beloved Ohio State University where he both studied and taught history as a post graduate student. He was a natural teacher. Two of Dan's happiest years were spent in the former Yugoslavia, researching both a dissertation and life. He learned to read and speak several East European languages. He used his language skills as a translator at Battelle International. Dan had a long career in different positions at Battelle, making friends throughout the entire campus. There he learned, among other things, that it is difficult to make a fortune via the lottery. He stayed involved with former co-workers by attending as many lunches and other get-togethers as he could. Dan was preceded in death by parents Francis X. and Marguerite G. Bland, brother Thomas, and sister-in-law Lucy Pinto Bland. He is survived by his immediate family: sisters, Robin Hude (husband, Hal) and Nancy; and brothers, Kevin (wife, Doris), Matt, Chris, Laurence, Eric (wife, Debbie), and Steve (wife, Juliet); and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. A gathering of remembrance will be held for Dan at the Grandview Heights Public Library from 2-5:30 p.m. in The Meeting Room on Friday, August 18. In keeping with Dan's wishes it will be casual, "low key and cheap." In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dan's name to OhioHealth Hospice or to any charity of your choice.