Daniel Clark Brisson

To all the Brisson Family - I am very sorry for your loss. I ran into Daniel and his young boys at a video store in Bronxville many years ago. He was patiently explaining something to one of them. Daniel was kneeling and spoke to the little guy patiently. Beautiful memory I haven't forgotten - so sweet. It took me a minute to figure out who he was. I asked if his middle name was Moses. He was somewhat taken aback, but I identified myself, and we had a nice chat.
Daniel was a good guy.

A little ditty about Daniel,s kindness and Playful Spirit. spirit: A few years back when Dan was living in Arlington, Virginia with his sister Amy, Dan would come down to Fredericksburg and Visit me and my family and on one of those occasions, Dan and I went hiking along the Rocky white Waters of the Rappahannock river. And While jumping from Boulder to boulder he suddenly stopped and said Curt I have a surprise for you, then he put on his sunglasses and began to sing a song that he and I had made up when we were 12 years out on the rocks of Wells Beach during low tide. It had been over 52 years since I had heard that song, but he sang it without missing a beat or word. When he finished singing, I was amazed, I was laughing. I was smiling and I was happy and this was Dan. He made everyone feel better with his presents and spirit. I know when I fall off the wagon of love and compassion, which is too often, Dan will be there to pick me up and put me on the right path of peace and love. I miss you cuz!

When I think of Dan, it will not be for his physical presence or his amazing accomplishments as a rowing champion or coach; but it will be the way that he treated all people, with kindness, respect, love and compassion. He was a very special human being and I know that his presence in my life has made me a better person. Dan, I´ll see you on a rocky beach or maybe on a big red oak tree.

Being the youngest of six, I've known my brother Dan my whole life. Later in life, he lived with me during his coaching years in Va. While helping him on the computer with applications and entries I wanted to share the response Dan had me write in an application to the following question: "Something interesting that most people don't know about me"
I was Prince's chauffeur and I had breakfast with Mohammed Ali.
I miss him dearly but I have many other anecdotes stored in my heart to keep me smiling!
Love you Dan!

Sharing hot tea with Dan while we talked about his plants and orchids

I met Dan in the late 1980s when I was first trying to make the US Rowing Team. He and his brother John were a fearsome double, part of the strong tradition of high level rowing at NYAC at that time, and not to be taken lightly. Dan stood out amongst the crowd of aspirants as being the most down-to-earth and the one who had the most distance and perspective about what it was we were all trying to achieve. While some of us were caught up in the tension of our endeavors, I recall Dan as being light-hearted, but strong in body and spirit. It was hard not to drawn into his aura.

Happy to know he was able to share his life with so many wonderful family members and with numerous young rowers in his coaching. The world is not a lesser place for his departure, but left a little better, a little brighter and certainly more joyous for his presence in all our lives. He lives on in all our memories.

Though our paths diverged, I have fond memories of Daniel, who greeted everyone with a big smile and was always the playful rascal at family gatherings. He had found his calling in the trees, and early on, when watching Daniel flit about the tree crowns, my father stated in praise and admiration that "Daniel was a monkey"; a natural that moved around the limbs as if born to it. It´s clear he touched many lives with his love, warmth, and spirit.

Thoughts of my cousin Daniel and lots of memories from little boy to wonderful man, father and grandfather..... his smile, his cheerfulness, and his loving presence was always there. Wishing I could have one more of his strong, big hugs.... his special spirit will be missed but is with us in the trees. May his memory be for a blessing.

My Daniel. Forever in my heart.

This captures the love and joy that were so evident every time I saw my cousin Dan. Lynn and I send our love and deep condolences to his family and the extended Brisson clan. He will be dearly missed.

I met Dan in the Fall of 1984, when my husband, Kevin Still, and I moved to Pelham, NY. Kevin joined the NYAC as an Athletic Member.
I will always remember Dan´s amazing smile as he rowed. He loved being in a racing shell! I will always remember his warmth and caring heart.

Such a beautiful eulogy filled with so much joie! I remember DanieI as spirited and mischievous- he made some dull family Christmases entertaining...I also remember him smiling and swinging high in our trees, and am delighted to learn that Daniel was a Lorax of sorts. I do wish we had all spent more time together over the years, and send you all much love and peace.

Thompson Boat Center is a better place because Dan coached student-athletes there. He was generous with his time and help; his crews raced hard and went fast, and he will be missed.

I loved his happy smile and great disposition And all of the wonderful New Orleans jazz fest memories!

A real friend and a real coach, because he was a real. Rest easy my friend. Job well done.

Tom Daley
Gonzaga High School

Daniel and I were on swim team together when we were kids. My family moved when I was in high school but I came back in the summer to visit. One day, Danny and I ended up hitchhiking to Kensico reservoir. It was a beautiful summer afternoon and we went swimming. We did water ballet together! Such a sweet and innocent time we had.

My condolences to his family. We were all blessed and lucky to know him.

Dan was my daughter´s very first rowing coach. He instilled a love of rowing that she still has today. How lucky we were to have him as a coach and tap into his expertise and talents. He will be missed greatly.

I remember when your father came to church with the three of you and it seemed like he was always smiling. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Kathy Wirak

My deepest sympathy to you all. May you find comfort in all your beautiful memories.
Anne Bakala

We were friends in high school. Daniel was so fun, and cool, and cute! Loved his shy smile. It was wonderful to read his obit and hear about his remarkable life. So sorry for your loss.

Beautiful words that paint and illustrate the incredible life of my cousin. Peace Dan!

Daniel was a loving father and GandDan to our children and grandchildren.
While we might not have worked married, we worked as parents and grandparents to the people we love with our entire being.
I love this picture from our impromptu family picknick just a few months ago.
I'm so thankful that he was the father of our children, and his memory will live on and on through us all.

I met Daniel at New Haven Rowing Club...one morning we needed a 4th for a 4+. Daniel agreed to help us out even though he was a sculler (2 light oars), not a sweep rower (one long heavy oar) ...we had a great row that morning...thanks to Daniel.

Dan and I met at the NYAC 40+ years ago and became quick friends, often sharing breakfast together with brother John at Marty´s on Pelham Road after a workout. Dan´s big heart and big hugs were distinguishing. We raised families together, shared many holidays together, and met up at the Maine Cottage frequently over the years. RIP Brother Dan... you are already missed and forever loved and remembered