Dane Post

1956 - 2017

Dane R. Post

Nov 16,1956 - Mar 28, 2017

Dane Rogers Post passed away very peacefully on March 28, 2017. With his partner, Kelly Fasman, and a few close friends surrounding him, Dane bravely chose to be taken off life support after a remarkable seven-year struggle with ALS. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Dane will likely share that everything that Dane did, he did with passion, precision and a great degree of gentleness. Dane had an amazing presence and a smile that moved all who met him.
Dane was born November 16, 1956, in Albuquerque, N.M, son of Don Post and the late Ellen Post. Along with his siblings, Dawn Lemcke (Jim), Darren (Jeff) and Derek Post, Dane grew up in the desert areas of Albuquerque, developing a deep love of nature, especially for critters of all species. He also discovered the saxophone at a young age, and after graduating early from high school at age 16, Dane began touring the United States as a professional musician. Arriving in San Francisco in the early 1980's, he joined the jazz/R&B scene, playing with the band Malo and many other talented and respected musicians. It's fair to state that until his illness deprived him of the use of his hands, Dane was known to be among the best of the Bay Area saxophone players.
Dane was a life-long academic (B. S. Biology, University of California, 1996) with an innate ability to grasp obtuse concepts, facts and detail. He was rarely wrong about anything, and with a smile would let you know if you erred. He was also a much-loved, credentialed teacher of music, science, and computers, mostly in the Pleasanton area. His music students typically stand out for their esthetic development of tone and melody.
Dane's life took a dramatic turn seven years ago, when he noticed the first symptoms of ALS. Within a year he could no longer hold his horn. As hard as it was for Dane to manage the steady physical decline due this awful disease, he never complained about having ALS, but instead, embraced and studied it. More than once he stated that he learned much more about life in those last seven years than the fifty-three preceding. For the last two and one half years, Dane was on life support, and with the use of Eye Gaze technology, he continued to be highly productive, teaching and writing music.
Dane was fortunate and grateful to have many close friends and an amazing team of care providers, who assisted him with around-the-clock physical and emotional support. Dane and his family would also like to acknowledge the wonderful support of the Stanford Valley Care ICU unit in Pleasanton.
Dane asked that any donations in his name be made to The Nature Conservancy or Rabbit Rescue.
A private celebration of Dane's life will be held in the near future.