MICHAEL, Daniel William Daniel William Michael, beloved son and brother, died unexpectedly on May 14, 2017 in Austin, Texas. He will be remembered for his kind, sweet nature, his quick sense of humor, and his love for friends and family. Daniel was born in Austin June 11, 1973, graduated from McCallum High School, Class of 1991, and from Sul Ross State University, with a BA in English. He grew up in First Baptist Church, Austin and in more recent years considered St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Austin to be his church home. He was a writer. At Sul Ross, Daniel was president of Alpha Chi Honor Society and editor of the Skyline, the university newspaper. During his career he worked as a journalist and photographer for various Texas newspapers and in research and administrative positions. He wrote poems and short stories throughout his life. He was a musician. Daniel was in a percussion group at Sims Elementary, concert band at Kealing, jazz band at McCallum, and Jazz band at Sul Ross. He enjoyed making and sharing music on a variety of instruments. Daniel was preceded in death by his grandparents, Laura and Kenny Michael and Lenore and Peebles Pfeiffer. He is survived by his parents, Jane and James Michael of Austin, brother David Michael and sister-in-law Ming ru Chu of Austin, nephew William Michael, aunts, Lauralyn Michael of Houston, Susan Bantz (husband John) of Sanford, N.C., and Patricia Kiddy of Napa, California, uncle Donald Michael (wife Linda) of League City, Texas, cousins and many friends. A memorial service to celebrate Daniel's life will be held Saturday, May 27, at 12:00 noon at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa Drive, Austin, Texas, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, any charitable donation would be appreciated, particularly to the SIMS Foundation of Austin or Assistance League of Austin. Daniel was a loved and loving son, brother, friend, writer, poet, musician, humorist, and humanist. His death leaves a hole in the hearts and lives of all who knew him. We will miss him forever. From Daniel's writings, There is no beginning And there is no end There is nothing to fear My dearest friend Because we are all eternal, through space and time We'll live forever, we will never die

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Published by Austin American-Statesman from May 21 to May 26, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Michael

Sponsored by Cook-Walden Funeral Home.

20 Entries

Tara Spies Smith

May 31, 2017

I will miss you Daniel Michael. You were always a very sweet friend. I will miss hearing your heartwarming laugh and you playing your Box of Bugs song. I will miss playing my Summer Time song with you. I will miss listening to the Cure with you and seeing live music. I will miss our reverie together. I can't believe I won't see you again. I will miss you very much. Me and all our friends will always love you and think about you.

Christina "Barlow" Ashley

May 27, 2017

May God wrap his loving arms around your family, giving you a peace beyond understanding during this difficult time. Daniel, I know you are walking the streets of gold in paradise, but I will miss you here.

Gerald & Karen Hargrave

May 27, 2017

The loss of Daniel brought our hearts to realization this kind individual was dedicated to living life in a means that makes one happy...enjoyment can be achieved in simple fashion with monetary placement not the most important constituent. Love for family & friends carries weighted importance, and is the root of having life your way! May this good man live in eternal peace...our heart extends out to James & Jane and all the Michael family in such a time of sorrow.

May 23, 2017

My heart goes out to you, Jane and Jim, and all the family for this tragic too-soon death. I am thinking of you at this sad time.
--Leslie Kjellstrand

May 23, 2017

I am very sorry to hear of your sons passing. I hope Linda and Don and the rest of your family helps you with comfort as you deal with this heart breaking loss. May you keep good memories of your family forever with you. Jeanne Lewis Westmoreland, Spring, Tx.

Gayle Bland S.

May 22, 2017

My heart and my prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Daniel's family, especially Jane Michaels, his dear mother and my special cousin. Love, Gayle Bland Sandifer

May 22, 2017

I will always remember the sweet smile and the knowing twinkle in the eyes. Daniel, you will be missed. Sandra Smith Bull

Ethan Glawe

May 22, 2017

Remembering Dan, his family and friends during this time of sorrow and loss. Stay strong!

E F

May 22, 2017

Daniel, you were a kind soul. Thank you for all the great conversations we had about music, art and life. May you rest in peace my friend.

A. H.

May 22, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kanya Lyons

May 21, 2017

Daniel, you will be greatly missed. You were kind and funny. We had some good times at McCallum back in the day. I'm sorry that your journey was cut short. May we cross paths again on the other side of this life. Your memory lives on in those whose lives you touched, and there were many of us. RIP Daniel Michael.

Tara Hershman

May 21, 2017

My sweet friend,
Oh, how my heart hurts. I will deeply miss you.

Gwen Chance

May 20, 2017

Jane,

Your family are lifted up in my prayers. You all are so loved by so many.

God Bless You All,
Gwen Chance
St. James' Episcopal Church

Ralph Howard

May 20, 2017

We are saddened to hear this news. We did not personally know Daniel but his Father James and I have been close friends since the 5th grade and were in each other's wedding. During recent visits over the past few years we talked about our children and I knew the love and pride James and Jane held for them. May God bless and strengthen the family during this tragic time.

Jennie Sanders

May 20, 2017

Daniel Michael was one of my brother's best friends and his mother was my social studies teacher at McCallum. This is a terrible loss and my heart goes out to all who knew Daniel.

Jennie Costilow

May 20, 2017

I have such fond memories of Daniel. He was very sweet and compassionate to me when our friend was injured on a camping trip and I was struggling afterwards to deal with it. We are so, so sorry for your loss.
-Jennie Costilow (married to Jason Grimley from McCallum)

Scott

May 20, 2017

Daniel is my cousin. Our families spend a great amount of time together even though we live 3 hours apart. David and Daniel are a little older than me so I always wanted to be like them and do the things they were doing. Growing up, I use to sneak into Daniel's room when he wasn't home so I could play his drums. Eventually he found out and came in to "jam" with me. I didn't have a clue what I was doing, but to me it sounded great! Every time we were over at my Aunt and Uncle's house, I would always ask him if we could have another jam session. Daniel was always willing to take 10 minutes to entertain his cousin.

Growing up, I remember drinking boiling hot coffee outside in a State Park during a Texas summer, all because I wanted to be like my older cousin who was doing the same. I remember when Daniel got his first car. It was an Isuzu single cab standard pickup. I was jealous because I was WAY to young to drive and wanted to grow up faster than I was. I also remember when he wrecked it. I remember going on an Austin hike with Daniel, David, and Daniel's friend Rad. I thought I was so grown up and something special. I laugh when I think about Daniel hearing jokes. He would laugh with his "Daniel Laugh" and then in an airy breath, repeat the punchline and continue laughing. Daniel liked to laugh.

Daniel had a gentle soul, caring demeanor, loving heart, and creative mind. He was a natural talent that had a very humble sense about him. His presence in this world has been instantly missed and can never be filled. I love my cousin and all of my family. I will never forget the great times and wonderful memories he gave me.

Luther & Mary Ann Parker

May 19, 2017

We didn't know Daniel, however we have known his family for many years. Our hearts break for the sadness they must suffer. God bless you all.

May 18, 2017

talented guitar player. good heart. rip.

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