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Dana Free Obituary

Dana Free "You would know the secret of death. But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?" Dana Free, 62, passed away on Saturday April 3, 2010. Dana is survived by his children, Keely Rogers-Free, Lauren Free, Jared Free and Kendall Free; his brothers, Nathan Free, Gregory Free, Fred Free; his sister, Kathleen Butler; his mother, Mardell Free and a large extended family. Born in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, October 23, 1947, he spent his childhood in Colorado Springs before his family relocated to Tucson in 1961. Dana graduated from Palo Verde High School and the U. of A. with a B.A. in Child Psychology. Being passionate about child development and emotional health, he founded a daycare center in Tucson in the early 1970s and remained active in the Association for the Education of Young Children. After 20 years in the business world, Dana returned to Tucson and completed an M.A. in Educational Counseling. He was a Licensed Professional Counselor, working at Arizona Children's Association as a Child and Family Therapist at the time of his passing. Always an adventurer, Dana earned a pilot's license and loved to take RV road trips with his family. Memorial at Saguaro Christian Church, where he was a member, this Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 11:00 am. The family requests donations to the Tucson Chapter, Association for the Education of Young Children, in lieu of flowers. Celebration of Life at his home after the Memorial Service. All who knew and loved Dana are invited.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Apr. 8, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Dana Free

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October 23, 2010

Happy Birthday, Dana. I am keeping you and your four lovely children in my thoughts today: Keely, Lauren, Jared and Kendall.

October 9, 2010

Hi i´m sorry to hear the sad news. i was just looking for somone with the same name (because my name is Dana Free as well, the only thing is that i´m a women from germany) and found this entrance. I´m really sorry.

Marshall Family

April 29, 2010

Dana was our family therepist. We have to move on and with the groundwork he laid for us we shall.

Donna Alu

April 20, 2010

I was sorry to hear of Dana's passing. My son went to Apple Castle and I remember Dana as a very sweet soul.

Cheryl Free

April 15, 2010

I will miss my first cousin dearly. I regret it had been so long since we last talked. I will always remember Dana for being a truly wonderful friend and family member. My heart goes out to the immediate family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your memories will bring you comfort and solace.

Dan

April 14, 2010

I worked with Dana in the early 90s and we earned our pilot licenses at the same time. He offered so many good words of advice that I am often reminded of him. In fact, just today I recalled his voice and remembered something influential he had said, and this prompted me to look him up--only to discover this memorial, just 10 days after his passing.

Clients

April 13, 2010

Dana was one of our many angels. Our family admired his dedication. We are thankful that he touched our lives.

Gavin

April 13, 2010

Dana taught me that "cleaning up the past will always keep your future clean".
I am grateful for this lesson that he taught me. He was a good counselor and a good friend.

April 10, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Trace Lowe

April 10, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, Lucretia, Jared, Lauren, and Kendal.

Pete Stewart

April 9, 2010

May God bless and keep the Free Family especially in these difficult times. The Stewart Family

Debbie Leon

April 8, 2010

My Prayers are with Dana and his Family. I am sorry for your loss. He was a kind man. I will remember him when he would come into the Pantano BHS for meetings. He would walk up to the Front Desk and ask me "Do I need to sign in?" I then would say "yes, or else I won't let you pass through the door," he would laugh. I will miss him. God Bless You Dana :)

Alex and Pat

April 8, 2010

Dana, we'll miss you,
Alex, Pat, Mathias, Elijah, and even Myika

Lois Marecek

April 8, 2010

"This is to .... Family is a connection of spirits. Dana had a way of connecting with children / people that extend the lines to be 'FAMILY'. Dana will always be that 'gentle soul giant'. Memories of love and friendship are the treasures each of us will carry always." Lois Marecek (Tucson)

April 8, 2010

I am showering the family; Lucretia, Jared, Lauren, and Kendal with love and light. May you understand that our loved ones never leave us but become our guardian angels. Hugs to all of you. Ruth Canada and family, Jefferson City, Missouri

Tom & Beth Duddleston

April 8, 2010

Our thoughts and support to Dana's family and friends. A kinder, more generous man does not exist. We think of a campfire atop the Empire Mountains, driving the Peugot and microbus on the beach sands of Desemboque, the firewood/cutting boards expedition into the heart of the Buenos Aires Ranch, midnight dinners on South Sixth Avenue, Al Green and Curtis Mayfield, and Dana's engaging smile and laughter. Although later in life than some, these were formative years for which we owe Dana a heartload, and rue not telling him so.

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