I never had the pleasure to spend time with Dan in person. However, Dan was a big part of my life over the past few years through his son, my partner, Chris. When I first came into the family picture, Chris explained that Dan was a private person and kept to himself. That, he lived in Chris' childhood home with his dog Sally. Chris maintained a relationship with his dad and included me by letting me know about their conversations and interactions. And, I know that Chris spoke to his dad about me. This is how Dan and I got to know each other. Over the past year, Dan started to move forward in his life and asked that Chris get him a Bible. He started surfing the internet and getting involved in the world outside of his home. Chris and Dan became very close in the past year by sharing their lives through communication and outings. Dan opened up and wanted to learn about himself and Chris. This was right up Chris' ally in that he loves to learn and grow. They did this together and learned a lot from each other. They both expressed how proud they were of each other for overcoming so much and becoming the men they wanted to be. I watched them take this journey together and now feel Chris' loss. Dan asked about me in every conversation with Chris. This meant a lot to me and I was glad that Chris had support from his dad for having to endure my health issues. In the few days leading up to Dan's passing and the time since, I've learned that Dan was very talented in woodworking and playing the guitar. I also learned that he had a great sense of humor and that he was sentimental. I wish that I could have spent more time with him in person and to have had family dinners, cottage/fishing/sitting by the fire playing music, outings. In a way, I'm doing this by reading and listening to the stories of his life from those of you who are sharing, and of course, Chris. Chris took very good care of his dad and he takes very good care of me. I thanked Dan for giving me his beautiful son in the last days. I thank Jocelyn too, for her care, patience, and strength over the years, and especially now. There's a lot of love in this family. The family values are strong in that, no matter their differences or distance, there is love. I'm grateful to be a part of this family. Dan slipped away very peacefully with people who loved him by his side. He will stay in our hearts and thoughts. Even though he was sick and it was my understanding that he wasn't meant to be with us for as long as he was, it was quite a shock to lose him now and it feels much too soon. Chris, Jocelyn and I, made sure his beloved Sally would be given a new life full of happiness and care. We had the challenging, yet most endearing task of taking care of her before she was given to her new home last night. We are mourning both hers and Dan's loss and thank everyone for grieving with us, for sharing the burden of such sadness.