First, I want to express my condolences to Dan's family. I cannot even fathom the depth of loss. It has taken me awhile to write my thoughts; I miss him very much. 

I met Dan after his kidney transplant; I did not know him as long as most people. However, due to our backgrounds and interests, we became fast friends. 

He worked for my sister's marketing company for a short while, which is how we got to know each other.  During the interview process I explained to Dan that I had worked at the Kidney Foundation and Midwest Organ Bank back in the late 70s. He never had to explain his physical issues to me; I knew them by heart. I then discovered his music background. I am an old rock and roll concert fan myself, so the friendship began. 

Dan worked for the company for a few years while he was well. I don't have to tell those that know him how much fun we had. Every time I talked with him on the phone I would lose an extra hour. We would digress to subjects outside work and chat about music and had I heard this song or seen this video.  Then there would be that 5:30 or 6 pm call just to chat about something inane or funny that would cross his path that he would just have to share.  We laughed a lot. 

During his time with my sister's business, we shared several great trips. He actually came to visit in Kansas City with the team. We built a sand sculpture for a competition, ate at some great restaurants, and bonded over my pet and familial relationships. I remember taking Dan to a Greek restaurant that he knew Amy would just love. He always talked about bringing her to KC for a visit.  

My favorite trip with Dan and my sister was a trade show in Vegas in the middle of June. It was hot and miserable and none of us truly wanted to step outside; the average temperature was around 105. However, we persevered and tried to deal with the heat as best we could. I was not well myself that week, but we took taxis to our destinations and tried to have some fun, too.  

One evening we had plans with friends/business associates we always met during trade shows. We would go out for a nice meal to socialize and catch up. Dan, my sister, and I could not find a taxi, but there were several limos keeping their engines running as it was too hot to turn the vehicles off and on in the heat. As a result, the limo drivers were serving as taxi services. Of course, my sister says, let's go, so we did!  The three of us climb into this white stretch limo that could probably hold at least a dozen people. I was not shocked, but Dan was asking really? I explained to him that it was always an adventure with my sister as she is quite a bit younger than the two of us. Regardless, we headed over to the Monte Carlo in this huge limo. As we pulled up, there are two fellows sitting on a bench outside the hotel drinking hurricanes. The three of us exit the limo and they looked at us asking if that's it?  There's no one else in the limo?  We all cracked up laughing. Dan got quite a kick out of it all. The taxi back was somewhat anti climatic in comparison, but what fun. 


Another significant adventure was our trip to Hoover Dam.  My sister had never been to the damn dam and Dan had never seen the new visitor's center. We did not have a lot of time, but we decided to rent a vehicle and drive up to the center, etc. It was a trip we probably should have reconsidered. (I have to add that my sister has vertigo. I thought she would be okay as our Dad was okay when he a railing in front of him; I was very wrong.)

We went to the concierge to rent a car that day and much to our dismay; the only vehicle available was an extended cab pick up truck. After much discussion, my sister decided it was not going to be much different than driving her husband's SUV and we should proceed. I think that was the first sign we should have thought twice. Regardless, we headed out. 

The road trip to the dam was fine. We get to the entrance, and it has been modified for added security. It was not what I remembered and of course, it had been awhile since Dan had visited. The vehicle was checked for explosives with the wonderful device under the chassis, etc.  The typical queries were answered and we proceeded on our way. (Now remember, my sister has vertigo AND she was driving.)  The road to the visitors' center was narrow, winding, and had virtually no shoulder, if any. I got the impression it was still in the construction stage. This was the second sign that this adventure was a bad idea, too late now!   It took quite a while, or what seemed like quite a while to make the trip from the security entrance to the center. All the while, expletives are emanating from my sister's mouth at an exponential rate. Dan and I are looking at each other not saying much. In the meantime, I have offered to change places and drive the rest of the way and apologizing for this part of the drive, as I had no idea that I would put her in such a situation, but she is bound and determined to make it to the top.

We did make it to the dam and it was amazing. However, my poor sister was so stressed, she could hardly look over the railing or outside the windows to appreciate the view of the dam. I felt horrible.  I took a few pictures over the railing and I though she might pass out watching me. 

The drive back down to the highway was not quite as bad, but Dan and I were able to laugh and give my sister a hard time about the colorful expression of her feelings during the drive to the dam. I have to give her credit for her moxie. Dan and I truly appreciated the trip. It was always a fun memory for all of us. 

After Dan left the company I was able to get to Houston a few times to have dinner and visit him at the house. However, he and I still had those 6 pm phone calls and talk about music or something silly we saw in the news.  I will miss those calls.

I am so sorry to hear of Dan's passing.  I talked on the phone with him prior to this.  We did a lot of reminiscing about people we used to work with at HBJ.  I believe he is probably sitting with his old boss (Jerry) and they are having a great time laughing together again.  My heart goes out to your family Amy at this time, I feel your pain and heart ache.  May he rest in peace.

I have wonderful childhood memories of Dan!!!!
He lived across the street in Duluth MN

Here is a tale that grew taller with each re-telling.  Dan could see the humor in anything and milk it for decades!  This is from the 70's.  

Dan took his umbrella to work at HBJ.  After work he grabbed it on his way to the bus stop.  He pushed the open button, but the umbrella malfunctioned. It opened, but the top part shot from the shaft like a missile.  It was hilarious.  

And it got funnier year upon year with Dan's recounting complete with sound effects of the missile launch.

I miss Dan.  (My brother in spirit).

First, our hearts and prayers go out Amy and her family. Everyone sees the world differently and that is what we mostly remember about Dan as he always had a different take on things. Here are just a few of the things we remember about Dan. He was a great father. We always loved watching our kids grow up together, and back when Erin and our daughter were younger and they were taking karate, Dan decided that he too would get into the act, and take karate. So one day when we went to watch our daughter practice at the karate school there was all these young (and short) karate students lined up working out and there was Dan standing in the middle of the class towering over all of them with no whims of being the oldest and tallest in the class. Even though this looked kind of funny, we thought this was cool that Dan was taking karate with his daughter. We would occasionally see Dan at stores around town and he would always seems to sneak up and sometimes startle us. One time he did this and our daughter Heather showed him a move she learned in karate but luckily stopped at the last second. Another memory is when we went to Dan's 60th birthday party, we all had such a great time. Dan would sometimes come over and watch action movies with Jack, when Amy & Deborah would go out for a girls night. Dan's unusual sense of humor kept Jack laughing most of those evenings. Our best memory of Dan was that he was a great father and husband, and we never ever heard him complain about anything. Dan tell Elvis hi from us and until we meet again take care. Love Jack, Deborah and family.

Of all my friends' dads, Dan was my favorite.. or Mr. Dan as I would call him. He had a great sense of humor and was so goofy- always making me laugh. I remember countless car rides when he would pick me up and drive me and Erin to school- making fun of our conversations about gossip, and music choices.
I also think I can credit my love for sushi to Mr. Dan. I think one of the first times I ever had sushi was with Erin and Dan at Ginger Café. I always remember Dan eating the salmon roe and me and Erin thinking it tasted weird, but he loved it!
He was a great father and husband, and he always made me feel like part of the family.
He will forever hold a place in my heart.

Love,
Lauren

So I spoke with Amy and she wanted me to post some of the many fond memories that I have of Dan. Some are not appropriate for a wide range of audiences but many are. He had a profound impact on my life and not just because he is my best friends husband but also my true friend. There are many...the first time I saw him do his Elvis impression at some dive in Houston during karaoke,,,frigging awesome. The time I thought if 2 tbls of Phillips M-A-M would help my issues, 4 would be even better. Unfortunately, I was using the guest/Dan's bathroom. He was none too pleased!!  The first time I saw the Eagles Live concert on his big screen, blasting and us playing air guitar. Awesome! John Folgerty and issues with our tkts. Again, awesome show but it was a challenge and we hung in there. The time I was at the hairdressers and Amy, Dan and my Mom, Dad and maybe sister brought pizza and we had a fabulous time while I was getting a perm! The time Erin and I were hanging in their hammock, Erin fell out and Dan had her so bandaged you would have thought she had a huge gash instead of a skinned knee. The time we road tripped to Kemah during August Texas heat. Don't think I have ever been as hot as when we got back into the car to go back home. Still have an awesome coffee with my name on it that Erin bought me. Very special and worth. All the wet willies and flat tires. The absolute love he showed to all. He will be sorely missed and was a wonderful husband, Dad, and friend. My heart is truly breaking...

It was a blessing to know Dan during HARRISON (the band) days in Duluth, MN. back in the early 1970's. His voice was a true gift from God. His marvelous sense of humor, I'm sure, made the Lord, Himself smile. God gifted Dan with a wonderful wife and daughter and he was so proud of them. No doubt Dan's now singing full volume for the Lord.

Dan was a great person and uncle. A lot of my love of technology and film was brought about through him, and he was always welcoming and fun to be around. I'll miss him a lot, but will always have lots of great memories to look back on, and bright things I can remember to lighten times when things are looking down. Thank you, Dan.

Love,
Kenny

Dear Amy, Erin, Vera, Jennie, Ed and all of Dan's family members and loved ones,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dan lived his life with such passion, joy and laughter. He was a pleasure and I am so glad to count him as one of my good friends. So many wonderful memories. I am so sad for the all of our's loss. Words cannot express.

Love,

Beth

With Dan's passing, one of the world's brightest lights has left us.  I will miss his wry wit and gentle, childlike perspective to help us find the humor in life.  Love and prayers for safe passage for one of the funniest men ever.

Dan, you were a good friend. And an outstanding lead singer in the bands Purple Passion, EBA and Harrison. I will never forget the wonderful times we had in college and beyond. I'm sure there is an opening for a lead singer in heaven.

There are no words to express how much WE will miss you here at Humble Dialysisi . You made us all laugh most of all me .  WE will miss you

Love LaQuetha Barker 
One of the techs at Humble Dialysis

Dear Amy and Erin, 

You know our hearts go out to you both.  We loved Dan, and so very much enjoyed seeing the wonderful pictures you've placed in the photo gallery.  There was no one quite like him!  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  May God hold you tenderly in his hands and wipe away your tears, comforting you with wonderful memories.  Your family is blessed for having had Dan in your lives. 

With deepest respect and sympathy, Pat and Tim

With fond memories of Dan's vibrant, dynamic, fun, goofy personality. And his love for Amy.

With love,
Jeff Rodgers & Vivian Taylor

Oh Dan, how you WILL be missed! You made me a laugh a million times with your silliness! Hugs to Amy and Erin. Bo and I love you very much and will be here for you.

OBITUARIO

Daniel A. Raihill

20 mayo, 1948 – 5 enero, 2017

Kingwood Funeral Home

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios