Lee and I were friends in junior high school and high school in Miami Beach, Florida.  I was just notified tonight (January 2, 2019) of his death via our Miami Beach High School Class of 1960 network.  After the initial shock, I began to refresh a lot of memories about our friendship.  Lee, Mitch Harman--whose eloquent message I just saw on this site--and I were close friends for several years.  

What I remember most about Lee was his generosity of spirit, his openness and loyalty, and countless laughs shared.  He was a great kid and a dear friend, a pleasure to know and be with.  His parent also were wonderful people, very hospitable to all of Lee's friends.  Lee and I lost contact after high school, but I have no doubt that he lived the rest of his life with the same character I saw when he and I were both young.  My life was enriched by his being in it.  I know this was true for all his family and friends.  Rest in Peace, Lee.        

Lee was my brother in every way but biologically.  I spent more time in his home during our high school years than in my own. His parents practically adopted me. He was the best friend anyone could have. I was serious and studious, always looking ahead to what needed to be done, how things should be. He taught me to take life as it comes and as it is, to enjoy the moment. Even at the age of 15 he understood that most important key to a happy life. He never lost that understanding. To know Lee was to understand the essence of joie de vivre- to take joy in life. He loved widely, his wife Caryn, his children, his grandchildren, his friends. He gave unstintingly of the best gift he could give, himself. I am so grateful to have had his friendship, even though for many years we were far away and contact was not frequent enough.  It is often said of someone that "to know him was to love him," but in Lee's case that was just literally true. I had the privilege to know him. I loved him. I will miss him terribly. The last time I saw Lee, on a visit to Florida, he was very ill and in the hospital, yet he managed to charm our granddaughters (see Photo), who knew him for an hour, but love and remember him and always will. That was just such typical Lee, to share love and have fun despite awful  circumstances. He was indomitable.

‘Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but live in thankfulness that he was’

I will always be thankful that David Lee Hanan was a part of my life and I am a better person because he was.

Lee and I grew up together and ecen though we lost touch over the years, I will always remember his kindness, sense of humor, and his wonderful family.  Baruch Dayan Ha’emet. May you be comforted by your memories. 

Chapel Indoors Service

Carin Dena Hanan

Jack Hanan

Mildred Hanan

Lakeside Memorial Park & Funeral Home

David Hanan

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David Lee Hanan

March 13, 1943 – December 28, 2018

Lakeside Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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