Dan was born on January 29, 1971 in Kumasi, Ghana to father Emmanuel and mother Florence (Adonu) Aning. He was raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto in 1995, and later received his Masters of Education with Distinction from Northern Arizona University in 2011.
Dan married the love of his life, Rebecca (Clark), on September 1, 2002 in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. They lived a full life together, and relished long talks, singing 80s tunes, taking drives and road trips, and enjoying a well-prepared meal. They also shared a deep love of parenting their two beautiful daughters, Chanel and Giselle. Dan’s daughters were his heart and joy; he was a devoted father who sought to teach them about respect, compassion, hard work, and the power of a smile. He also shared his love of travelling with them, and the family will forever cherish the memories of their trip last year to Prague, Czech Republic and Kraków, Poland.
Dan will be remembered for his fashion-forward style. He also loved listening to music, reading books, eating red velvet cheesecake, and savoring a Moscow Mule. Not necessarily in that order.
Dan was a driven professional, and had a passion for helping youth involved in the criminal justice system. As a dedicated employee of Rite of Passage, Inc. for more than 14 years, he touched innumerable lives. Most recently, he served as the Program Director at Hillcrest Academy in Cincinnati, OH. His experience and skills were also valued in his role as a consultant for the School of Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati where he influenced correctional programs nationwide. His inspiring presence and book recommendations will be deeply missed by his friends and colleagues.
Dan was an accomplished athlete and basketball coach. He spent nearly 7 years working with the Toronto Raptors as their Video Coordinator, as well as an additional 2 years with the Phoenix Suns. He later shared his talents as the Head Coach of the Varsity Basketball Team at Canyon State Academy and Hillcrest Academy. His players remember him as a mentor, advocate and trusted advisor.
In addition to his parents, Dan is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Clark); two daughters, Chanel and Giselle; brothers, Mark Aning, David Aning and Sam Aning from Toronto, Ontario, Canada; sister, Pearl Amoako (Steve) from Atlanta, GA; three nieces and one nephew. He also leaves behind his in-laws, Victoria, Clarence (Kay), and Jessica Clark, as well as a very special canine companion, Rio.
The family would especially like to thank Dr. Neama Esmali for his genuine compassion, Dr. Mark Andolina for his constant work and loving care, and the staff of the TriHealth Cancer Institute for their consistently attentive treatment.
A memorial service is scheduled at 2:00 pm for Saturday, September 22nd, 2018 at Grace Evangelical Free Church, with a reception to follow at Hillcrest Academy. Pastor John Grossmann will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dan’s life.
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