He told me in October he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
His wife Sara told me today he died very peacefully and without any pain.Dan and I were friends and track competitors in our years at SWCS. But it was in the last six or seven years that we reconnected, discovering we had led somewhat parallel lives.
I visited Dan and Sara's New Hampshire home several times. He loved the place but was planning a major move to Wyoming when he discovered the cancer.
Losing any of our classmates is hard. This one is tragic for me.
And if I may be permitted to let my professional journalism guard down, I have to admit I am so goddamn tired of writing obituaries for all these good people we went to high school with. I weep for all of them.
I know we all have to - in Dan Sunquist's words to me - "cross the Rainbow Bridge" someday. But it doesn't make it a scintilla easier.
For tonight, rest in peace Dan. And "duerme con los angelitos..." - Sleep with the angels.
