Very intelligent, Christian, caregiver, jokester
Dan was unique and true to himself, nurturing his diverse interests and hobbies. He was engaged in a constant pursuit of learning. From crafting stained glass to welding, carpentry, and learning the guitar, Dan’s curiosity was insatiable. He planned to explore woodworking and computers next, ever eager to expand his skills and learning.
Intelligent and introverted, Dan’s inward focus produced beautiful poetry. He wrote constantly, filling daily journals with reflections and verse. A school literary magazine published his work. He spent five years studying to be a pharmacist but changed directions, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Massachusetts. Working in several drug rehabilitation centers and a nursing home, Dan loved caring for people and dreamed of having a family to nurture. Giving was second nature–he loved to be needed and gave his time and money, freely and with joy.
Dan had a bearded dragon named Seraph, who was his close companion. Seraph was six years old, and Dan considered him his own child, showering him with love and care. He would spoil him with various assortments of bugs, worms, and salad greens. He loved almost all animals—guinea pigs, cats, rats—and cared for several species of fish.
While Dan was introverted, he had several close friends. His sister Suzi was three years older than him, and he enjoyed a close bond with a friend from school, Robert Quick. Dan and his cousin Denzil, born just two weeks apart, shared a special connection. As a kid, he was a Boy Scout and an active member of 4-H and his church. Some of Dan’s fondest memories were family trips to national parks, exploring Utah and Idaho with his mom, stepdad Tom, and his sister Suzi. The outdoors was a sanctuary, and Dan loved hiking the local mountains and swimming. His mom, Marilyn, remembers lively discussions with Dan; though they did not always agree, they valued each other’s perspectives.
Dan’s time as a pharmaceutical student opened his eyes to the destructive nature of some medications. He struggled with depression but did not seek formal help. In time, he turned to substance use in an attempt to self-medicate. Addiction brought pain to both Dan and those who loved him, but it never erased the kindness and creativity that defined him.
Daniel’s mother, Marilyn Bedell Morrison, provided the information for this narrative.
July 7, 1979-July 16, 2024–Age 45
Portrait Artist: Shawn Faust
Narrative Writer: Livia Cohen
