His life should be celebrated, he was a strong man that fought hard for the real truth and stood by it with all his might. May you rest in peace mate.
RIP Dansk (aka Ian), 18.12.1953- 20.12.2008
by faundy 251 Replies latest jw friends
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LittleToe
Its taken me a little time to find the words, since I found out.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know your dad and staying with your family on several occasions. He had a zest for life and his own beliefs, which were wide and inclusive, though mostly centred on Buddhism (as it had before he became a JW). He enjoyed calling me a Zen Christian, because we shared so much in common.
Your dad was overjoyed when you moved back home and then when you left the JWs. Something that he had struggled with for years was the concept of homosexuality, even before he became a JW. I warned him that he might want to take a little time over that one, as he could never but know that he might even have to face it in his own family. As you know,het did, but it didn't change his love for you even one jot and I think it broadened his large heart even further. He adored his family and wanted nothing more than that they could all live together in a world free from bigotry.
At the height of his previous round of illness he showed real generosity and compassion for others when he invited folks to include others in the vigils that were being held for his health. He was incredibly concerned about the strains and toll his illness had taken on his family and especially on your mum. He knew he was far from perfect, especially if he was being snappy, but I find it difficult to imagine that he ever acted in a manner where the intentions weren't good.
And now we come to this. The passing of someone who made a bigger impression than he knew. How do you judge a man, but by his friends, and so many of them have contributed to this thread. Grief has many stages. Embrace them and learn from them. Use them to help increase your empathy for others, rather than harden a protective shell around the hurt. Your dad will be missed but, regardless of individual belief or unbelief, there's a little of him that lives on in the various ways that he impacted us all for the good. We also have a continued opportunity to pass a little of that on to others.
I regret that this last year I've been a little too self absorbed to keep in regular contact. The loss is mine. You have a wonderful little family and I just know that you'll rally together, especially to support your mum. No doubt I'll impose myself on you all again sometime soon, if for no other reason than to check on Dominic's artwork and to get your mum back for sticking me with that needle, one time.
With much love,
Ross.
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Eliveleth
Faundy, So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Love and hugs, Velta
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shamus100
Faundy,
I am very sorry for your loss. Ian will be missed here.
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cruzanheart
Your dad and indeed all of you have been an inspiration to us all, a lesson in courage and hope and love that none of us will ever forget. I'm sorry that I never got to meet all of you in person but will always consider you friends. Lots of love to you and your family at this time.
Nina
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ICBehindtheCurtain
Faundy, I am Sorry for your loss, Ian was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Much Peace to you, IC
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BlackPearl
I don't post very much, but I do read a lot. One of the people that I always followed and loved to read about was Dansk. He was a very warm, loving and caring soul. He was always a breath of fresh air, always seemed to find the positives in all of the negatives. He will be missed by this JWD member.
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asilentone
BTTT
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jwfacts
I am very sorry for your great loss. Dansk was one of the first posters I read when I joined and over the years I enjoyed his posts very much.