Today and Every Day We Remember

Dear Dan,

It’s hard to believe that you left us a year ago already. It is fitting that this Memorial Day is also a day that we remember you and what you meant to each and every one of us.

I miss you so much Dan! You were my friend and you meant so much to me. I join along with your family and friends today in remembering you and the man that you were in our lives.

Your smile, caring and honesty with me will always be remembered.

Love Mike & Spock

Walking in Honor of Dan 2/4/2012

Dear Friends & Family of Dan,

As some of you may or may not know, after 16 surgeries, my own personal battles with suicidal thoughts, modern technology and a few small miracles, I have regained my ability to walk again without any sort of external aid. Dan was one of my only cheerleaders during this extremely difficult time in my life. Since his passing last year, I have become active with the AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention). Sadly, he left us before he could see me walk again. However, one of the first things I have chosen to do with much love, praise, thanks and appreciation for Dan and his love of the outdoors - is to walk my first mile in his memory in Orlando's 5th Annual Community Walk to benefit the AFSP and continue to actively honor his memory. I have set a small goal and would appreciate any support for this amazing cause.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is actively at the forefront of research, education and prevention initiatives designed to reduce loss of life from suicide. I hope you will consider supporting my participation in this event. Any contribution will help the work of AFSP, and all donations are 100% tax deductible.

Please visit the following website for additional information and details for anyone wanting to donate.

http://afsp.donordrive.com/participant/DanBowdell

I will post pictures and additional details from the walk following this weekends event.
Thanks in advance for your support and helping to always remember and love the remarkable person that we all miss every single day.
Lish

With Love From Marianne

Dan was an angel. He had a heart of gold and was so caring, compassionate and loving. He like myself had a very fragile and delicate heart. He was always there for me. He was so smart, even as kids he was taking apart electronics and fixing them. Right after he graduated high school he took his dog Chester, packed his pickup truck and headed out west to Arizona. He went to school and worked two jobs. He always wanted to learn more. He took me in several times as i made my trek from Michigan. We had so many good times together, we hiked together, had barbecues, jogged with Bentley, had serious talks, listened to music, lots of laughs and practically spoke our own language. We had so many inside jokes and even sound effects and noises that only he and I understood. God I miss him. I will always hold tight to all the memories, laughs, and good times that we shared together. We always cheered each other up, if Dan was around you were smiling and laughing. He would get me out of my funks when I was down, with his positive attitude and loving spirit. My life won't be the same without you Daniel Allen Bowdell, but, I will carry on and live in your honor. Love always, your baby sister....Marianne

Little Dan

Sorry Dan, this is just the most adorable picture that has to be shared with everyone.

987 Visitors!!

Good morning to all!
Thank you again to everyone who has already submitted stuff for Dan's blog site. I cannot even begin to share how many thankful comments and joy it has brought to so many people, including myself. As much as I cry, every time I have to post something new, it's amazing to me to see how many people loved Dan so much and will carry on his memory for the rest of our lives. I just wanted to give everyone a quick update, as I was shocked when I finally looked at the traffic. 987 views. All I can say is "Wow". Please continue to send pictures and stories and it becomes bearable and we will continue to fill this site with many wonderful memories that we can all share whenever we think about our amazing Dan.

Xoxo,
Lish

Flight

Dear Dan,
I find it hard to believe that you are gone. You and I met at Nutowne when you were 21 years old and
you were sitting there watching me and another guy play pool and I finally asked you if you were going
to just sit there or were you going to play. You said you would play pool and I put your name on the
board so that you were next to play and from the moment forward we were friends.
We were in and out of each other’s lives over the next 17 years!

I remember when I was working at the Phoenician Resort and I got laid off from my job, I called you
and told you all about it. It was not even probably 30 minutes and you were over to my house and you
handed me a check for $500 dollars and told me, “You are going to need this to get by until you find
work”! I remember never being so touched at such a beautiful thing to do when I knew he could ill-
afford to do such a thing. I tried to refuse it but he insisted that he wanted to do this. A couple months
later I tried to pay him back after I had found work and he just said, “Mike it was a gift and you are my
friend, repayment was never needed or wanted”.

These are the kinds of things I remember about Dan. He was the kindest, sweetest young man I had
ever met and it pains me to even right this now without crying because I remember so many good times
together. His big hugs when you would come over to see him. His smile and laughter. Here is a little
poem I wrote for you Dan:

Flight

Don't grieve for me my friends
For now I'm free and I know
I've left behind some pain.
I was longing for the heavenly skies.
Before I lost all dignity,
God helped me enter eternity.
Don't grieve for me as he has set me free
Just remember how I used to be
For I have taken flight to peace

I will always love you Dan as my friend, my confidante and as a genuinely good human being.

Love,
Mike
Michael.klocke@cwmm.net

A Few More Pictures from August 2008