Home

    Photo
    Gallery


    Donate

    arrow-
     head
  hotshots


[   Having Trouble? Contact Us.  |  Join the "Friends of Dan" Network  |   Post an Article!   ]

 

 
02/19/07
Brando

Hello all-

I am sorry for any issues that you have encountered when using or browsing Dan's site.
I don't know exactly why, but it keeps being targeted by SPAM programs selling Viagra and such. As we all know, Dan was in no need of such drugs to maintain his stellar arousal of woman. Ha.

Please bare with me as I will be reworking some pieces of the site to help stop this.

You may also notice that some postings are missing. It seems as though the SPAM programs caused some of these postings to be deleted. Fortunately, this time, we have a fairly recent backup. I will be going through these backups to bring the site back up to date...at least as closely as I can get it.

Once again, I am sorry for this.
I miss Dan like crazy and think about him often.
Dude, we all hold you so high in our hearts. There is not a day that goes by that I don't reflect.

Much love to you man. You are my role model in life. If I could only live as you did....

Brando

  

02.21.07
Waterville, VT
Holmes-slice! Was thinking of you the otehr when we were riding...miss you man- your fire will burn in those you touched! Cheers, gonna tip back a Cape Codder for you tonight!
  

6/3/07
Cousing Andy, Gallup, NM
So, how is it June already?  I may not have writting here in awhile...but I certainly think about our friend daily. 
I've relocated myself to Gallup, NM.  I'm sharing space with Dee for now...but it's more hte semi-spontaneous, seizing the opportunity in front of me that reminds me of Dan.  It's fair to say it would be out of character for me to do something so "rash"...I was always envious that he could just get an inspiration and follow it...I never felt like I had that strength in me.  So, realizing I was in an overall life-situation that needed some changing...I decided "F-it, let's try it!"  I decided to just ride the wave of inspiration, and I hoped that the details would work themselves out.  They always had for Dan...maybe I'd have some luck on my side for once.  And ya know what?  So far, it's gone better than I could have ever anticipated.  I had a couple of small financial windfalls when I was broke, and I landed a really cool job within 5 days of moving, cold.  Part of me thinks that's coincidence, but a part of me thinks I've had a little help along the way, too.  And I don't just mean from my friends and family that helped me pack, if you know what I mean.
So...I guess I feel kinda like I'm on an adventure.  I'm really trying to enjoy every single day, and look positively toward tomorrow.  I always felt that was something Dan did that I could never quite figure out how.  Granted, we make our own decisions and actions in life...but it has been a huge help to have a real-life reference in my mind.  All I can say is...if you really have an intrigue in your heart...follow it!  The worst that's going to happen is...nothing!  Peace, love, and mountains.
  

07/11/07
Cuz Bob
  

07/11/07
Cuz Bob
  

TEST
TES
TEST
  

October 2nd, 2007
The Footers, Underhill VT

As the dust is settling from everything that just happened, we return home in time to celebrate Danny's life on the anniversary of his death.

It is hard to reflect on our wedding just under a month ago without noting Danny's absence (especially after watching the wonderful video posted earlier on this website!).  Although his physical absence was noticed, Danny's spiritual presence was unequivocally felt.  He warmed our hearts and put wonder in our eyes as small “miracles” unfolded against the odds throughout the day.

Time has put distance between the sharp, searing pain of unexpected tragedy and the long, dull ache of nostalgia.  During these life-changing events where Danny’s face would be a fixture the intense pains of loss come to the forefront, but are quickly overcome by Danny’s warm, light, and joy.  On that day he infused the air with love, the land with life, and the sky with brilliance.

Today was a day to light a candle and read poems to an audience of trees between a pond and the setting sun.  It was a day to remember Danny’s life, to thank him for the gifts he gave us, and to feel his physical absence in the days of another passing year.  It was also a day to reflect on the moments of the past year where Danny was by our sides and his imprint helped to formulate our decisions, moods, and actions.  Although he is gone, he will never leave us.

We love you, Homey!!  You will be wherever we are…

P.S. anyone get on Hell’s Brook today?

  

10/3/07
Cousin Andy Gallup, NM
3 years.  Hard to imagine how quickly time can pass.  For those of us that knew him, our lives changed as abruptly as the accident occurred.  It's been 3 years ... but some days it seems like a whole lifetime ago.
I think of Dan every day.  A lot of us do, of course. As much as I, we, miss him, it's so comforting to know how many  people continue to keep his spirit alive.  What a lasting, amazing legacy.  I for one know I would not be where I am today, in a strange, far-off land, and loving every minute of it, were it not for the little piece of Dan I keep with me. When posed with a life-changing decision, with little safety net, I thought of Dan, and what would he do...and the answer came simply: Try it!  Live!  Enjoy!  See what happens!  And so it is.
So another year has passed.  As much as it seems like a lifetime, man, it also just seems like yesterday we gathered on that sunny day in Rochester to say our goodbyes, where Danny embarked on the last Great Adventure.  Continue to keep his spirit alive, continue to embark on your own adventures! Peace, Love, and Mountains.

  

10-07-2007
Jeremy Whitaker Seattle Washington
  Can't believe it has been three years. Miss you Dan. You were a good friend and roomy. I think of you everyday when I see Mnt Rainier.
  

10/2/07
erik uhlir, northern california
  

10/2/07
erik uhlir, northern california
summited mt. shasta on oct.2. realized at high camp the night before that it was danny's day.his everlasting spirit helped carry us up the icy, cold mountain. i miss you bro, i'll definitely keep you in my heart every time i am priveledged enough to be on a mountain and know that you will always be a part of my push to become attuned and inspired by the climb, the struggle and the mountains in which you gave the ultimate sacrifice for.
love and respect
uhl
  

12/24/07
Andy
As we got older, Christmas was the time you could generally plan on the Dan making an appearance.  And it was always good times. Some highlights:
"Hey, where can I buy some beer?" "Dude...it's Christmas in CT...nowhere!"; Christmases in Hampton; Growlers from the Shed; shots!; "Dude, let's go for a walk"; "where's Seatlle?"; "Um...I'm somewhere called Simsbury."; "I'm looking for a Dan's Auntie Nancy.";
We all miss ya!
  

1-16-08
Bishop, VT/NH
30....belly up, cheers bro.
  

1/16/08
Dan Dziedzic Bloomfield,CT
Danny Boy Happy 30th!!!
Thanks for all the good times we shared. It's still hard to grasp that your not with us, but the memories we all shared with you will never fade away.
  

1/16/08
Dee
Happy Birthday my beloved son
I think of you and miss you daily
  

3/17/08
Cousin Andy, Gallup NM
Cheers to ye, Danny Boy!  I'm sure there were Irish toasts in your honor all over the country. I made sure to cover the Gallup end.

May those that love us, love us
And those that don't love us
May God turn their hearts
And if he can't turn their hearts
May he turn their ankles
So we see them coming with their limps
  

5/2/08
Andy
Haven't written in awhile... Still think about ya every day. Wildfires, honky-tonking, fishing, adventuring... Damn, bro. If only....


PLM
  

5/11/08
Dee
  

himnickc@hottmail.com
Hello, I met  Dan as he was traveling through New Zealand  with another guy named JP . We met in Taupo and had a week of debauchery. Bonded as New Englanders, Travelers, and adventurers. Did a bit of climbing, a bit of drinking, and my fondest memory was breaking into a hottub late nite with danny boy and a couple of canadian chicks. He is  a lively soul and I was sad to hear the news. But it only amplified the time we raged.   more stories to come-man did we have some fun
  

1/30/07
wedding vid
Happy B Dan, much luv
the wedding vid

video
  

1/27/07
Rebecca Masse, Topsfield MA

This website is such a great tribute to Dan. I was actually just going through a bunch of old photos from middle and high school and came across a few funny ones of Dan from back in the day. Its still hard to believe he's gone.

peace and love

  

1/23/07
Katie Schmidt Portsmouth,NH

I haven't seen/known him in years- but back in the day I knew him well.  His death was just brought to my attention- and I feel horrible about it.  I am glad to know he was living the dream while he could!  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.  I am so sorry for this loss.

Happy Birthday Dan!

  

1/17/06
Andy, New Britain, CT
  

1/18/07
Jill, Southington, CT
Just wanted to say Happy Birthday Dan.  We met your Aunt Nancy and Uncle Chuck at a Southington FD breakfast.  They are wonderful people and so proud of you.  Jill
  

3/13/06
Auntie Nancy Plainville,CT
Brando
How great that the site is back! We've missed it- good job!
  

April 4, 2006
a cousin

Time does not bring relief; you all have lied

Who told me time would ease me of my pain!

I miss him in the weeping of the rain;

I want him at the shrinking of the tide;

The old snows melt from every mountain-side,

And last year's leaves are smoke in every lane;

But last year's bitter loving must remain

Heaped on my heart, and my old thoughts abide.

There are a hundred places where I fear

To go, -- so with his memory they brim/

And entering with relief some quiet place

Where never fell his foot or shone his face

I say, "There is no memory of him here!"

And so stand striken, so remembering him.

Edna St. Vincent Millay

  

8/27/06
Lt. Richard D Murphy Jr Ports A Portsmouth Nh
As I Write This Dee is on Her Way To New Mexico for a new chapter in her life. -I was Her Escort During those sad Days in Rochester Nh. Today As I Reported For Duty There Was A large Envalope Waiting. It Contained Two Of the Memorial books, Emmitsburg and California, Two Patchs and The Most Fitting Peice of Artwork I have Ever Seen(Kerry Bober)  As most of you have seen the Photo of Dan With the Saw over his shoulder my Lasting memory was Dan With A hockey Bag Slung over his shoulder And Yes The Mullett was in  all its glory. its funny but the Bag And the Saw Were Both Bigger Than Dan--Go Figure--Thanks to all of you that work so hard to keep Dans memory Alive and have been a comfort to Dee and Her Family --Peace To All And Stay Safe---Lt. Richard D Murphy Jr -PFD
  

5/8/05
Jared Steer New Hampton, NH
Danny D.,?Beautiful Video.? I must of heard the legend of Mansfield?a hundred times.? There is not a day where I do not think of the broheim.? Thanks again for putting it together.? Hope everyone is well.? Feel free to call Eliza and I anytime...603-968-3140.? Miss ya so much Holmes!!!?? Peace Love and Mountains....Jared
  

11/20/04
Brando - Johnson, VT
Just wanted to say thank you so much to all those who came up to Johnson to attend the memorial ceremony at Johnson State College.

Also, a special thanks to Catherine, Les, and JSC for putting it all togther, including the scholarship, commemorative plaque, and the red oak tree that will be planted in the spring.

What an amazing time to laugh, cry, console and appreciate. Many of us really needed today to help ease our souls.
We love you all so much.

Thanks again,
Love, Peace, and Mountains!

  

WIZ PORTLAND, OR.
The Pats?did it again Dan! 3 in 4 years. What do you think about the Sox going back to back?
  

September 3rd, 2004
An Email from Dan
Subject: mid-season "waddup!"
Date: Fri, 03 Sep 2004 22:51:54 +0000
dear fam/friends, Greetings from Hotshot land! Well, we are certainly on the down-slope of the season, and i am getting ready for the winter to begin.? We are probably going to work until the 7th of Nov, pending anything crazy happening, so then i will be heading back up north to Bellingham, WA.? My girlfriend Jules and I are going to the Cook Islands in December for three weeks, it will be out little summer, as i did not really lie out in the sun very much this summer (fires put a damper on that).? The Islands?are located in the south pacific Ocean, and are basically?a?part of New Zealand--meaning it's beautiful and the people are chill.? Should be a lot of fun.? I will then be flying back east for the holidays around Xmas, and will probably be staying for NYE somewhere, possibly VT.? Upon my retunr to WA, my buddy Shaun and i will be possibly goign climbing in Peru for a month.? That will be sweet!!!!! I hope that our plans line up and we make this a reality (more on this later).? Cali has been fun, but i am ready to be back in WA, and the casades and the sea.? I was slightly injured 2 weeks ago when?we were on a fire in WA, near lake Chelan.? I recieved 2nd degree burns?on my leg, above my boot.? i have been on?"light-duty" since, but?i have fully recovered and will be ready to go next week.? Hope that everyone is well and that i get achance to see most of you?this fall/winter.? Take care, and if you haven't recieved my info., here it is: dan Holmes C/O Arrowhead Hotshots P.O. Box 925 Kings canyon, CA 93633??cell# (360) 393-2701? Cheers and Please Vote for?a new president this Nov!!!! Peace, love and Mountains ----danny boy?
  

10/13/04
Dusty VT

After Dan?s ceremony in nh we were pretty shooken up and still are, but there has been these reacquiring moments where Dan continues to remind me that he is still so very much in our lives and souls. We felt his great spirits in us that day telling us be strong, to hold tight to the love and to live - to live full - to live real - to live strong, so with tears in our eyes and Dan in our minds we pushed to a small pub in Hampton to order the dannyboy stoli and low and behold Colin goes to the ATM and the machine had kicked out a $20 to cover a round, tnks D. We made our way to the beach and took a good jog out onto the jetty into the middle of the ocean and I wanted to thank ya Dan for whispering in our ears and touching our souls that day, I will never be the same. We love ya brother and you will be in my heart forever ? dust

  

 
Print this page!

(back to top)  

 

dust an bran : vwd
email: info@vtwebdesigners.com