Goodbye Dear Friend
We were saddened by the loss of Dan Grogan today. What follows is an email I wrote to friends and family, as well as some selected pictures.
We've had some very bad news in our family. Dan Grogan had a heart attack and died on his way to work on Friday morning. He was found in SW Portland at the intersection of Taylor's Ferry and Spring Garden Rd. He was rushed to OHSU, but could not be revived.
Dan has been a part of our family for over 10 years. He and mom have been living together in their Sellwood condo since 2001.
This news comes as an incredible shock to us all. At only 57, he was incredibly healthy, no history of heart problems or any other serious illness, and no family history of anything like this. He rode his bike over 20 miles daily to work and back.
Mom is having a difficult time, but is surrounded by friends and family. Renee and Nick came down from Port Orchard Friday night and are staying with her. Mom has had tremendous support from everyone around her, for which we are very grateful.
Dan was an organ donor. He will be cremated in accordance to his family's wishes.
While not legally married to mom, Dan was very much a part of our family, and he treated us as part of his. He wore a tux at our wedding with our fathers (didn't even need to twist his arm!) He was affectionately known as "Grandpa Dan" to Zach and Logan, and truly loved them as his own grandchildren.
For anyone who feels a need to contribute otherwise, Dan was a supporter of public radio, choral music, environmentalism, progressive politics, open source technology, and community involvement. Any contribution of time or money to an organization that supports these ideals would be appropriate.
