Lasting Memories
Dan Dykwel
March 31, 1952-Nov. 6, 2014
Palo Alto, California
Dan Dykwel -- beloved husband and father, sincere friend and devoted community leader -- passed away Nov. 6 at Stanford Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Dan believed in Palo Alto and committed himself to making our community a better place. He served children and our public schools as president of the district-wide PTA Council, president of the Paly PTSA, member of the PAUSD Program Review Committee for the 20-year Facilities Master Plan, founding member of Project Safety Net and fundraising co-chair for Youth Community Service, among many activities. In 2009, he received the PTA's Golden Oak award for exemplary service to youth. He also served the community on the board of Midpeninsula Media Center, as president of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce and as member of the Blue Ribbon Task Force for the Palo Alto Public Safety Building.
Working together, Dan and his wife Sunny resurrected the Black and White Ball, as well as helped organize many additional efforts to raise funds for public needs, including campaigns for the school bond, parcel tax and library. Indeed, Dan and Sunny were a dynamic pair who drew people from around town to work together on building our community. Their home was always a warm and welcoming gathering place. Dan's attitude was always, "We can make this happen," and Sunny's energy made it so.
With his creative ideas and signature sense of humor, Dan was appreciated by those who worked with him. Dan's knack for opening up conversations to explore new ideas is a reason why so much got accomplished when Dan was involved and why all the participants felt good about the results.
Dan enjoyed good food, good wine and season tickets to the symphony. In the past year, he and Sunny made the most of their stay in San Francisco through frequent visits to the art museums. Showing his love of art, even while in the hospital, he visited the Anderson Collection. He also loved cheering on the Giants with Sunny, as well as watching the America's Cup races. Many remember fondly his being the only man in a group of women walking the Dish.
Dan was born and grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University with honors and was an avid sailor. He had over 25 years experience in marketing communications and also worked with Sunny in a highly successful Realtor team. He was 62.
Most of all, he enjoyed time with family, whether going to movies, playing with grandchildren, taking the family to see various parts of the world, trying exotic cuisine or otherwise exposing the family to new experiences. Dan was a best friend and mentor to his sons, Devon and Louie.
A believer in human agency and volition, Dan imbued his boys with an appreciation for sheer possibility. He knew that freedom of thought is what offers freedom in life, and so through open-mindedness and education as virtue, his kids grew up free. He understood the value of intimacy and the worth in exchanging ideas and emotions; he was a journal in the flesh for his sons, who called him daily, excited to share experiences and charming revelations. To them, he was and ever will be the definition of a best friend. And while it is impossible to encapsulate Dan -- for how can one wrap a gift that is ubiquitous? -- the honor in his deeds, the echo of his laughter and the vibrancy of his fashion sense give form to a personality most cherished. Like a day at the beach, a favorite destination of his, Dan revitalized the mind and charged that, as waves upon the shore do, one reach far before reaching farther still.
Dan is survived by the love-of-his-life and partner, his wife Sunny; sons Devon and Louie; daughter-in-law Maria; granddaughters Aubrey and Chloe; his mother Lois in Bend, Oregon, sister Linda, and brother James; and many more family members and friends. His absence leaves a hole in many lives.
Dec. 20, 2014
I remember Dan and Sunny as boundless energy going somewhere to happen. Dan is and was a cheerful and charming person. Also Dan was great to be at a party with. I have not seen Dan in many years but will always remember his kindness when I moved to California. Safe journey my friend
Dec. 2, 2014
Who ever wrote the article on Dan's passing must have known him so well. What wonderful comments. I as well, worked with Dan at ROLM in National Accounts. I remember the wine trip we took to the wine country many years ago with all of Sunny and Dan's friends. What a great remembrance and fun day that was!!! You lived a great life filled with your family and friends which they have memories to remember of you. Sincerely, Ann (Petrak) Pease
Nov. 24, 2014
Sunny and Devon - I was so sad to hear of Dan's death. I remember with fondness the early days at Walter Hays when we met. Such fun! Dan made such a contribution to Palo Alto and the schools over so many years. We were all fortunate to have known him and to have been graced by his good work. He will be missed.
Nov. 21, 2014
I just heard the very sad news about Dan's passing. I am so sorry Sunny. Dan always impressed me as a perfect gentleman....he always opened the door for you , and was so gracious and kind, to you, and those around him. May your sweet memories of him comfort you during this time of deep sadness.
Nov. 19, 2014
Someone told me yesterday and I am still in shock! We send our deepest condolences for your and your family's loss, Sunny. Do let us and your Paly friends know what we can do. Dan will be missed greatly. Love to you and Devon and all the family,
Nov. 18, 2014
We are sorry to hear of Dan?s passing. We will miss his presence. Our condolences to Sunny and the rest of the family.
Nov. 17, 2014
Dan has been an inspiration. His positive outlook..."we can do it" Days before his passing he displayed sense of humor and not a hint of regret. Dan and Sunny demonstrated their real estate magic by helping us with several highly successful transactions. Rest in peace, my friend. You will be missed.
Nov. 17, 2014
Dear Sunny, we were surprised and saddened to hear about Dan. I'm so sorry. He was a kind and gentle man who gave so much to so many. Your friends at the Palo Alto University Rotary Club all send our condolences. He will be remembered with great fondness. Our thoughts are with you..
Nov. 16, 2014
I am so saddened to hear about Dan's passing. Sunny, you and Dan were the dynamic duo and found the perfect place for my family in CA. I will forever be thankful to you both for being our feet on the ground in CA. My deepest condolences to your family.
Nov. 14, 2014
Dan, you had the greatest laugh. I loved to see how you dressed. You were so stylish and lit up the day. You will be so missed. God bless your soul.
Nov. 14, 2014
I am so sorry to read of this. Dan (and the peerless Dan & Sunny duo) was one of the most public-spirited, giving people among us, pitching in on everything from the PTA to the Black & White Ball to parcel tax campaigns to Project Safety Net and more--and always making it fun! This is a great loss to our community.
Nov. 13, 2014
So sorry to hear of Dan's passing. I worked with Dan at Rolm Corporation for many years both in National Accounts and Marketing. Dan did outstanding work during his tenure and most importantly he had a great sense of humor and laugh! God Bless. My condolences to the family
Nov. 12, 2014
We are all shocked by the news, but I can't think of anyone that lived life to the fullest, more than Dan. I wish the family ease and grace in moving forward without him, you have each other to lean on and lots of friends, so let us help.
Nov. 12, 2014
I am stunned and saddened to hear of Dan's passing. He made enourmous contributions to this community and will be missed. My wife, Liz, and I extend our condolences to Sunny and the family. Andy
Nov. 12, 2014
I can't think of any person who dedicated more time, energy and enthusiasm to the PAUSD community - and always with a smile. Sunny and Dan could make anything happen! My condolences to Dan's family. This is so sad. Dan leaves a big whole in the fabric of Palo Alto. His legacy is the wonderful example he set for everyone on how to pitch in and help, with a positive attitude!
Nov. 11, 2014
Seems so hard to believe. He was always so full of life. Very sorry to hear this news, Sunny. Dan was one of my favorite people of Palo Alto.
Nov. 11, 2014
I'm so sad to hear of Dan's passing. I fondly remember volunteering with him when we were on the board of YCS together. Sending my love to Sunny and all those who love Dan.
Nov. 11, 2014
So saddened to hear this news! Dan was one of the "good guys" in Palo Alto PTA. Always positive and inclusive. He will be missed by all whom he touched.
Nov. 11, 2014
Sunny and Dan -- a match made in heaven. I am in a state of disbelief that he is gone. He will be missed terribly by family and friends, and all in the community who appreciated his many contributions -- especially his warmth and sense of humor.
Nov. 11, 2014
I was saddened to read of Dan's passing this morning. Palo Alto will not be the same without Dan's great smile and good works. Hoping many wonderful memories and friends comfort the Dykwel family and friend at this time.
Nov. 11, 2014
I got to know Dan working on one of the parcel tax campaigns. What a great guy! This is a terrible loss to our community.
Nov. 11, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of this. Dan will be greatly missed. We all who worked with him appreciated his great smile, his sense of humor and his terrific energy. Dan's dedication and contribution to education and the children of Palo Alto will be remembered.
Nov. 11, 2014
I just loved seeing Dan at PTA gatherings and other community events. He was such a sweetheart and so friendly! He made everyone he met feel comfortable and welcome. He will be dearly missed in our community and in our hearts.