The fact that this one is tough on many of us is a high compliment to Dan.
Dan and I were both having really tough times back in 2009. We spoke countless times, we traded messages, we sent cigars back and forth. He helped me more than I could explain to him. I have to say that I am not sure I would have made it through those dark days without his help, his advice, and his just being himself. I could go on and on. Our connection, started on CigarPass, continued all of the rest of the years. I could probably write a classic eulogy for Dan that would rise to a James Joyce level of wordsmith character. But regardless of how much respect and regard I have for him (notice no past tense), I am going to honor the request not to obsess on the sadness.
So, on Saturday I will partake in:
Elmer T. Lee (We shared a love of that spirit)
La Aurora Cien Anos (We joked forever about that cigar...my last conversation with him was about the fact that I only had two left)
Pasta (He never got over my demeaning comments about pasta being seventeen cents for a ton)
Rest in Peace, Dan.