Philosopher. Mentor. Friend.

I met Dana in 1993 at a community event. I was so impressed by his keynote speech that I approached and spoke with him afterward. Although I can visualize that moment, I don't remember our conversation. However, I found myself joining a couple of Toastmasters clubs and competing in several Toastmasters' speech competitions. Dana coached me through them all. There were times when club meeting attendance was low. If only three members were in attendance, we were assigned multiple roles. I always learned something and left the meetings fulfilled. Dana had a knack for making moments meaningful.

Throughout the years, we became really good friends. He was one friend that I could call at 6:00 in the morning to accompany me (via telephone) during my more than one-hour drive to work. Our conversations were thought-provoking and humor-filled. Dana allowed the Most High to use him fully. He left a big footprint on this earth. Dana--Contemplative. Compassionate. Courageous. Confident. Compelling. Captivating--always in my heart.

Over 30 years ago, I learned that a giant lived among us.  An accomplished local speaker was available to speak (successfully) to a gymnasium of 800 local high school students. In my role in educational leadership, I made contact with Dana, and he graciously agreed to speak to the high school student body. I still remember his message, delivered in his trademark baritone voice.  To succeed in life, one must have 3 things: vision, imagination, and focus.  It is no mean accomplishment to engage 800 high school students for 20 minutes.  Yet, Dana deftly delivered  wise counsel to the students. 

I hadn't seen Dana in a few years, but as I walked into a bathroom at LAX, Dana was washing his hands at the sink.  I cried out, "Dana LaMon!"  He immediately responded in kind with my name.  

Decades went by, when my son came home from high school and mentioned that his speech mentor was none other than Dana. I couldn't believe our extreme good fortune! Over the next four years, I witnessed the amazing contribution Dana made in my son's life, both in terms of quality of public speaking, but more importantly--in the conveyance of life's wisdom.  Noah would go over to Dana's house, and not return for many hours.  Often, when he arrived back home, he would regale us with aphorisms and anecdotes, in full Dana voice and elocution!  

What an absolute blessing to have known Dana Lamon. His magnanimous spirit and selfless contributions to the lives of young people will live outlive him by decades, maybe more.