I first met Dannee at her “Big Reveal” party, a big bash thrown for Camille’s new love. We knew it was serious, Camille was traveling back and forth from SLC to Atlanta to be with Dannee and soon would move there as well. We all knew this was something big because Camille would never leave her Sugarhouse home otherwise.

Camille and Dannee returned to SLC after Camille finished nursing school and soon summers were replete with barbecues, dogs and playing with a myriad of Dannee’s toys. We got to enjoy her recumbent bike, her new cars, her fish tank, her essential oils, her spinners, her smoker and more. I loved watching her eyes light up as she told us about each new finding, each just as intriguing and amazing as the last.

Dec. 23, 2013…a day to remember. A judge struck down the ban against gay marriage in Utah and there was no hesitation on Dannee and Camille’s part. Joining in the throngs waiting to get licenses and then married, all while hoping that the Supreme Court did not stay the prior judge’s ruling, I had the honor of performing their marriage ceremony, with the two of them saying “I do” as the clock struck 11:11. A truly magical time.

July 2015…I was leaving to race across America on my bike when Dannee told me she had a biopsy of a lump that had come up rather suddenly. While she learned she in fact had cancer while I was racing the week-long race, she broke the news to me after I returned so that it did not affect my race. She faced her disease with vigor, suffered quietly and yet leaned on humor – at one point dying her hair green, signifying her channeling the strength of the Hulk. As she lost her hair, the Minions became her power symbol.

I began my own journey through the cancer hellscapes just 6 weeks after Dannee. Though our journeys saw different paths, she was there for me… whether doing my laundry in the Hope Lodge while I was in a wheelchair, bringing me Diet Dr. Pepper and Swedish Fish (brandishing them with a giggle) while at my immunotherapy appointments or sitting with me and my pups “just in case” I needed something as I was recovering from a surgery.

Dannee was drawn to water. She wasn’t happy just being at the shore, she had to get out there and sail. So, she bought a boat and soon she was sailing on the Great Salt Lake. My wife Stacey and I joined her and Camille one beautiful evening. We sailed out of the harbor and into the middle of the lake – experiencing both the beauty of the sunset against the shore and …the horror of flying bugs. We huddled under a shroud of netting, laughing hysterically at our plight.

Dannee…I’ll never forget our long talks about everything and nothing, while sitting in your salt water hot tub, making smores by the fire, or enjoying a summer evening in the back yard. My life is richer having experienced even a part of it through your eyes. I love you, my friend. Till we meet again…

These are the only videos I have of Dannee. Even though they're short and not the greatest quality, its a gift to relive her sharing one of her favorite places. My mom and I loved every minute we got to spend in Florida with Dannee and Camile.

Fly free sweet Dannee. Until we meet again 💕

I’ll forever miss my dear friend Dannee. 

I met Dannee & Camille at a puppy mill protest in 2007.  We bonded and became like family over a series of twists and turns that landed us in the same community when we had always lived thousands of miles apart. 

Our mutual love of French bulldogs was the beginning of beautiful friendships. Dogs are the greatest wayshowers. 

Dannee packed volumes of  thoughtfulness, compassion, brilliance and sassiness in a pint sized package. When she laughed, everybody laughed. 

Camille; as you say, she was the Frick to your frack, and you wrapped her in love, up to the very last breath. What a gift you were to each other.