"YABBER-LINER" - ALL ABOARD

((((DUTCHY)))) We're all holding your hand xxxxx

I sat and found many of the threads from 7 years ago when I first "met" Danny. Made me smile. I listened to music and remembered how much fun I had.

So very blessed by him. Will always be.

(((((Missy)))))

Oh crew, I have been reading this thread and good golly, so.much.fun.

What with Tryst and his lunchbox and his limp spiky tail, Blue and his GIT goatherding, Indeedee and her Chardonnay and her PaPa and his planes, Alex in the galley, Babbling bubbling, wench of the west Tulip, RH being DJ, DjjD being himself, Bethie shimmying, JPB snowed in and spring flowering snickering, Stormy and her jazzy and so many more crew... So many folk supporting me as I was having my feet all wired together... in and out of hospital and parties on the deck all the time... Bloody brilliant! Throughout all of this... our Bosun was here, everyday, just loving the heck out of all of us.

Missy, over 6 years ago you wrote...



And then a few posts later




Danny was at the helm much of the time. Just over 6 years ago he reached his 100K post and became the Cosmic Eagle. That night, A2K had another thread was doing the countdown... Bless his heart... It got to his 99,999th post and friends arrived at his house and he couldn't do the 100K post until they had left... leaving us all on tenterhooks and waiting for him. It was such big news on the forum... The first poster to reach the 100K ...Finally, he jumped aboard and said...



He was so nervous that night about posting... can you imagine... It did make us chuckle.

Noddy, dear Noddy, chose his Cosmic Eagle title and on 9th April 2008, I helped him decide on his new avatar. He became the BEagle on board.



6 years and an additional 123,160 posts later... and here we are...

Waiting in a different waiting room this time.

Though I am incredibly sad right now, I look back over the last 6 years and appreciate all the more what a fabulous, irreplaceable friend Danny has been to me... and to many others here and across the board.

It is simply a privilege to be part of his life and ... to be here for him when he needs our strength and love to let go, and to be at peace. I've cried buckets over the past few weeks, more in the last few days than in the last 6 years... but tonight, I've had some happy tears reading back, remembering and knowing that each and everyone of you made a difference in Danny's life, you made him smile and made him laugh.

I spoke to Anna yesterday, she is giving him all our love.

So, Down Under it is Easter Day...

For our eggshellent Bosun








Until Danny is ready to let go, we'll hold his hand so he's never alone...





Thank you crew. You are, and have always been, the best.

x

My heart overflows...



Love you Iz,,,
Love you Crew...

I have to add that posters who only posted once have been here. Volume isn't a measure of care, nor are repetitive flumes. I say this with love for both types.

Danny has always been ready to lead the ladies in a dance ...



or to chat about ship events with the lads



and to keep us up to date on some very fine meals




Let's do him proud and keep the ship running smoothly (with plenty of pep and humour )

Peace, love, laugh, kindness and many other things are remembered of a dear person; Danny, we hold your hands and may your dreams and heart be filled with the love sent from so many, as you gave us the joy of knowing you, we are here for you. I feel very privileged to have met you on this site. Blessed be xxx

Thinking of Danny, Anna, their family and the crew this morning.

Love to you all.

((Bethie))xx

Dear Crew...




Danny Van Doorn, our dear friend Dutchy, passed away at 7am this morning, Tuesday, 22nd April 2014.

He slipped away peacefully having spent time with Anna and his son, Michael, yesterday.

Danny had found the peace in his heart to let go and to finally rest.

On Saturday morning, having seen his grandchildren on Thursday and Friday, he sat up in his bed and ate a hearty breakfast. From thereon, Danny found peace and spoke with Anna telling her he was ready... He waited until his son arrived on Monday morning, spent time with them both yesterday, and then he went to sleep.

Danny was 79 years young – he lived a wonderful life, he loved life. He adored his wife, their son and 3 grandchildren. Danny and Anna lost their daughter 15 years ago; she was 26 years old ~ she is never forgotten.

Danny was incredibly brave - these last few weeks he had to make very tough decisions ~ he did what he believed was best for his family, he loved them so much. He fought so hard for his life and with courage and peace, he now rests.



There is much I could say about Danny – our Bosun, friend and “Spring Chicken” - the Bear Beyond The Black Stump and the Cosmic Eagle – and that may come over the days and weeks ahead.

Danny arrived in Australia at the age of 17, from Rotterdam to Melbourne via Capetown; he yomped 120km along the Murray River towards the snowy mountains with his knapsack in his hand containing all his worldly goods; he worked on a farm and learned English for 18 months - then headed to Adelaide and played football before becoming a copper – a policeman for 38 years of which he was very proud. He met Anna, they fell in love and got married. 10 years later, they had Michael and a few years later, their beloved Christina.





I’m so very honoured to have been able to call Danny a true friend – I love him and am so thankful his spirit is now free. Danny’s name is engraved on my heart...

He’s now in a heavenly forum with his daughter and his best friend – we must simply give thanks for all that Danny has been to us and be thankful that we have been blessed with his presence in our lives.

My thoughts, love and prayers go to Anna, Michael, their family and friends...



May Danny rest in peace.

Cheers my Darlin’...




Happy are those who died in the Lord
Let them rest from their labours
For their good deeds go with them.

‘Til we meet again Danny Down Under – I love you ~ Nim Up Above.

Found Soul writes:

“He "is" an officer and a gentleman who held everyone's hand. Tonight I saw a beautiful sky I have not seen before. The ship is his anchor, his friends real, he held their hands un-knowing of the impact, we held his. Love you Danny and I know in my heart of hearts, you are finally at peace, you believed in angels, we believe in you.

Celebrate his life, that I know is what Danny wanted”
KP

A perfect memorial . He was loved by many , that's as much as anyone needs.
alav ha-sholom.

I didn't know him for long enough. But, like to many on A2K, I'll miss him. He was everybody's friend - confidante - father figure - and in the end, hero.

Brave Danny, I'll miss him.

My thoughts, love and prayers go to Anna, Michael, and family. RIP Danny.

RIP Danny!

RIP Danny...loved you..and through the tears I have a smile coz I know you knew it! For a while I tried running away from facts that i knew would be little hard for me. But I guess Ive come to terms with those now.. RIP Danny.... I cherish the friendship we had here in A2K!

Rest in Peace, Danny.

Rest in peace, Danny.

Thoughts and prayers to all who loved him.

Shalom, Danny, rest in peace.


You will always be remembered here with great fondness, love, and respect.

I hope that cherished memories will help to comfort Anna, Michael, your grandchildren, and all those who were close to you, who now feel a painful void in their lives.

Bless you for having delivered this message Izzie and with the elegance and love which Danny would have used himself. He will be missed greatly, already his absence has been felt on this board and I am sure throughout the world with all the souls he interacted with during the course of his earthly stay. However, because of his presence here and elsewhere, he surely will live on.

Danny will never be forgotten, an amazing person. I celebrate his life and mourn his passing but he is now without pain. A candle is lit for his life and passing!

Thank you Danny for being there for me and many others, Nothing is forgotten, nothing is ever forgotten XXXX