Obituary of Dana Boyd Halpin
“Dana Darling” was your beloved nickname for all of your life. You lived up to this name although of course you were a typical little boy too, full of spunk and adventure.It was 34 years ago that life’s greatest adventure began. On Friday, May 11th, 1984 at Toronto East General, a beautiful baby boy was born. We named you Dana Boyd Halpin. It was indeed a day to celebrate. We felt blessed and inspired because you were ours. Our son, to love, to cherish, to guide, to influence and encourage!
From a very early age you were always inquisitive, always questioning, always seeking answers. You loved to play, were full of energy and enthusiasm, an explorer, an inquirer with such love for your family. From the beginning you displayed a remarkable energy and agility when you played. To harness that exuberance and physical ability we enrolled you in gymnastics. Our world then exploded as you excelled and moved quickly up the ranks. It was to become your passion, but it also took over our lives as we quickly realized that it was an all consuming lifestyle. However, your extraordinary natural talent, strength and resilience proved to many that it was a sport at which you excelled. This is an unforgiving sport but you persevered with great skill and determination. You became champion of the rings, one of the most challenging disciplines in this sport. You devoted 7 years to gymnastics earning dozens of medals and trophies but after winning a National Stream Provincial Championship you decided to retire.
Dana you proved to be such a smart young man, knowledgeable on so many subjects. Whether it was the arts or the sciences you excelled early and often. You were a poet, a writer with a gift for words, a talented musical artist with a natural ability to entertain. Seeing your athletic skill displayed on the theatrical stage was a joy to behold.
We shall forever cherish your infectious smile, your ability to make people feel good about themselves, your embracing hugs that showed your love and concern, your ability to observe the world and comment on it. You were so proud of your Canadian Journalist’s Association accreditation. We can only imagine where your journalist’s journey would have taken you. Thank you for reminding us that you thought we were the best darn parents a fellow could ever hope for and that Samantha was the most impressive sister a fellow could ever have.
We love you forever and always, Dad, Mom and Sam.
Dana's family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Dana's Life on Saturday November 3, 2018 at The Keg Manor located at 529 Richmond Rd, Ottawa from 1pm-3pm. Parking is available on site.
The family asks that if you wish to attend the Celebration of Life, that you kindly RSVP to: khalpin@sympatico.ca.
Donations can be made to Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services by clicking the Donations link under Dana's photo on this memorial page.
Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation and Burial Services Inc.
Life Celebrations. Done Differently.
