I am saddened today by the recent loss of two friends: Karen Danielson and Mike Price. Karen died suddenly (May 10) as did Mike (May 11), within a day of each other.
Karen was Health Services Director for the college. As such, I worked along side Karen every school day for 11 years while I was Director of Counseling. She was still vital and full of energy until a stroke took her. She and I worked on diverse creative projects simultaneously: she wrote and published a cookbook and I produced my music CD, and the video, I Do Exist. Although we were an odd pair I think, we supported each other through the details of creating something from nothing.
My former secretary Polly Witherup, said about Karen “she could make a dead dog taste good.” And Polly was right. Karen was always whipping up something really tasty in the Zerbe Health Center’s kitchen. When I could get a minute free at lunch, I often shamelessly begged for food at the kitchen door. I never went away hungry. I will miss Karen.
Mike was a professor of English here. We were not close friends but I liked him immensely. He proofed several things for me, including most recently, a chapter of a book I am working on. He was amazing at his craft.
He also was a rocker and tomorrow in honor of Mike, and at the request of his wife, I will be wearing my black tee shirt sporting appliques of about 20 electric guitars to the funeral. Several of us who play will be wearing this gear.
Rock on, Mike.
Thanks for these comments; Karen was indeed a special lady. I cannot imagine the health service here at the college without her.
i feel like i lost a friend, although i only knew karen danielson as a tv personality and local resident–when i caught her on the county market program i watched it to hear her interact and admired how kindly she spoke to all, as well as enjoying her enthusiasm for cooking and eating-she left more than she took and for this reason, i mourn her loss and pray for the repose of her soul and comfort for her loving family, for they shared the best of what she gave to us all, amen