June 02, 2023

Dear Donna and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was an amazing man! He was so positive and had a contagious spirit. I enjoyed our time at the beach and listening to his stories. He was an adventurer, fisherman, walker, and loved his RV. He was a amazing dad, wonderful husband, incredible brother, and friend. He was loved by so many people and touched so many lives. Honored to have known this great man. Love, Sam 

May 31, 2023

Dear Patricia and family,
I’ve been missing your Donald for some time. I treasured his kindness, care and advice. He taught me a lot with his presence. He mentored me in work almost 25 years ago, and continued up until he no longer recognized me. Having lost my own father at age seven, Don became a bit of a surrogate, gently and patiently teaching me how to repair a calculator, a typewriter, ir my heart. He gave me a listening ear when I sought advice, and didn’t take offense if I chose a different direction than he advised. He supported me when I got married, and he made time for me when I needed guidance and reassurance. With kindness he held my spirit each time I felt broken, and just by walking and talking alongside me through the streets of Columbia, I would feel rebalanced, renewed and ready to carry on.
Don shared his adventures, or misadventures of youth, and told me of the many people he had loved. He shared his love of the cabin down by the river. It seemed to anchor him to this place made more beautiful by him being part of it. Everytime I walk the Wrightsville-Columbia bridge, I think of him scaling it as a youth, and I wonder how he was able to cross it from the bottom. What an adventurer with such bravery!
In his last years, Don taught me you don’t have to remember anyone to stay kind. He taught me joy comes from within. He reminds me that in any world where everything is unfamiliar, wearing a smile and carrying a kind heart makes the journey home lighter. I love him, and can only imagine how much those of you who held him far closer and for much longer in your hearts and lives ache for his laughter and loving friendship. Donald Dancause, I’m grateful you’re free. It was hard on my heart to watch you slip away. I will learn from you, even in my regret that I didn’t make more time to sit with you in your forgetfulness. You’ve  taught me that in avoiding my own pain, the loss of another father, I created another kind of discomfort: the discomfort of not being able to cherish the memories of supporting you in your years of forgetting. I’m sorry I failed you there. I’ll treasure my memories of the dapper dressed, well groomed Donald Dancause for his big heart and the large footprints of kindness, gentleness, patience and joy he left behind for me to imitate. 
May your memories comfort you when you can no longer hear his voice, feel his presence or abide in his joy. 
Love, 
Lisa Ganse

May 28, 2023

Sending our condolences. You two have been a special couple to us. Our hearts and thoughts are with you!
John and Shelly Wolf

May 27, 2023

Dear Pat and Don’s family … (and Don) … As will so many, I will remember you with fondness. And with laughter; you made me laugh more than a few times. I’ll always be grateful for having met (and re-met you the last time – more than a dozen years ago in Columbia) Thank you, Don, and bon voyage.  
Brian Long