FATHER, SON, BROTHER, FRIEND, SOULMATE
In Dax’s life, he certainly spun an enduring web of connection that crosses the miles. From youth, to his time in the military, to a brief stint on the west coast, to the many friends from his personal life and professional arenas, Dax created so many unbreakable bonds. Though Dax’s legacy truly speaks for itself, read here a bit more about this beautiful person.
Father
Mom -- "What comes to mind today (April 2024) when you think of Dad, Maeve?"
Maeve, age 8 -- “We liked to bike together; he always cadillaced with me (the Alley Cat tandem). He was funny and smart and kind. We liked T Swift and the Lover album. He was my DJ dad. He was good at taking me for adventures and good at Tickle Monster. He would wheelbarrow me up and down the stairs and he would do animal tracks at night. Dad liked my shows, Mom, like Phineas and Ferb and Captain Underpants. He did tris like me and he was super duper fun. He let me make pancakes and bacon and eggs with him. I remember our Mexico trip and the hole we found with the gecko and the bread and butter we would eat. Dad was very loving. And on New Year’s, we would stay up until 2 AM (after you went to bed, Mom) watching our shows.”
Dax, parenting with you was an incredible joy, my most meaningful job, and the best co-collaboration I could have ever asked for. From the moment of the positive pregnancy test through to minutes before your death, you were a present, supportive, dedicated, hard-working, smart, thoughtful and fun dad. Never once did your fierce commitment to the kids and I waver. I am eternally grateful that greatness from you gets to live on in the children and that they all got to know the magic and goodness of you for the time they did. Dax, you were everything as a father, and we all love you so much. I promise you that you live on in and around them all the rest of their days.
Soulmate/Life Partner
Dax, I am forever grateful for the years I got to partner with you in this life. There are so many incredible things about you - your eternally positive and hopeful attitude, your thoughtfulness, your ability to love so deeply, to live in the moment, and to make things fun and special. I have so much to remember, marvel at, gawk at, be proud of, laugh at, treasure, share and keep. Every day of my life with you I became better at something. More able on so many levels, a richer me. We made a remarkable team when it came to valuing, seeing and caring for each other. We stayed the course always, returning to communication and love again and again. I am so proud of you and what you helped forge in the miraculous, short time that we had together. Thank you for working so tirelessly for you and I and our family. I hope you experienced and took with you as much joy as you have left behind. I love you so much and I thank you so much. I will never, ever forget all the ways in which you loved me so fully. Mine forever.
BROTHER
Dax was the best older brother to each of his five siblings. He had many of the stereotypical oldest child qualities - high-achieving, taking on leadership roles, type-A personality (in some ways yet not all.. ha!), and a sense of responsibility to and for others. He had a wealth of knowledge and experiences to share with us all. He gave advice (with an added sense of humor, of course), he cooked special meals for family get togethers and birthdays (usually with a theme), and he supported each of our individual interests (and all of his nieces and nephews) wholeheartedly. He could easily connect with everyone in his life, and that was ever-apparent with our family.
The bond between siblings is irreplaceable, and it can be one of the most significant relationships in our lives. There is so much we could say about all the things we loved about our brother, yet not enough words to capture it. Dax was a pillar of strength for all of us throughout our time together, his laughter was immediately infectious, and he loved with everything in him. While we so wish we had many, many more years to continue making memories, we all have special moments with him that will live forever in our hearts.
Hug your siblings and all those you love as much as you can. Take all the photos and videos. And never hesitate to tell your family you love them.
Friend
Losing a friend is like losing a piece of your own soul. Their absence leaves a permanent void, a silent echo of laughter and shared moments that once filled the air. When Dax left us the space was filled with silence that lacked laughter and the hardest thing... there are no more shared moments.
Dax was a person who was constantly changing, constantly evolving, and gathered many friends along the way. Some grew up with him, some knew him from the military, as an undergrad at UW Madison or tending bar as he worked his way through school. You may also know him from the most recent iteration of his life which included his MBA co-horts and his current neighborhood friends (good friends made in recent years).
Regardless of how long it had been since you'd seen each other things always picked up where you left off. The friendship never missed a beat. Through good times and bad he was always the same Dax. Always there when you needed him.
I will never come to terms with the fact that Dax no longer walks beside me. In my heart and in my mind his spirit lives on. His friendship was a treasure and a constant reminder of what a friend should be.
As we move forward and navigate the world without Dax, I suggest you carry his legacy and memories in your heart.
Please R.S.V.P.
We need to know if you're coming so we can plan for food and beverages.