Daniel Addis passed away peacefully in his sleep March 3, 2007. His favorite opera arias were playing softly in the room. His family and little dog were at his side. Dan was born December 14, 1920 in Clarkston, Michigan, the only child of Margaret Hammond and LeRoy Addis, whose families had been among the first settlers in the Territory of Michigan.

Simon Addis lies buried in the Revolutionary War Cemetery in New Jersey.

A Hammond ancestor laid the cornerstone for the First Methodist Church in Clarkston.

From the time that Dan was a small boy, his mother took him by the hand to sing in that same church. Classical hymns remained music that he loved, along with the opera favorites that he was allowed to play on his mother’s wind-up phonograph. No surprise that he majored in music and made a career of teaching music in the Michigan Public School system.

With such loving parents, Dan had a spirit and a personality that made him an ideal teacher. No child was ever turned away from singing in the school chorus which was therefore large and enthusiastic. As adults, many of those former students wrote to him with great affection.

Here in Bellingham, Dan had many associations that gave him pleasure: the Whatcom County Library system, where he was a board member and a close friend of Director John Halliday; the Bookmobile, which kept him supplied with the many books he read each week; Village Books with the friendly guidance of Chuck and Dee Robinson who helped him fill his own bookshelves. Also dear to Dan’s heart was the Bellingham Music Club, many of whose talented and knowledgeable members, such as Jack Frymier and Clyde Hiss, visited him often during the weeks he was at home under the care of Hospice.

Dan had a great loving and friendly spirit. He loved the staff at the Community Food Co-op, and they responded with a friendship that gave him great pleasure. He loved his neighbors, and made the whole neighborhood a delightful, civilized place to live. No matter where he went – the Unitarian Church, the bank, the pharmacy, the Whatcom Chorale – Dan inspired friendship. He knew their names, and treated them all with respect and humor.

His family, his fortunate wife Virginia, his beloved daughter Ruth and son Daniel, his beloved granddaughters Anlyn and Kelly Addis and his many stepchildren and grandchildren were enriched by having him in their lives.

The wonderful memories we have of Dan will bring us joy and comfort forever.