I dont even know what to say....I am shocked and terribly sad.

I will miss him.

T

REMEMBERING DARREN STEELE February 18, 2009

I met Darren over 15 years ago, at my very first Durham Blues Festival. I had no idea how close wed become, all that wed go through or that Id be here right now having to say goodbye.

Darren loved living in Durham. In fact, he loved Durham more than anyone I know except for maybe Bill Johnson. Whether it was music at Brightleaf, a Bulls game, or Sunday football at Devines, you could count on Darren being there.

Darren loved the Durham Bulls. He attended every baseball game that he could. He was there so much; he even ended up on a postcard of the Durham Bull crowd. If you look carefully, you can see him standing in his favorite place behind home plate. One year, when Darren found out he had another brain tumor; he was more upset about missing opening day, than having brain surgery.

Darren loved music. He played the drums and took every opportunity to see live music. He went to see everyone from Van Halen to James Brown. He said that seeing the Rolling Stones was a spiritual experience. Darren would always let us know what was going on around town. You could always count on him being at West Village, Brightleaf Square, and American Tobacco, for the free concerts. I dont know how he did it, but he always ended up dancing with a group of pretty women (Penni and friends), doing his big bus move. Most of all Darren loved the Blues Festival. It wont be the same without him there.

Darren loved Football too. If it was Sunday, you could always find him at Devines eating a patty melt and cheering on the Cincinnati Bengals. He was so excited when he got to attend the Bengals spring training camp in Florida. Even when his team wasnt doing well, he was a loyal fan and a pretty good sport about it. After the Buffalo Bills lost four Superbowls in a row, Darren said, Thats what the Bengals call September!

Darren was not really into holidays, but he loved Halloween! He loved to dress up and created the most unique and funny costumes. When I first met Darren, he lived in a big house with a bunch of guys. Every year theyd have a huge party, serving up Keiths homebrew and loud music, all night long. Even though that was back in our younger years, the Halloween tradition continued. One year we decided to go to a Costume party at Culloms. When Darren took over the music, it became one big dance party. Darren has been designated D.J. ever since. Last year, Darren traveled to Ohio for his 20th High School Reunion. He was able to see many of his old friends and was the D.J. for the reunion party.

Darren loved comedy and brought his sense of humor to good times and bad times. Whenever he was in the hospital, a nurse would come in and ask if he was Darren Steele. He would always answer with, Im wearing his underwear! Even when he was anxious about his upcoming radiation, hed answer the phone Psych.Ward. Id respond with, Is there an extra bed available?
Darren loved to watch stand up comedians and funny movies. I always thought it was fitting that was an extra in the movie Patch Adams. Not only did he get to meet his idol, Robin Williams, but he was in a movie about a Doctor who used humor help children and families dealing with serious illnesses.

Darren also loved animals, especially dogs. We called him Uncle Darren because he helped take care of our dog, Buddy. He loved to watch the dog whisperer, and attempted to use some of the techniques with Buddy (ha-ha). Even after Buddy went blind, hed know when we were walking past Darrens apartment. He led us straight to the stairs and insisted on visiting. Buddy will miss you too- Uncle Darren.

Darren loved his friends. Even when he was going through so much, he would listen to other peoples problems. Whenever I called him on the phone, wed end laughing about our crazy lives. I cant put in words how much we ALL will miss you Darren.

Darren loved his family. He loved his Mom most of all. Darrens whole mood would change when he found out she was coming to town. He often joked about her trying to clean up his apartment, but loved every minute of her visits. He knew how lucky he was to have such a great Mom.

Despite Darrens ongoing health challenges, he managed to live life filled with, fun, and family and, friends. This past year presented some big challenges for Darren, and I am comforted to know that he is not suffering anymore.

In the words of Margie Lindeke,Heavens getting one helluva D.J.!

Love you. my friend, Sue Breed

Just got the news. I'm stunned.

But think of it this way. No more tumors. No more radiation. No more chemo. No more pain.

I hope the Father, whatever your concept of this is, will richly bless Dunn's family in this time.

That eulogy brought some funny weird liquid to my eyes.....This whole episode has.

I propose on Saturday we all post or reply to threads as Dunn4QB.

T

Wow, what a sad thing to see when I logged in today.   News of an untimely passing is always shocking (I think I'm still in the denial phase), but I did have a worry that I would log on one day to hear that Dunn had passed away because I knew that he was battling tumors and cancer.  It seems to me like he mentioned months ago that he was battling another tumor.  He never said much and was funny and upbeat, so it was easy to think everything was ok. 

When I first found this board, Dunn and his beer avatar was one of the first things that I noticed.  I used to get a laugh out of his posts, especially his posts to Murf.  I enjoyed reading the board and decided I would have to join.  His posts always made me laugh regarding Mike Brown, football, Murf, and Oldschool, and they were and always will be a staple of this board.  Dunn protected this board from trolls, in particular DW.  Sometimes he got a bit paranoid about it (lol), but it was only because he loved this board so much.  Dunn and I sparred over religion and politics, but I always liked him and agreed with his football posts.  I can't imagine this upcoming season without him.  Who is going to bring humor to the losing and make fun of Murf's sheople predictions and defense of Mike Brown?  I wish he could have seen the Bengals win a Super Bowl before he passed away, but if it's any consolation, we probably won't get to see the Bengals win a Super Bowl before we die either. 

I offer prayers for his soul and his remaining family members.

DUNN,

Gotta post one of Dunn's favorite Murfisms:

"I do love what the Steelers stand for, if you had a clue about football, you would realize that the Bengals are building a team in the mold of the Steelers, but you go ahead and try and rip someone for liking good defense and a strong running game, you got me there!"~murf

What a terrible way to start the morning.  Funny out there in cyberspace, it is difficult to bring in the idea of age, health and mortality.  I knew Dunn was sick from time to time, that he had the tumor issues, but I always thought of him as timeless, all the posters as timeless.  You log on, you have a look and there is Dunn... simple as that, and that was not supposed to go away.  Dunn was a pillar to this place and it will never be the same.

Here is to Dunn.

Does anyone know if Fraidy knows this news yet. He would def have some words to say.

T

Sorry to hear the news about Dunn.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

I only browse this site every now and then and saw today he passed away. Really a shame to see such a contributor to this board is no longer with us. I didnt really know Dunn but from his posts he seemed like a good guy who was passionate about football and the Bengals. I would actually check this board on the basis that I new he would post articles related to the Bengals on a daily basis. A lot of the information he posted I couldnt find on other sites but this one.

Any way I wish his family the very best during this time and I am sure everyone here will miss Dunn.

,,thats because you have become old and weak and can not twist those MGDs off anymore. 

T

I truly wish I had a taste for dark beers ... I have tried and tried ...but I can only drink a lager beer. 99% of the time i drink Miller Lite. I like the taste.

I do a monthly poker tournament where the host buys the beer... they all love me cause they get off cheap. But it hurts my wallet when it is my turn to host. Fukkin $13 for a 6 pack of schmittuks or whatever spring ale crap...thats a rip.

Cheers Mr. Dunn