Jeffrey Brace wrote:
but my opinion is to do something soon that is a small gathering, then do something at Festivus to honor him.
I agree with Jeff, for reasons that I'm reluctant to discuss but I think should be considered. Memorials happen shortly after one's passing, as part of a period of mourning and grief. Festivus is more than two months from now, and Dan's family may be past their period of mourning. They should be consulted on the particular matters of a memorial event and its timing. But honoring someone at an event is a different matter. That's up to those gathered; it's a celebratory action, a time for reflection, but generally after a a period of mourning. There's generally more time to consider specific actions, and the focus is on that person's life and activities. I think Jeff suggested as much in his post. Also: Festivus has its own standing as an event for various purposes - which is not the subject right now. I don't wish to argue against use of Festivus for a memorial, it would make me appear to be unsympathetic. My discomfort about these two considerations, suggest to me WHY this is not a good idea. I think these are sufficient reasons to not delay a NJ/local memorial gathering, if one can be arranged; AND to plan some honors for Dan at the next VCFed-Midatlantic event, which happens to be the Festivus event. Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net