Dani's service will be held on Saturday evening December 27th at 6:00 PM at Holmans Funeral Home in Portland, Oregon.
Holmans Funeral Home
2610 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR 97214-2942
(503) 232-5131
Obituary from the Oregonian.
In Memoriam - Danielle Peri Elgort (hardcopy) from the Oregonian
In Memoriam - Danielle Peri Elgort (online) from the Columbian.
In Memoriam - Danielle Peri Elgort (hardcopy) from the Columbian.
Program from Danielle's service Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4.
This is the eulogy I delivered at Dani's service:
Today we are here to celebrate and remember Danielle. Although Dani's life here on earth was short, she was able to touch the lives of many people.
She was able to teach them the true meaning of life. Knowing Dani meant enjoying life through a child's eyes. The simplest of things, like cuddling with your favorite stuffed toy the feel of a wet nose and warm tongue of a puppy licking your face, the sound of music playing, the touch of someone you love. These things, although basic and often taken for granted, were her source of happiness. Simple pleasures, simple things, simple needs, the true meaning of what life is supposed to be.
Jewish tradition has it that "Hesed Shel Emmmet," the truest kindness, is that which is done for the dead (as we are doing for Dani now), because no payback is expected. Dani had the privilege of giving Hesed Shel Emmet her whole life. Unbeknownst to Dani, she was able to share her simple pleasures with all of us. She has taught each one of us what is truly important the gift of unconditional love and selflessness. Her presence reminded us that no matter what struggles we may have had to endure, that after all is said and done, happiness, the joy of life, all comes down to the simple things in life.
Let us remember Dani, not for the unfortunate circumstances that life dealt her, but for her ability to love and enjoy what she had. Dani is not gone, for she lives within each and every one of us every day.
"For, as has been given it is not all of life to live, nor yet all of earth to die. For life and death are one… and only those who will consider the experience as one may come to understand or comprehend what peace indeed means."
Danielle will be forever in our memories, our heart and our souls.
Somehow my original post got deleted while updating this post with the service information. I know many of you posted your condolences and I am sorry that they got erased.
Comment posted by Kirk & BeLynda12/26/2003 11:19:14 AM
We are really sorry to hear about Dani. Our sincerest condolences to you and your family.
You can count on us to be at the service.
Comment posted by Dovid12/26/2003 11:48:13 AM
[Repost] Boruch Dayan haEmes. Tehi zichrah boruch.
Comment posted by Jim Farrier12/26/2003 11:54:15 AM
My condolences and thoughts are with you. I am so glad I was able to know Dani a little bit and see her in the last few days.
Comment posted by Rob Novak12/26/2003 11:56:40 AM
Homepage: http://www.lotusdigerati.com
Bruce, my thoughts and prayers have been with you and persist, especially today. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Comment posted by Justin Knol12/26/2003 01:03:24 PM
Homepage: http://justinknol.net/
Please accept my condolences. You and you family are in my thoughts.
Comment posted by ChrisP12/26/2003 02:53:18 PM
Bruce, I have never posted to your blog before but am a regular reader and I just wanted you to know how saddened I was when I read of Dani's passing and would like to offer my condolences to you and your family.
Comment posted by Volker Weber12/26/2003 03:54:46 PM
Homepage: http://vowe.net
Your loss saddens all of us. You are in my thoughts.
I have recovered your lost posting here: http://vowe.net/images/bruceslostposting.html
Comment posted by Brian Rowe12/26/2003 03:57:33 PM
Homepage: http://cobratech.com
Bruce...sorry to hear the sad news. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Comment posted by Kelly12/26/2003 04:16:17 PM
Homepage: http://www.kellycallahan.net
Bruce, Alyssa and all,
Today is a day of much sadness... and joy, for Dani is finally at peace. You know where I am when you need me.
And a few words from my favorite Billy Joel song... it says so much
Goodnight, my angel
Time to close your eyes
And save these questions for another day
I think I know what you've been asking me
I think you know what I've been trying to say
I promised I would never leave you
And you should always know
Wherever you may go
No matter where you are
I never will be far away...
Always in our hearts, Bruce, your perfect angel.
I also have a tribute to Dani on my blog (www.kellycallahan.net)
Kelly
Comment posted by Joe Litton12/26/2003 04:40:12 PM
Homepage: http://joelitton.net
Bruce, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, but glad to hear that Dani is finally free.
Peace
Comment posted by Alan Lepofsky12/26/2003 05:23:57 PM
My condolences Bruce. Virtual hug to you and your family. <<>>
Comment posted by Anil Vartak12/26/2003 05:46:14 PM
Homepage: http://www.openntf.org
Bruce, very sorry to hear the news. Words cannot really convey enough, but we're all here to support you at any time.
Comment posted by Ed brill12/26/2003 06:46:26 PM
Homepage: http://www.edbrill.com
[Thanks to Volker's cache for letting me cut and paste my original post]
Bruce,
Very sorry to hear of this sad news, though it has been a long time in coming. No amount of mental preparation offsets this moment. All of your friends are praying for you ... in the words of the kaddish, "May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, upon us and upon all". Amen.
Comment posted by Rock12/26/2003 07:55:56 PM
Homepage: http://www.lotusgeek.com
You are in my thoughts and prayers. We love you, and are here for you if you need us. :( Rock
Comment posted by Thomas Duff12/26/2003 08:25:59 PM
Homepage: http://www.twduff.com
My condolances, Bruce... I'm glad to hear it is finally over for Dani and you.
Comment posted by Stephan H. Wissel12/26/2003 09:38:12 PM
Homepage: http://www.wissel.net
The Buddha says "Even in the darkness, there is always a hope of light. Just listen to what your heart says." Our hope is, that the soul is immortal and our loved ones will always stay with us. My deepest condolences.
-- stw
Comment posted by Richard Schwartz12/26/2003 09:41:37 PM
Homepage: http://smokey.rhs.com/web/blog/rhs.nsf
My most sincere condolences, and also thanks to you for sharing with so many of us a small part of the joy that Dani brought to you.
-rich
Comment posted by Stephen Lister12/26/2003 10:12:44 PM
My families sympathies and thoughts are with all of you...
Comment posted by Guru12/26/2003 11:52:58 PM
"Few cross over the river.
Most are stranded on this side.
On the riverbank they run up and down.
But the wise one, following the way,
Crosses over, beyond the reach of death.
Free from desire,
Free from possessions,
Free from attachment and appetite,
Following the seven lights of awakening,
And rejoicing greatly in one's freedom,
In this world the wise one
Becomes oneself a light,
Pure, shining, free." - Dhammapada
Rest in peace, Danni. You left us all too soon.
Comment posted by Jens-Christian Fischer12/27/2003 12:40:29 AM
Homepage: http://www.invisible.ch
My toughts are with you and your family, Bruce. We only chatted briefly, but I can strongly relate to what you have been going through.
Life is so close to death - at worst, one experiences it giving birth, at best when a person has lived a fullfilled life. Death usually comes all to early - but we can let our dead live in our memories. I will do my part in remembering Danni.
Comment posted by Mathias Pohl12/27/2003 01:21:34 AM
Homepage: http://www.mathiaspohl.de
Bruce, i'm a regular reader of your blog and really sorry to hear about Dani. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Comment posted by Mike Golding12/27/2003 03:14:03 AM
Sorry, man. I don't have the words. Be strong, treasure your memories.
Comment posted by Alex Hernandez12/27/2003 05:00:23 AM
Homepage: http://www.dominocode.net
Bruce, Dani will be with you always in your heart.
That is what eternal life is about. Those that we love remain in our thoughts.
Comment posted by Robert Basic12/27/2003 05:56:57 AM
Homepage: http://www.basicthinking.de/blog
My condolences and my thoughts are with you. We are here with you.
Comment posted by Manning Clark12/27/2003 07:15:23 AM
Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with Dani. May God be with you and your family.
Comment posted by Carl12/27/2003 07:54:57 AM
Bruce we'll all be thinking of you and your family. I know we spoke about this, but it still wont be easy. I'm there if you need anything mate.
Comment posted by William Ryken (a.k.a Skippy)12/27/2003 08:41:06 AM
As a regular reader of your site, I would like to off my condolences to you and your family. May I offer these words, which are anagrams of 'Dani Elgort' as some comfort..
Glint adore. Tear in gold. Let adoring. O Dear! glint.
Rid to angel. Alert in god. I glared not. Retain gold.
An old tiger. Rate in gold. Glide on art. Alter in god.
Long, I rated. It near gold. I don't glare. Date on, girl.
Donate girl. Led to a ring. Tearing, old. A noted girl.
God! I learnt. Dear! O! glint. Grin do tale. Glad orient.
Later, Dingo!
Comment posted by Rick and Sue Gordon12/27/2003 09:05:55 AM
Very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love and Peace,
Cousin Rick and Sue
Comment posted by Jeremy, tasha, and brandon12/27/2003 11:23:07 AM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Comment posted by Henning12/27/2003 11:22:26 AM
Homepage: http://www.domnotes.de
Well, I am not good at this. When I looked at my own daughter the last weeks I have been thinking a lot about Dani. Life can be so hard. I am sure she had 7 wonderful years on earth and will now rest in peace.
Be strong
Henning
Comment posted by Andrew Pollack12/27/2003 12:03:10 PM
Homepage: http://www.thenorth.com/apblog
Bruce, and Ms. Elgort; Please except my deepest sympathy. If there is absolutely anything at all that we can do, I hope you will both let me know. I can only imagine how difficult this time is, if there is some small task we can do that you do not have to, please let us all know. --Andrew
Comment posted by brian12/27/2003 12:20:54 PM
Homepage: http://www.twobs.com/
condolences from all of us to all of you
Comment posted by Ted McClure12/27/2003 12:57:30 PM
Losing a Child has to be the Greatest Pain ever.
My Deepest Condolences...
Comment posted by jonvon12/27/2003 01:45:14 PM
dear bruce,
when i met you in orlando i was wonderfully surprised by your wealth of warmth and openness. you carry a lot of beauty inside.
i hope in some small way i can extend that same feeling back to you. it has been an honor to follow dani's footsteps via your blog over the last few months.
namaste brother, peace to you and your family.
Comment posted by Julian Robichaux12/27/2003 05:26:58 PM
Homepage: http://www.nsftools.com
Love and peace to you and your family.
- Julian
Comment posted by Noted Chef12/27/2003 10:12:51 PM
Bruce, I'm very sorry to hear about Dani's passing. Deepest condolences to you and your family, and I wish you a long life.
- Barry
Comment posted by Wolfgang Flamme12/28/2003 06:15:41 AM
Homepage: http://www.sns1.de/partner/flamme/wflamme.nsf/
Bruce,<br />I'm so sorry.
Comment posted by mark elgar12/28/2003 02:48:49 PM
hey bruce, my deepest condolences to you and your family, i stare at my daughter and still cannot imagine your pain..be stong and don't be afraid to lean on someone
Comment posted by Chris Bekas12/28/2003 03:16:06 PM
Homepage: http://www.redshiftsolutions.com.au/chris
Bruce, very sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest condolences.
Comment posted by Mike Lazar12/28/2003 08:51:30 PM
Bruce -- Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Let me know if there is anything we can do to help.
Mike
Comment posted by Colin Pretorius12/29/2003 01:25:43 AM
Homepage: http://http:/www.e-md.co.za/web/colin.nsf/
Bruce, please accept my sincerest condolences. I know it's little consolation that Dani is finally at peace, but perhaps it makes the loss a little easier to bear. You are in my thoughts and I wish you and your family the strength to make it through this sad time.
Comment posted by Michael12/29/2003 03:16:45 AM
Angel, little angel or so
wherever you may go, Bruce will follow...
You're his angel in the snow
Comment posted by Chris12/29/2003 03:50:24 AM
Homepage: http://www.chriscoates.com
Bruce,
You're in our thoughts, we know how you feel.
Chris & Suzy
Comment posted by Rob McDonagh12/29/2003 06:07:36 AM
Bruce, I wish there were something I could do for you, but I know that there isn't. I know Dani's fight was not winnable from the start, but she proved a lot of people wrong along the way and made your life richer for her presence. I'm sorry she's gone, but I'm happy she's not in pain anymore.
Comment posted by Jess & Matt Stratton12/29/2003 07:11:22 AM
Bruce,
Our thoughts are with you... and we can't thank you enough for sharing Dani with us over the months. She's not just a name to us, she's our little girl too because of that.
- Matt and Jess
Comment posted by Greyhawk6812/29/2003 07:21:19 AM
Homepage: http://greyhawk68.dominohosting.biz
Bruce,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time. Dani is feeling pain no more, even though you do. Remember the good times as those will stay in your heart.
Take Care,
John
Comment posted by Greg Terrell12/29/2003 09:59:10 AM
Bruce,
My sympathies to you and your family. Dani is at the side of the Lord now and reaping her joy and glory now for the pain she endured here. You all will grieve and experience the pain of missing her. But you will all remember her fondly and feel lucky to have had her in your lives. All my best to you and your family.
Comment posted by Kathy12/29/2003 10:16:30 AM
Bruce, Alyssa,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I feel for you for the pain that you must be going through at this time.
Please just know that if you need anything, do not hesitate to call!
Take care,
Kathy
Comment posted by Carl Staub12/29/2003 11:47:17 AM
Bruce,
I'm so sorry about your loss. I know you were expecting it, but parents should just not have to outlive their children. When I first met you, I had no child of my own so I could not have understood what that really meant, but after having gone through the joy of having my own, I can't imagine what it would be like to lose that again.
Take care, my friend, and I will be in contact with you soon. Please also share my sympathies with all your family.
-Carl
Comment posted by BaasFlyMachine12/29/2003 12:59:07 PM
Bruce, Thanks for introducing me to Dani and letting me share in a bit of the joy you must have experienced frequently. Your words could not be more truely spoken as Dani did touch many lives, mine being but one. She will be missed but never forgotten. I will always look at the snow flakes falling and think of Dani and the few but happy moments we spent together at your house.
Comment posted by Chris Miller12/29/2003 12:50:16 PM
Homepage: http://www.IdoNotes.com
As my daughter sits in the office next to me today while I work, upon my return from the holiday, I dare not imagine. My condolences all around.
"If memories were the only thing gained from knowing someone then we never really got to know them."
Comment posted by Pamela12/29/2003 01:27:35 PM
I'm pleased that she and your family have found peace. I'm glad that she touched my life. She earned her wings the day she was born. I'm here for you.
Comment posted by Ray J. BIlyk12/29/2003 08:55:08 PM
Homepage: http://bilykspride.servehttp.com
I'm sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
Comment posted by Tom12/29/2003 09:30:53 PM
Bruce - our thoughts are with you.
Comment posted by airplay12/30/2003 03:57:22 AM
Homepage: http://utle.com
I'm sorry for your loss, Bruce. My eyes are wet as I just read the program from the service, and my daughter (3yrs) just popped in to show daddy her new toy... - I stole a hug, and I think I held her extra tight this time...
I've earlier shared Dani's story with my wife Marianne, and so it was sad news to both of us when we learned of Dani's passing. We can't really imagine how you and your family must be feeling, but you are defininately in our thoughts. God bless!
//trond-are
Comment posted by Mike Hogan12/30/2003 07:32:46 AM
Homepage: http://www.eden.com
Although I never had a chance to meet Dani, I can feel the impact her life has brought to many. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Comment posted by Andrew Barker12/30/2003 08:46:34 AM
Bruce, I am so sorry for your loss. Peace be with you.
"I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity."
- Gilda Radner
Comment posted by Libby12/30/2003 09:42:30 AM
Homepage: http://www.notesgirl.com
I'm so sorry for your loss, Bruce. Having lost a parent very young, I know a very small part of your loss, but I can't even imagine what you must feel.
Comment posted by Devin Olson12/30/2003 10:13:58 AM
Homepage: http://www.azlighthouse.com
My love, prayers, and condolences to you and your family. Let us remember Danielle forever.
-Devin.
Comment posted by QuickCLIX12/30/2003 10:20:41 AM
Homepage: http://quickclix.servebeer.com
Bruce,
Deepest Sympathys to you all at this difficult time.
Paul
Comment posted by Gerco Wolfswinkel12/31/2003 01:35:39 AM
Homepage: http://www.wolfswinkel.net
Hi Bruce,
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Regards,
Gerco
Comment posted by Ben Poole12/31/2003 08:07:08 AM
Homepage: http://www.benpoole.com
My heart-felt condolences to you and your family Bruce.
Comment posted by Sharon Hung12/31/2003 09:41:49 AM
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Stay strong...she's with the angels.
Comment posted by Stan Rogers12/31/2003 01:48:45 PM
I have visited here many times over the past few days, hoping that eventually I would find words of comfort, or indeed of any real meaning, to leave behind. I have none, and so I sign with the futile hope that it is somehow enough to have been there.
Comment posted by Alan Bell01/02/2004 01:17:23 AM
Homepage: Http://www.dominux.co.uk/microblog.html
Sorry to hear of your loss Bruce.
Alan.
Comment posted by Vince Schuurman01/02/2004 11:34:28 AM
Although you were expecting it for a long time, it won't make the feeling of loss any less. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We hope you will find the strength, courage and support you need to go on without Dani.
Of what we heard and saw we know Dani was a very brave girl. At last the struggle is over and she is out of pain now. Remember the joy and pleasure she brought you.
Our thoughts are with you
Vince and Claudia
Comment posted by Mike Munnis01/04/2004 08:53:54 PM
Homepage: http://www.mikemunnis.com
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and Dani.
Mike
Comment posted by Donald Dodd01/05/2004 09:46:44 AM
I just heard from Steve K today about Dani. I hope that her passing has brought some degree of closure and comfort to you, Alyssa and Beth. Dani was a special treat that we were blessed to enjoy during her brief stay. I will remember her soft touch and the joy she got from just playing others when I saw her at your place. Your eulogy said it very well, her gift was to affirm the value of the simplest things. I am glad that I had the chance to know her and say good bye when I came back in December. Thanks again for making it possible for me to kiss her goodbye my friend.
Comment posted by Jenn Snyder01/05/2004 11:44:49 AM
Bruce: My deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Jenn
Comment posted by Misty Youngblood01/09/2004 09:42:04 AM
Bruce,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter with me. I feel so lucky that I had the opportunity to know and teach Danielle in my classroom. Thank you so much.
My most sincere thanks and appreciation,
Misty
Comment posted by Kevin McHenry01/09/2004 10:30:53 AM
Bruce:
I just got the news.
I was very sorry to here about the loss of your beautiful daughter.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. May God's peace be with you.
Comment posted by John Chryssafis01/10/2004 04:52:53 AM
Homepage: http://www.techbox.com.au/room6
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Take care.
Comment posted by Julie Hockings06/20/2004 07:34:43 PM
Hi Bruce, remember me????
I recently heard about Dani's passing last December and Paul and I wanted to send you our condolences. How lucky for you and your family to have had such a special girl in your life, even if for a short time.
Hope all is well with you these days. We're in Arizona now, as that's where Pauls' job took us. Wouldn't have it any other way though, as I found my dream job with a dream company! Far, far away from the likes of UL. Drop a line sometime... I'd love to hear how my "Blue Yogurt" is doing!! Take care.
Comment posted by 11/23/2005 10:03:41 AM
Comment posted by Denise12/01/2006 05:41:24 AM
I write to offer my sincere condolences on the loss of your love one. When the enemy death strikes our grief can be great and prolonged as the days, weeks, months and years pass by. We still need comfort and support whether we are acquainted or not. May the scriptures at Revelation 21: 1-5 prove to be a source of great comfort for you now and in the days to come. Your dearly beloved one will not be forgotten by you or our Heavenly Father, Jehovah., for he has promised to bring about the resurrection. (Acts 24:15, Psalm 37: 29). All of God■s promises will come true for it is impossible for God to lie. Once again, you have my sincere condolences. For additional information concerning this subject visit www.watchtower.org
