Danny was my best friend growing up. We lived across Huntington Road from each other when very young, and were classmates up to part of middle school (I left Woodbury after 7th grade). He was an artist, a hockey player (and soccer player), a great friend and a wonderful person. I miss him.
Remember Daniel well, He was a partner in crime for our senior project when we hiked the Appalachian Trail together in Vermont. It is something I will think of fondly for the rest of my live and I'm glad Daniel was part it, he made it better by being there. He was funny, resourcful, and genuine person.
Jeff like you I was there for our senior project when we hiked the Appalachian Trail and I too will fondly remember it for the rest of my life, what a joy it was to be around Danny for that of course we just called him Straf. I remember in 8th or 9th grade P.E. Class we had to take a fitness test and Danny was the fastest in the rope climb, did the most pull-ups and he was one of the few to climb that wall by placing wooden pegs in holes. I had the joy of playing football with him also, he was a awesome athlete and a good person and lol he could party with the best of us. Never forget you Danny,RIP
I remember Danny as a tough wrestler and always being paired with him in sports at Woodbury. I earned a great respect and amiration for him. We became good friends and when we lost him it was hard to take. His younger brother Jonathan I remember carried the spirit of John and I will never forget.RIP.
I too have great memories of Danny; (Straf; Krack) I knew him since we were together at Onaway. Toughest guy I knew; played hockey with him and he wouldn't let a broken jaw stop him; dealt a raw hand with leukemia in high school and he wouldn't let that get him down, he fought it hard with dignity. Our senior project in Vermont was the epitome of Danny's character topped off when he hitchhiked back to Shaker for his chemotherapy treatment. I have thought of Danny often in my life, as his was taken from us too soon and he remains a source of inspiration to this day and will continue to do so into the future; I am sure Danny is at peace but am certain his spirit is not resting.
It was great reading some of your comments/memories of Danny Straffon. Jeff Todd was right - to this day Danny still inspires us. Most of my early days were running with Straff and his family. In his honor, my first son bears his name and character; even has his nickname 'Crash'.
Dave McCallister and I were lucky to have Danny center us on the Shaker hockey team (all '75'ers) and we had some high times on and off the ice. I was so proud and happy when the Shaker Hockey Alumni Group retired Danny's number #15 at the Shaker Hockey Reunion just a couple of weeks ago on September 5th - a class move and a fitting tribute to a real champion.
I look forward to sharing more stories and seeing you all at the reunion this weekend.
Gregory Owens
Danny was my best friend growing up. We lived across Huntington Road from each other when very young, and were classmates up to part of middle school (I left Woodbury after 7th grade). He was an artist, a hockey player (and soccer player), a great friend and a wonderful person. I miss him.
Greg Owens
Jeffrey R. Thomson
Remember Daniel well, He was a partner in crime for our senior project when we hiked the Appalachian Trail together in Vermont. It is something I will think of fondly for the rest of my live and I'm glad Daniel was part it, he made it better by being there. He was funny, resourcful, and genuine person.
Steven K. Bledsoe
Jeff like you I was there for our senior project when we hiked the Appalachian Trail and I too will fondly remember it for the rest of my life, what a joy it was to be around Danny for that of course we just called him Straf. I remember in 8th or 9th grade P.E. Class we had to take a fitness test and Danny was the fastest in the rope climb, did the most pull-ups and he was one of the few to climb that wall by placing wooden pegs in holes. I had the joy of playing football with him also, he was a awesome athlete and a good person and lol he could party with the best of us. Never forget you Danny,RIP
Keith Durand
I remember Danny as a tough wrestler and always being paired with him in sports at Woodbury. I earned a great respect and amiration for him. We became good friends and when we lost him it was hard to take. His younger brother Jonathan I remember carried the spirit of John and I will never forget.RIP.
Jeffrey Todd
I too have great memories of Danny; (Straf; Krack) I knew him since we were together at Onaway. Toughest guy I knew; played hockey with him and he wouldn't let a broken jaw stop him; dealt a raw hand with leukemia in high school and he wouldn't let that get him down, he fought it hard with dignity. Our senior project in Vermont was the epitome of Danny's character topped off when he hitchhiked back to Shaker for his chemotherapy treatment. I have thought of Danny often in my life, as his was taken from us too soon and he remains a source of inspiration to this day and will continue to do so into the future; I am sure Danny is at peace but am certain his spirit is not resting.
David D. Drollinger
It was great reading some of your comments/memories of Danny Straffon. Jeff Todd was right - to this day Danny still inspires us. Most of my early days were running with Straff and his family. In his honor, my first son bears his name and character; even has his nickname 'Crash'.
Dave McCallister and I were lucky to have Danny center us on the Shaker hockey team (all '75'ers) and we had some high times on and off the ice. I was so proud and happy when the Shaker Hockey Alumni Group retired Danny's number #15 at the Shaker Hockey Reunion just a couple of weeks ago on September 5th - a class move and a fitting tribute to a real champion.
I look forward to sharing more stories and seeing you all at the reunion this weekend.
Dave Drollinger