the “essence”

To echo what many have been saying, I have countless stories about Dan, most of them being full-out belly busters. I'm so lucky to have spent over a decade getting to know him, building a friendship with him and growing a bond that I couldn't replicate and wouldn't wish to try. I'll have many stories to share but the one that distinctly comes to mind was one of the first times I met that sly ging.

It was half-day at St. Mary's high school. I had invited a friend to come over to my place to hang out. This friend then saw Dan in his car and asked if we could hitch a ride.

In typical Dan fashion, and being the nice guy that he is, he said yes. Dan and I knew of each other at the time but hadn't develop a friendship at this point. I thought 'what a nice gesture to offer someone he barely knew'.

Got into the car, rolled down the window to bask in the spring sun and headed on our way. Within 30 seconds I heard the loudest, wettest fart on God's green earth. Heard a giggle from the driver's seat and watched as Dan mercilessly put the child locks on the windows and rolled them up so we could all bask in his scent.

It was gross, absolutely putrid. He was so proud of himself and the reaction of seeing the water well up in our eyes while we all begged for sweet relief. He rolled the windows down....eventually. Not until he got the satisfaction and laugh that he was looking for.

I'll think of nicer stories to share...but just felt this one captured the "essence" that is Dan Hickey.

Love and miss you.

McFlow