Yesterday we as a community recognized, bestowed the One with the Force title and granted a promotion to Battlelord in memoriam to Graus Colvin aka Darth Shadow in BHG and also known to us as Danny Kniffin. He was a member in various forms for nearly 20 years and passed away three years ago.
Dan was well known in the BHG, something that others can speak of better than I, and became very active here in DB in 2012 when he joined Arcona and was placed as my apprentice. Immediately he endeared himself to me and many others around him with his kindness and humility and incredible talent. He was an amazing comic artist. He wanted to write and make art for DB. He was more than happy to teach what he knew and encouraged others. His passion motivated me to find my love for art again and then challenge me with it. My apprentice - very loose terms here, he was older than I and I think he taught me more than I did him - did everything I charged him with, especially best me in everything.
Dan gave many of us a run for our money during Horizons with almost entirely earning novae and not just in gfx. He snagged all 1st places in gfx in the Arc-Pla feud that year plus others, and in the Dark Crusade I have little doubt that had he been physically able he would have placed in planet after planet and gone on to be Herald instead of me.
A sudden aneurysm and stroke left his entire right side paralyzed and unable to do simple tasks. It was devastating for him and his family and back then members of DB rose up to support him as best they could. He began physical therapy and over time trained himself to draw with his left hand, still coming back here to engage with us and draw a bit in GJWXI, even though it was extremely difficult for him. Throughout the years Dan kept a blog that showed his progress and setbacks, and this drive to recover from the stroke was nothing short of inspiring.
Although not active with us since 2015, Dan is recognized and afforded every right as one of our own. Despite his quiet and humble nature, he was an inspiration and friend to everyone he met in the Brotherhood and beyond. Dan graced us with kindness, humility, wonderful talent and dedication and he will be missed.
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DS, as I knew Dan first, was a long time mentor of mine in the Star Wars club part of the internet. A great guy who made lasting impressions on every person he worked with and every group he joined. While I hadn't talked to him in a long time, this one still hits just as hard. Even as one that doesn't partake, this is a day to pour one out for Dan. You will be missed.
RIP Dan. You will be remembered.
It's always sad to lose a member of the family. May you find rest in the Force, my friend.
We miss you, Dan.
Nu kyr'adyc, shi taab'echaaj'la.
sorry to hear. don't remember the person, but RIP
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Dan, such a long DJB'er. He has certainly made a positive impact on a lot of lives here in the DJB, as seen by some of these comments, and the post. I’m sure that this may be a very difficult time for some folks. My thoughts are with you all. If anyone needs someone to talk to, I am here. Rest easy Dan.
Requiescat in pace, Brother. We'll all miss you and keep you alive in our hearts and minds.
<3 Dan.