Tonight's Basketball Game

Gray Out

Thanks Dan.

Just a quick update too -

Gretta's checkup for baby Emily went well this week. The doctor will be happy to get another week in, that would be 32, but more would be better.

Saying Goodbye

I don't have an official count, but I know there were a lot of people that came to pay their respects last night; the family appreciates all the kind words and the hugs that came with them.

We listed three groups on the memoral suggestions, but if you have another charity or group you would like to give to in Conan's name, please do so.

The University of Iowa Palliative Care Team worked hard to get the nausea under control, but they also spent a lot of time talking about what Conan wanted out of life - however long or short that might be. The Care Team also spoke to Gretta about Henry, and what he did and didn't understand, and how to help him. I remember from one discussion we were to encourage him to ask questions and talk about Conan. He had a lot of questions this week, but he seemed to understand more than we expected.

The Clarissa C. Cook House and the staff do extraordinary work. While they were focused on Conan's medical needs, they were very concerned about the emotional needs of the family. They also gave suggestions and information for helping Henry. I don't know what Gretta would have done without them.

The Conan Dalton Memorial fund will be used for the children's future educational needs. One of the first things Conan said to me after they found out Emily was coming, was about a second college fund. As I have 2 children who have finished college, I chuckled and said no matter what you save it won't be enough. But I should have told him the encouragement you give them to work hard in school and appreciate the chance to do so will be more valuable than the money. And in many ways that's what this account does - it says education is important.

And finally Kicks for Conan. This event will be held on December 27 & 28. The funds raised will be used for medical expenses. The event organizers are also planning to make this an annual event to honor Conan and the contribution he has made to the soccer communty. In the future, the plan is for funds to go to brain cancer research and other areas of relevant need.

Yesterday I had Henry in the car with me for the ride from day care to the funeral home. He talked about who was going to be there, and then he said there will be a lot of red eyes. I wondered what he was talking about, and then he said because people will be crying. I said yes, people will be sad, but they are happy too because daddy is in heaven. Henry told me not yet, not until tomorrow. So I'm not sure where Conan is right now, but Henry thinks today is the big day for him. 

So like so many have said, rest in peace.

Today's Newspapers

Today in the Argus: Dalton remembered for putting others first 
(correction: Baby Emily is due in February)

And in the QC Times: Dalton Passed on His Passion for Soccer

The obituary should run tomorrow.

Gretta is coping. She is not sleeping as well as she would like, but we are keeping her fed. Lots of people have brought food (and offered food) or offered assistance with jobs and we are taking advantage.

Last night I tried to summarize and post some of the many comments, stories, and pictures that are coming in. It is astounding. And overwhelming, in a good way. The best gift you can give is to help just one person the way he helped you.

And, to end on a laugh, let's remember he was only human -- I hated it when he said "if you're not early you're late." (and now I'm late for bed!)

Tonight's News Coverage

Some of the local news stations had stories about Conan:

KWQC We watched it on the news tonight, so maybe the video version will appear soon.

WQAD

Thank you for Your E-mails, Comments and Facebook Posts

Some are long, some are short -- they are all heart felt and appreciated.

They bring comfort and they will for months and years to come.

It is a wonderful gift that we can so easily share stories of how Conan touched our lives.

Here are a few excerpts from some of the facebook posts:

To deal with something no one could imagine but still manage to bring joy and inspiration to those around him. I don't get attach to a lot of people but I can truly say he is someone who helped me in a great way. He had faith in me the minute I stepped on the field.

My heart is heavy today for anyone who knew Conan Dalton , but especially for his baby girl due in February who will never get to meet her daddy. I will forever be confused about why things like this happen to such great people... praying his wife and family can find strength knowing the suffering is over and Conan is finally at peace.

RIP Conan. In all the years I have know you I have never known you to be nothing but a great friend. I, among others, will miss your smile. Love you man!

You always said, "To be on time is late and to be early is on time". We all are saying it was too early but I'm sure you knew it was right on time. You were such a wonderful person. Words cannot describe how hard this is. You were one of the best coaches I have ever had. You showed me the strength within me and also showed all of us the strength you had within yourself. I can't count how many times you pushed me and helped me become a better person and athlete. The lessons you taught all of us weren't just for soccer they were also for life. I am so thankful to have been able to call you a coach and a friend. I am so blessed to have the memories. I will never forget you and all you've taught me Conan Dalton.  

Heading to bed with a heavy heart and hopes that in heaven's soccer matches everyone uses their left foot- or they're going to hear about it from coach Conan Dalton. You'll be greatly missed.

I'm so thankful that I was able to know such a wonderful person. Someone who genuinely cared about everyone else before himself, even when he was going through such a rough time.

I have a very heavy heart tonight as I think about how this world has lost a great guy. He wasn't just a classmate but a friend from my first day of school to the last soccer game we coach against each other. Praying for his family as they have some hard days ahead of them. RIP Conan Dalton. I will miss ya on the sideline.

Services Scheduled

The visitation will be held Friday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral home.

The funeral will be Saturday at 10:00 am at the Rock Island HS Fieldhouse, followed by a burial at Chippiannock Cemetery and a luncheon at the school.