I received this email today” “Dear Friends of Dan Gaude,   I am Dan’s cousin and, it is with the greatest sadness that I inform you of Dan’s passing.  I’m sure that some of you have already heard of this; if you have not: Dan passed away suddenly on May 19th. We’ve organized a memorial gathering from 9:30 to 10:00 A.M. at Aycock Funeral Home, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter; a brief memorial service will follow at 10:00.  You are all invited to attend. I replied. “Danny and I kind of grew up together.  Dan’s mom was a friend of my parents, and she and Danny lived with us in Hialeah in the 50’s.  Dottie babysat my brother Bobby and me, and Danny probably just caused trouble .  I’m 56 now, twelve years younger than Danny, so when I was 4 and he was 16, I was the little sister.  Danny and my dad bought property next to each other in the Everglades in the 60’s and 70’s and were great friends until my dad passed in 1987.  My brother passed in 1976, my mom in 1996, and Danny and I felt like brother and sister. We talked on the phone every few months to catch up. Danny and Dottie would often go camping with us and that was always so fun.  My parents raised ocelots (like small leopards) and we’d bring them to the campground and they’d draw a lot of attention.  Danny and my dad always took advantage of that and had the cats put on a little show for everyone.  Danny was always the cut up and always had a quick remark.  And those corny email jokes he would forward to us all , now I will miss them. He was loved and will be missed.  I am glad to stay connected to ‘family’.  I will see you Saturday morning.”