Obituary of Sullivan, Daniel Rusk

Daniel Rusk Sullivan age 49, entered heaven on January 24, 2019 after a valiant twelve-year battle with cancer. He passed surrounded by family and friends. Born to Sherry and Robert C. Sullivan, November 27, 1969, he graduated Berkner HS and North Texas University. Survived by his mother Sherry and her husband John Cummins; his father Bob and wife Teri, two brothers and their families: Jack, his wife Jennifer, their children Hogan and Grace; Hunter and his children Diego and Liliana; Step-brother Cody Vitz and wife Rachel; step-sister Lisa, and her husband Tommy Jennings, and children Darcy and Phoebe as well as many extended family members and life-long friends. To meet Dan, from the base-camp of Everest to the beaches of Bimini, was to be swept up in adventure. He lived a triple-dog-dare-you-life: skiing, snow-boarding, wake-boarding, and working tirelessly to pull off impossible golf shots. The evidence is everywhere, in pictures, stories, and videos: Dan lived large and loud, yet never seemed to run short of time for those he cared about. Mere months after diagnosis, Dan became involved in the, Love Hope Strength Foundation, fighting not only his illness, but also volunteering to alleviate the suffering of others who faced similar odds. For all of the lovable qualities about Dan --his faith in God, his love for his friends and family-- it was his courage in dealing with challenges and steadfast insistence on positivity that leave the deepest impressions. Dan’s motto, “It is what it is” informed his approach to handling both illness and life at large. He never retreated from his battle, nor did he resent the odds, but instead faced it down with both humor and grace. The family thanks Dr. Eric Nadler for the many years of compassionate care given to Dan. A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Andrews United Methodist Church 5801 West Plano Parkway on Saturday, Feb 9th, at 1 pm with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, Dan requested donations be made to the Love Hope Strength Foundation “Savings Lives One Concert at a Time.” Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.